University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Research Articles

Survey on Dermatological Disorders of Dogs during 2020-2022 in Rabat, Morocco

Dermatology is an important specialty in veterinary medicine, focusing on the skin and its appendages. Therefore, the present study highlighted the percentage of skin disorders, as well as their associated risk factors, from cases received at the Parasitology-Dermatology clinic of the Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (IAV Hassan II), Rabat, Morocco for two years. A total of 1561 dogs (1450 dogs were in 28 different pure breeds and 111 dogs were mongrels, 805 males, and 756 females, with an average age of 6.5 years old) were presented at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UVTH) of the IAV Hassan II from the end of October 2020 to the end of May 2022 (including vaccinations) and 125 dogs were assessed and 161 skin diseases were found (a few dogs had more than one skin disease). Dermatological examinations represented an average of 8.00% (125/1561) of all canine cases received at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The most common clinical signs were pruritus, alopecia, erythema, onychogryphosis, and visible ectoparasites. Parasitic dermatoses were the most frequent, representing 44.10% of all dermatological cases, followed by allergic dermatoses (25.47%) and fungal skin infections (19.25%). Bacterial skin infections and dermatological manifestations of endocrine disorders were infrequent, representing 8.70% and 2.48%, respectively of all observed cases. Risk factors contributing to the occurrence of canine skin disorders included age and lifestyle for sarcoptic mange. An apparent predilection for the living environment was observed in the case of canine leishmaniosis, and an apparent predilection for sex regarding otodectic mange was also demonstrated. Similar results were found for the living environment and lifestyle concerning canine atopic dermatitis. Data reported herein fill gaps in knowledge of skin disorders and their associated risk factors in dogs in Morocco, demonstrating the dominance of skin diseases of zoonotic interest, including flea bite allergy dermatitis (FBAD), dermatophytosis, and canine leishmaniosis.

Surgical Management of Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor with Adjunctive Chemotherapy Combination

One male and a female 2-year-old Neapolitan Mastiff dogs weighing 41 and 40 kg, respectively, were presented to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria, with complaints of continuous bleeding from the prepuce and vulva which were first observed about 2 months before presentation. Clinical examination revealed preputial bleeding of the male dog and serosanguinous vulva discharges with the presence of palpable masses with multiple nodules that were cauliflower-like. Cytological evaluations of smears from preputial and vaginal swabs revealed characteristic round cells with large eccentric nuclei, large nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, and intracytoplasmic vacuolations as well as anisocytosis and anisokaryosis. Based on these cytological features, a diagnosis of canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) was made in each case. Blood samples were collected for hematology and clinical chemistry. Debulking of the masses was carried out under general anesthesia using atropine sulfate and chlorpromazine as pre-anesthetics and Ketamine hydrochloride as induction and maintenance anesthetics. Following debulking, the resulting defect was reconstructed and the surgical wound was managed by daily wound cleaning and the administration of vincristine sulfate (0.025 mg/kg) slowly intravenously, ivermectin (0.3 mg/kg) subcutaneously, and piroxicam (0.3 mg/kg) and 20% amoxicillin (20 mg/kg) intramuscularly. There were no observed known vincristine sulfate-associated adverse effects as the dogs recovered and were discharged 3-week post-tumor debulking with no recurrence within 6 months of follow-up examinations. The debulked mass histologically showed several sheets of round neoplastic cells with prominent nuclei, mitotic figures, and infiltrating lymphocytes. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of CTVT was further confirmed. The hemogram showed moderate leukocytosis at day 1 in the bitch with a mild left shift at days 1 and 14 while clinical chemistry showed a marked increase in alkaline phosphatase, moderate increase in serum creatinine, and mild hypoproteinemia. In conclusion, management of CTVT with adjunctive vincristine sulfate and ivermectin combination resulted in complete healing with amelioration of known associated adverse effects.

Evaluation of a whole blood point-of-care coagulation analyzer in dogs.

