Preoperative serum C-reactive protein concentration can be used to detect gallbladder rupture in dogs with gallbladder mucocele.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration could be used to detect gallbladder rupture (GBR) prior to surgery in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy for treatment of gallbladder mucocele (GBM). ANIMALS: 45 dogs that underwent cholecystectomy because of GBM at a companion animal referral hospital from 2017 to 2020. PROCEDURES: Electronic medical records were reviewed, and dogs were included if serum CRP concentration had been measured within 24 hours prior to cholecystectomy. Dogs were grouped as to whether the gallbladder was found to be ruptured or intact during surgery. Accuracy of using preoperative CRP concentration to predict GBR was compared with accuracy of abdominal ultrasonography and other preoperative blood tests. RESULTS: GBR was present in 15 dogs at the time of surgery. Median preoperative CRP concentration was significantly higher in dogs with GBR (15.1 mg/dL; interquartile range, 7.4 to 16.8 mg/dL) than in dogs with an intact gallbladder (2.65 mg/dL; interquartile range, 0.97 to 13.4 mg/dL). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of using preoperative CRP concentration to predict GBR were 100%, 67%, and 78%, respectively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Measurement of preoperative CRP concentration provided excellent sensitivity and moderate specificity for detection of GBR in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy because of GBM. Accuracy of using preoperative CRP concentration for detection of GBR was not superior to the accuracy of preoperative abdominal ultrasonography. However, when CRP concentration was combined with results of ultrasonography, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detection of GBR were 100%, 93%, and 96%, respectively.

Hypoglycemia associated with disseminated metastatic tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma producing insulin-like growth factor-I in a Pomeranian dog.

A 13-year-old spayed female Pomeranian dog was presented for persistent, severe hypoglycemia (37 mg/dL; reference interval [RI] 75-128 mg/dL). Progressive nonregenerative anemia (hematocrit 23.3%-15.9%; RI 37.0%-55.0%) and severe thrombocytopenia (36 000/µL; RI 200-500 000/µL) were also noted. The serum insulin concentration was low (0.24 ng/mL; RI 0.302-1.277 ng/mL). Computed tomography revealed multiple splenic nodules (1-6 mm in diameter) and several hepatic nodules (7.6, 12 mm in diameter). Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the splenic and hepatic nodules revealed low numbers of epithelial cells with mild cellular atypia, suggestive of a metastatic epithelial tumor, but the primary site was unknown at that time. On careful oral examination under general anesthesia, an enlarged right tonsil was noted grossly, and histopathologic examination of the tonsil diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma. Bone marrow aspirates and biopsies of the splenic and hepatic nodules were performed; all samples were diagnosed as metastatic carcinoma on histopathologic examination. No nodules were present in the pancreas, despite careful palpation during exploratory laparotomy. On immunohistochemistry, the neoplastic cells were positive for cytokeratin AE1/3 and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I but were negative for chromogranin A, PGP9.5, insulin, and inconclusive for IGF-II. This is the first report of a primary IGF-I-producing squamous cell carcinoma in the tonsil of a dog with metastases to bone marrow, liver, and spleen, resulting in hypoglycemia.

Terahertz Radiation from Combined Metallic Slit Arrays.

We report an approach to efficiently generate terahertz radiation from a combined periodic structure. The proposed configuration is composed of two metallic slit arrays deliberately designed with different periodic length, slit width and depth. We found that the combination of the two slit arrays could provide special electromagnetic modes, which exhibit nonradiative property above the surface of one slit array and radiative property inside the other one. An electron beam holding proper energy could resonate with those modes to generate strong and directional electromagnetic radiations in the terahertz regime, indicating that the approach has the potential in developing high-performance terahertz radiation sources.

Charcot-Leyden crystals: do they exist in veterinary species? A case report and literature review.