To compare the accuracy of a point-of-care coagulation analyzer (POCCA) with a reference laboratory coagulation analyzer (LabCA) and to evaluate for confounding factors that could alter the performance of the POCCA. Prospective, observational study. Two university veterinary teaching hospitals. Forty-three client-owned dogs undergoing coagulation testing between April 2020 and June 2021. Samples were obtained from dogs undergoing coagulation testing as part of a diagnostic workup. Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were measured on the POCCA and on the LabCA. PCV, platelet count, total plasma protein, hyperbilirubinemia, hemolysis, lipemia, and autoagglutination were recorded. Moderate correlation was seen for PT and strong correlation was seen for aPTT between the POCCA and the LabCA (PT: 0.59, P<0.0001; aPTT: 0.71, P<0.0001). The POCCA results were consistent with normal or hypocoagulable samples for 30 of 38 PT and 33 of 37 aPTT results, as identified by the LabCA. Samples with PCV of 30%-55% were moderately correlated (PT: 0.63, P=0.0004; aPTT: 0.63, P=0.0003), but those outside that range were more likely to register an error message on the POCCA or provide disparate results. When hemolysis was present, there was a weak correlation between the POCCA and the LabCA for PT (rho: 0.38 [95% confidence interval: 0.19-0.76], P=0.18) and a strong correlation for aPTT (rho: 0.86 [95% confidence interval: 0.62-0.95], P<0.0001). Samples with hyperbilirubinemia were strongly correlated for PT (0.97, P=0.002) but not for aPTT. Lipemia and autoagglutination were not observed. There was an acceptable correlation in patients with PCV within the manufacturer's recommended reference range; however, measurements on samples with PCV outside the reference range were inconsistent with the LabCA. Caution should be used when using the POCCA in patients with coagulopathy and anemia or other potential confounders.

Case series of dogs with blastomycosis managed with high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (2019-2023): 19 cases.

To describe the clinical presentation, progression, treatment, and outcome of dogs with blastomycosis treated with high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNOT). Retrospective case review. University veterinary teaching hospital. Nineteen client-owned dogs with strongly suspected or confirmed blastomycosis treated with HFNOT. The medical records of dogs with strongly suspected or confirmed blastomycosis between October 2019 and May 2023 that received HFNOT were evaluated. Nineteen dogs were included. Nine dogs were started directly on high-flow nasal oxygen therapy. The remaining 10 dogs first received traditional oxygen therapy and were then transitioned to HFNOT 3-142 h later. Of the 19 dogs, 1 survived to discharge from hospital, 12 were euthanized due to progression of disease, and 6 died during the hospitalization period. The prognosis for survival of dogs with severe blastomycosis requiring therapy beyond traditional oxygen methods was poor to grave in this population. This is the first known documented report of HFNOT use in dogs with confirmed or suspected blastomycosis.

Retrospective evaluation of the utility of shock index to determine the presence of congestive heart failure in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (2019-2021): 98 cases.

To calculate the shock index (SI) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and to evaluate its use to predict the presence of congestive heart failure (CHF). Retrospective study. Small animal university veterinary teaching hospital. Ninety-eight dogs with MMVD and 20 healthy dogs as part of a control group. Heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were recorded, and SI was calculated by dividing HR by SBP for each dog. The mean (SD) HR, SBP, and SI were 123/min (32.6), 147mmHg (21.5), and 0.86 (0.3), respectively, for dogs with MMVD and 98/min (20.9), 145mmHg (18.7), and 0.68 (0.13), respectively, for control dogs. Dogs with MMVD had a significantly higher HR compared with control dogs (P<0.01), and an elevation in HR was seen as the severity of MMVD increased. Dogs in stage B2 and C/D MMVD had a significantly higher SI value compared with control dogs (P=0.04 and P<0.01, respectively). SI was significantly higher in dogs in stage C/D MMVD compared with dogs in stage B2 MMVD (P<0.01). Ten of 98 (10%) dogs had an arrhythmia. HR, SBP, and SI were not significantly different between dogs with and without arrhythmias (P=0.13, P=0.57, and P=0.07, respectively), but significantly more dogs with CHF had an arrhythmia (P=0.01). SI (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.98) and HR (AUC: 0.95) were excellent indicators for the presence of CHF. An optimal SI cutoff value ≥1.1 had 92% sensitivity and 95% specificity for predicting the presence of CHF, and an optimal HR cutoff value of ≥157/min had 92% sensitivity and 93% specificity for the prediction of CHF. When there are compatible clinical signs, SI values ≥1.1 may suggest the presence of CHF in dogs with MMVD.

Performance and Cost-Efficiency of Single Hormonal Treatment Protocols in Tropical Anestrous Dairy Cows.

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the performance of hormone treatment protocols, determine the factors associated with pregnancy success after hormone treatment, and compare the cost-efficiencies of two types of hormone treatment among cyclic and noncyclic anestrous dairy cows. The clinical records of 279 anestrous cows that received hormone treatment for artificial insemination (AI) from 64 herds in the western region of Thailand were obtained from Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital from January to August 2017. The performance of the hormone treatment protocols, fixed-time AI (TAI) and estrus detection before AI (EAI), showed that the pregnancy risk for the TAI protocol was higher than that for the EAI protocol, but pregnancy per AI did not differ significantly between the two protocols in cyclic and noncyclic cows. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cows receiving the TAI protocol were more likely to be pregnant compared to those treated with the EAI protocol. Cows with a 3.00 body condition score (BCS) < 3.75 after treatment and loose-housed cows were more likely to become pregnant. Treatment during winter showed higher pregnancy success than that in the summer and rainy seasons. The cost-efficiency analysis showed that the TAI protocol was the most cost-efficient option for noncyclic cows, whereas the EAI protocol was the most cost-efficient option for cyclic cows.

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.

The use of a minimally invasive integrated endoscopic system to perform hemilaminectomies in chondrodystrophic dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusions.

The objective was to evaluate the use of a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach to perform hemilaminectomies in chondrodystrophic dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusions (IVDE). Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the degree of soft tissue trauma using the endoscopic procedure compared to the standard open approach. Eight client-owned dogs presented to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with acute onset thoracolumbar IVDE were included in this study. This was a prospective, randomized case-series. Patients were assigned to undergo an endoscopic (group 1; n = 4) or a standard open approach (group 2; n = 4) for a hemilaminectomy. A post-operative MRI was performed in all cases. Conversion to an open approach was not necessary for any case in group 1. All cases had adequate spinal cord decompression on post-operative MRI. There was no significant difference in soft tissue changes noted on post-operative MRI between the two groups. The MIS approach to hemilaminectomies in chondrodystrophic dogs with thoracolumbar IVDE can successfully be performed to decompress the neural tissue and appears to lead to similar clinical outcomes in the early postoperative period compared to the standard open approach. Larger studies are needed to determine the potential advantages of the MIS technique compared to the standard open approach in veterinary medicine.

Prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity in dogs presenting to French university veterinary teaching hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic

Pet obesity is still a major health issue, which is considered an epidemic by some researchers. Prevention is one of the cornerstones of veterinary care, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures. Human lifestyle was affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an increased overweight prevalence in the population. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in dogs during this period has been poorly explored. This study's objectives were to assess the percentage of the French dog population with overweight and obesity, compare the results with a study conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, and investigate any potential changes in the risk factors. The study collected data through a survey completed by dog owners during their pets' vaccination visits at university veterinary hospitals of Maisons-Alfort (Paris) and Toulouse, in France, between 2020 and 2022. The veterinarian recorded the dog's weight and the body condition score using a 9-point scale. The study included a total of 309 dogs. Of these, 1.6 % were underweight, 63.1 % had an ideal body condition, and 35.3 % were overweight, including 2.3 % of all dogs classified as obese. During the pandemic, French dog diets shifted towards increased commercial food consumption and twice-daily feedings compared to a 2003 study. Factors positively associated with overweight were being female (OR = 3.55; 95 % CI: 1.65–8.01; P=0.002), being senior (OR=4.91; 95 % CI: 2.07–12.2; P<0.001) or geriatric (OR=5.81; 95 % CI: 2.04–17.0; P=0.001) and having an owner underestimating dog's body condition (OR=74.1; 95 % CI: 29.8–215; P<0.001). Recognizing the impact of owner perception enables early intervention strategies, such as educating owners during consultations and conducting teaching sessions at the clinic. This proactive approach could contribute to improved health outcomes and help prevent the onset of obesity-related issues in dogs. The new trends in dogs’ diets may have global relevance due to the pandemic's widespread impact. Although no immediate impact on overweight is evident, ongoing research is crucial to understand the pandemic's long-term effects.

Molecular detection and characterization of Acanthamoeba infection in dogs and its association with keratitis in Korea.

Acanthamoeba infection is associated with keratitis in humans; however, its association with keratitis in dogs remains unclear. To investigate this possibility, we collected 171 conjunctival swab samples from dogs with eye-related diseases (65 with keratitis and 106 without keratitis) at Chungbuk National University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Korea, from August 2021 to September 2022. Polymerase chain reaction identified 9 samples (5.3%) as Acanthamoeba positive; of these, 3 were from dogs with keratitis (4.6%) and 6 were from dogs without keratitis (5.7%). Our results indicated no significant association between Acanthamoeba infection and keratitis, season, sex, or age. All Acanthamoeba organisms found in this study had the genotype T4, according to 18S ribosomal RNA analysis. Acanthamoeba infection in dogs might have only a limited association with keratitis.

Canine diabetes mellitus demonstrates multiple markers of chronic inflammation including Th40 cell increases and elevated systemic-immune inflammation index, consistent with autoimmune dysregulation.

Canine diabetes mellitus (CDM) is a relatively common endocrine disease in dogs. Many CDM clinical features resemble human type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), but lack of autoimmune biomarkers makes calling the disease autoimmune controversial. Autoimmune biomarkers linking CDM and T1DM would create an alternative model for drug development impacting both human and canine disease. We examined peripheral blood of diagnosed CDM dog patients comparing it to healthy control (HC) dogs. Dogs were recruited to a study at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and blood samples collected for blood chemistry panels, complete blood counts (CBC), and immunologic analysis. Markers of disease progression such as glycated albumin (fructosamine, the canine equivalent of human HbA1c) and c-peptide were addressed. Significant differences in adaptive immune lymphocytes, innate immune macrophages/monocytes and neutrophils and differences in platelets were detected between CDM and HC based on CBC. Significant differences in serum glucose, cholesterol and the liver function enzyme alkaline phosphatase were also detected. A systemic immune inflammation index (SII) and chronic inflammation index (CII) as measures of dynamic changes in adaptive and innate cells between inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions were created with highly significant differences between CDM and HC. Th40 cells (CD4+CD40+ T cells) that are demonstrably pathogenic in mouse T1DM and able to differentiate diabetic from non-diabetic subjects in human T1DM were significantly expanded in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Based on each clinical finding, CDM can be categorized as an autoimmune condition. The association of significantly elevated Th40 cells in CDM when compared to HC or to osteoarthritis, a chronic but non-autoimmune disease, suggests peripheral blood Th40 cell numbers as a biomarker that reflects CDM chronic inflammation. The differences in SII and CII further underscore those findings.

Co-Occurrence of Pseudopregnancy, Pyometra, and Bacterial Parasitic Anaplasmosis in a Persian Cat

An intact female tabby Persian cat, 26-month-old, was brought to IPB University Veterinary Teaching Hospital on the 21st of February, 2023, due to vaginal discharge, inappetence, and lethargy. Physical examination revealed a distended abdomen, mammary gland enlargement, and fever (40.1 °C). The heart and respiratory rates were 128 beats per minute and 32 times per minute, respectively. The patient body weight was 3.87 kg. The veterinarian palpated masses inside the abdominal cavity and observed obvious purulent and haemorrhagic vaginal discharge. Haematology showed leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, and the eosinophil percentage of white blood cells was increased (eosinophilia). Blood chemistry analysis showed hyperglycaemia. Ultrasonography showed two hyperechoic masses inside two hypoechoic pouches in the queen’s uterus, suspected as two dead foetuses (no heartbeat). Roentgen revealed abnormalities in the vena cava caudalis, bronchial pattern in the lung, radioopaque masses in the ventral abdomen, radio-opacity changes in the small and large intestines, and abnormalities in the spleen. The patient’s diagnosis was pyometra, and ovariohysterectomy surgery was performed on the patient. The patient was treated with additional medicines (antibiotics and others) according to the symptoms. The patient’s symptoms disappeared, except for the fluctuating febrile and pale mucous membrane. A blood smear performed on the 1st of March 2023 revealed Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum) in the white blood cells, and immediately doxycycline treatment (10 mg/kg body weight, twice daily) was given. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 14th of March, 2023, with no febrile or other symptoms reported. This case is the first report of open cervix-type pyometra and anaplasmosis co-occurrence in a Persian cat from IPB University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Indonesia.

Case Report of Polycystic Kidney Disease in a Persian Cat in IPB University Veterinary Teaching Hospital

A 7-year-old male Persian cat was referred to IPB University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with clinical signs of lethargy, weight loss, and loss of appetite and was diagnosed with nephrolithiasis before being referred to IPB University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Physical examination revealed tachycardia, tachypnoea, pale mucous membrane, 5–6% dehydration rate, cachexia, and palpated masses on the left and right side of the abdominal region. The abdominal cavity was seen as more radiopaque, which resulted in some organs being invisible in the radiographic view. Abdominal ultrasonography showed abnormalities in the liver, gall bladder, and kidneys. The patient was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) with the prognosis of infausta, as the patient was already in a sternal recumbency and could not stand by himself. During hospitalization, the patient was force-fed with a commercial renal diet, and the medical treatments given were intravenous ceftriaxone, vitamins, furosemide, Azodyl®, and intravenous infusion. The patient regained standing ability and survived until the seventh day of hospitalization. However, the owner persisted in bringing the patient home on the seventh day of hospitalization, and the patient died the next day after being brought home.

Speedy Recovery of Subcutaneous Abscess and The Presence of Overgrown Nails in A Pygmy Hedgehog: A Case Report

This study reported that a 15-month-old intact female African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was presented to IPB University Veterinary Teaching Hospital to evaluate a 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm × 0.5 cm mass on the left ventral thorax, three days after the mass was first discovered by the owner. Overgrown nails were observed on all four toes of each of the four limbs of the hedgehog. The body weight was 150 g, and the axial temperature was 36.5°C. The heart and respiratory rates were 180 per minute and 40 per minute, respectively. After a thorough physical examination, the patient was diagnosed with subcutaneous abscesses and overgrown nails. The abscess was surgically resected using a local anesthetic. The overgrown nails were trimmed to prevent further injury and the recurrence of abscesses. Following surgery, the hedgehog was discharged directly from the hospital and treated using Amoxicillin 15 mg/kg per oral every 12 hours for seven days, daily routine wound cleaning with sodium chloride, and topical powder of neomycin sulfate 5 mg/g and bacitracin 250 IU/g. The patient responded effectively to the systemic treatment, and medical signs and symptoms resolved. The hedgehog fully recovered from the subcutaneous abscess 14 days after the first hospital visit. No recurrence was reported in the subsequent month after resolution.

Hematologic Abnormalities and Diseases Associated with Moderate-to-Marked Basophilia in a Large Cohort of Dogs.

Basophilia is a rare hematologic finding in dogs. This research aimed to describe the hematologic and clinical characteristics of dogs with moderate-to-marked basophilia. CBC reports with blood smear examinations from dogs presented to the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital were retrospectively reviewed for basophilia (>193 cells/µL). We classified basophilia as moderate when counts were ≥500 cells/µL and marked when they reached ≥1000 cells/µL. We compared the hematologic and clinical profiles of dogs with moderate-to-marked basophilia (the basophilia group) to those without basophilia, serving as our control group. In addition, we investigated differences between dogs with marked basophilia versus those with moderate basophilia, as well as between dogs in the basophilia group with and without concurrent eosinophilia. Diseases associated with moderate-to-marked basophilia included eosinophilic lung disease (p < 0.0001), leukemia/myeloproliferative neoplasms (p = 0.004), parasitic infection (p = 0.004), mast cell tumor (p = 0.005), and inflammatory bowel disease (p = 0.02). Overall, dogs with marked basophilia had a lower frequency of inflammatory diseases (51% vs. 70%, p = 0.009) and a higher frequency of neoplastic diseases (48% vs. 26%, p = 0.003) compared to those with moderate basophilia. In the basophilia group, concurrent eosinophilia was only seen in 36% of dogs. Dogs with concurrent eosinophilia were more often diagnosed with inflammatory diseases (77% vs. 58%, p = 0.006), with fewer diagnoses of neoplasia (19% vs. 40%, p = 0.001), compared to dogs without concurrent eosinophilia. The findings of this study offer veterinary clinicians valuable guidance in determining diagnostic priorities for dogs with moderate-to-marked basophilia.

Patient safety culture is needed in veterinary medicine.

Studies in human medicine indicate that between 22,000 and 400,000 people die every year as a direct result of medical errors. In veterinary medicine, 42% of human-caused incidents caused harm to the patient, including 5% resulting in death. In a university veterinary teaching hospital, there were 5.3 errors/1,000 patient visits, and 4 of these resulted in death. Veterinary medicine falls far behind other safety-critical industries in adopting a culture of patient safety. Organizations should respond in a just and effective way when errors occur. Psychological safety for team members to identify and speak up about areas of concern must be created and the results of improvements made based on these concerns shared within the professional group. If veterinary medicine is going to embrace patient safety culture, it needs to be included in the curriculum. Accrediting and licensing bodies need to require the teaching and application of principles of patient safety culture. Faculty must be trained to deliver patient safety-oriented care. Experts in human systems engineering should be brought in to educate veterinarians on how the systems we work in impact patient outcomes. If we are going to fulfill the promise of the Veterinarian's Oath, we must embrace patient safety culture and all the difficult changes it requires of our professional culture.

Retrospective evaluation of admission total plasma protein as a predictor of red blood cell transfusion requirement in dogs diagnosed with traumatic and nontraumatic hemoabdomen: 90 dogs (2009-2019).

To evaluate the association of admission total plasma protein (TPP) and the administration of red blood cell transfusions in dogs with diagnosed hemoabdomen. To secondarily evaluate additional point-of-care parameters associated with red blood cell transfusion administration. Retrospective study between 2009 and 2019. University veterinary teaching hospital. Ninety dogs admitted to a university veterinary teaching hospital after a diagnosis of traumatic or nontraumatic hemoabdomen (NTH). Medical records were retrospectively reviewed; signalment, point-of-care diagnostics, and transfusion administration information was recorded.A total of 47 dogs (traumatic hemoabdomen 11/26; NTH 36/64) received packed red blood cell transfusions. For each 1g/dL unit decrease in TPP, dogs had an increased odds ratio (OR) of 2.14 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-3.40, P<0.001) of receiving a red blood cell transfusion. Dogs diagnosed with NTH were more likely to receive a red blood cell transfusion than dogs with a traumatic hemoabdomen (OR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.11-7.141, P=0.03). Lower PCV values (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04-1.12, P<0.001), bicarbonate values (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.09-1.56, P=0.003), and base excess (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.1-1.49, P=0.003) were associated with a higher likelihood of red blood cell transfusion. Additionally, higher lactate (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.16-1.63, P<0.001) and Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation (APPLE)fast scores (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04-1.17, P<0.001) were associated with increased red blood cell transfusion administration. Low admission TPP, independent of low PCV, was associated with red blood cell transfusions regardless of underlying cause. For each 1g/dL unit decrease in TPP on presentation, dogs were approximately 2 times more likely to receive a red blood cell transfusion during hospitalization. Other factors that were associated with increased transfusion administration included presenting PCV, PCV/TPP ratio, bicarbonate, base excess, lactate, and APPLEfast scores.

Retrospective evaluation of the clinical course and outcome of zinc toxicosis due to metallic foreign bodies in dogs (2005-2021): 55 cases.

To describe the overall clinical course of zinc toxicosis in dogs including source, time to source control, incidence of hemolytic anemia, acute liver injury (ALI), acute kidney injury (AKI), and pancreatitis. Retrospective case series from 2005 to 2021. Six university veterinary teaching hospitals. Fifty-five client-owned dogs with known zinc toxicosis due to metallic foreign body (MFB) ingestion. The most common source of zinc was US pennies minted after 1982 (67.3%). Forty-five of 55 (81.8%) dogs survived and 10 of 55 (18.2%) died or were euthanized. Median length of hospitalization for survivors and nonsurvivors was 3days. The most common clinical sequelae of zinc toxicosis were anemia (87%), ALI (82%), coagulopathy (71%), thrombocytopenia (30.5%), AKI (26.9%), and acute pancreatitis (5.5%). Most dogs (67.3%) required blood products and 83% of dogs achieved a stable HCT or PCV in a median of 24hours after MFB removal. The median duration of illness prior to presentation was 48hours for both survivors and nonsurvivors and there was no impact of time to presentation on the incidence of ALI, AKI, or pancreatitis. Zinc toxicosis secondary to MFB ingestion should be considered a differential diagnosis for dogs with gastrointestinal signs, hemolytic anemia, ALI, hemostatic abnormalities, AKI, and pancreatitis. AKI may be a more common sequela of zinc toxicosis than previously suspected. Acute pancreatitis is a rare but potentially serious sequela to zinc toxicosis.

DIAGNOSIS DAN PENGOBATAN KONSTIPASI DAN MEMAR HEMATURIA PADA VESICA URINARIA AKIBAT TRAUMA PADA KUCING

A two-year-old, spayed female, calico, domestic shorthair cat (Felis catus) was admitted to IPB University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a history of hematuria, constipation, and inappetence after being hit by a car. Clinical examination showed pyrexia and the presence of pain when the patient was palpated in the abdomen. Laboratory results showed leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, increased glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, increased blood urea nitrogen, proteinuria, over-creatinine, as well as blood and struvite in the urine. The radiographic analysis reported abnormalities in os vertebrae lumbalis I and radiolucent of the colon and rectum. Sonographic findings were cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, nephritis, enteritis, and cystitis. The treatments given were intravenous infusion with normal saline, a single Melovem® injection 0.35 cc, Dulcolax® one 5 mg tablet SID for two days, Samylin®Medium Breed ½ tablet once a day, Cystaid Plus® for cats SID one tab, phytomenadione injection 3 mg/kg SID for two days, Claneksi® syrups 20 mg/kg of body weight per oral BID for five days, Renate® SID per oral for eight days. On the second day of hospitalization, the patient had not pooped, so intra-rectal flushing with physiologic saline was performed, and the patient pooed with normal consistency each day after the enema procedure. Hematuria was observed during the first two days of hospitalization, while no hematuria was observed on the third day. The patient recovered after three days of hospitalization with no hematuria or other abnormal clinical signs or complications. The veterinarian discharged the patient with home treatment with the remaining oral medications.

Planning for Next Time: The Challenges Faced by a Veterinary Teaching Hospital During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged critical services to maintain operations while facing a highly transmissible human pathogen. As public health officials worked to manage the crisis, initial guidelines focused on the continuation of services in the human health care setting. However, through state-mandated stay-at-home orders, the Michigan State University veterinary teaching hospital remained open to provide emergency services to both large and small animal patients. This was accomplished by distilling pertinent safety information from the available human health care guidance to safely maintain operation. Challenges faced when pivoting the delivery of veterinary education from in-person to virtual format were addressed and in-person clinical rotations were resumed as soon as possible. Strategies to effectively communicate information that is both immediately critical and broadly applicable should be considered and planned before they are needed. Infection control and disaster management plans should be revisited often to ensure they include all known risks and potential challenges. Plans to maintain staffing capacity and student safety when faced with an unexpected surge in patients should be laid out with clearly defined metrics on which to act. The lessons we have learned from the pandemic would improve the delivery of care and teaching in a veterinary teaching hospital in both day-to-day circumstances and future emergencies.