The Charcot-Leyden crystal (CLC) is a major human eosinophil protein that readily crystallizes; these crystals are common in eosinophilic diseases. Although anecdotal existence of these crystals is known in veterinary pathology, definitive reports do not exist, to our knowledge. We identified eosinophilic crystals in a laryngeal myxosarcoma from a 2-y-old, spayed female, Labrador Retriever dog that were tentatively interpreted as CLCs. However, Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast stain was negative, arguing against CLCs. The crystals stained red with Masson trichrome, precluding collagen. Periodic acid-Schiff and alcian blue were negative. The crystals stained positively with Okajima, and no myoglobin immunoreactivity was detected, supporting their identity as hemoglobin crystals. In the absence of a hematologic abnormality, these crystals were interpreted to be abnormal hemoglobin breakdown products. Protein sequence comparison was pursued to determine whether a protein similar to CLC exists in mammals. Only 3 nonhuman primate species, the Sumatran orangutan ( Pongo abelii), rhesus macaque ( Macaca mulatta), and cynomolgus monkey ( Macaca fascicularis), had a sequence similarity of >80%. Of the crystal-forming residues, 12 of 54 (22%) were different in the Sumatran orangutan and 15 of 54 (28%) were different in the Macaca spp., which may affect the crystallization process. The lack of reports of CLCs in nonhuman species and our results collectively suggest that CLCs are human-specific.

Association between preoperative characteristics and risk of anaesthesia-related death in dogs in small-animal referral hospitals in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the major risk factors linking preoperative characteristics and anaesthesia-related death in dogs in referral hospitals in Japan. STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort study. ANIMALS: From April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011, 4323 dogs anaesthetized in 18 referral hospitals in Japan. METHODS: Questionnaire forms were collated anonymously. Death occurring within 48 hours after extubation was considered as an anaesthesia-related death. Patient outcome (alive or dead) was set as the outcome variable. Preoperative general physical characteristics, complete blood cell counts, serum biochemical examinations and intraoperative complications were set as explanatory variables. The risk factors for anaesthesia-related death were evaluated using chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, followed by multivariable logistic regression analysis of the data. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Thirteen dogs that died from surgical error or euthanasia were excluded from statistical analysis. The total mortality rate in this study was 0.65% [28/4310 dogs; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.41-0.89]. Furthermore, 75% (95% CI, 55.1-89.3) of anaesthesia-related deaths occurred in dogs with pre-existing diseases. Most of the deaths occurred postoperatively (23/28; 82.1%; 95% CI, 63.1-93.9). Preoperative serum glucose concentration <77 mg dL-1 (6/46; 13.0%; 95% CI, 4.9-26.3), disturbance of consciousness (6/50; 12.0%; 95% CI, 4.5-24.3), white cell count >15,200 µL-1 (16/499; 3.4%; 95% CI, 1.9-5.5) and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade III-V (19/1092; 1.7%; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7) were identified as risk factors for anaesthesia-related death. Intraoperative hypoxaemia (8/34; 23.5%; 95% CI, 10.7-41.2) and tachycardia (4/148; 2.7%; 95% CI, 0.7-6.8) were also risk factors for anaesthesia-related death. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results revealed that certain preoperative characteristics were associated with increased odds of anaesthesia-related death, specifically low serum glucose concentration and disturbances of consciousness. Greater attention to correcting preanaesthetic patient abnormalities may reduce the risk of anaesthesia-related death.

Anesthesia for Endoscopy.

Anesthesia for endoscopic surgery can be challenging depending on surgical manipulations and patient comorbidity. Anesthetists must understand the possible systemic changes and complications that are associated with endoscopic surgery. Pneumoperitoneum induces vasoconstriction, reduces cardiac output, and decreases functional residual capacity in the cardiopulmonary system. Both hypoventilation caused by the thoracoscopic procedure and CO2 insufflation increase Paco2. To prevent the problems associated with high Paco2, monitoring of end-tidal CO2 (ETco2) and capability of positive pressure ventilation are crucial. Sudden changes of ETco2 should be monitored closely. Endoscopic surgery should be a less invasive procedure; however, appropriate analgesia remains necessary.

Perianesthetic morbidity and mortality in dogs undergoing cervical and thoracolumbar spinal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare perioperative morbidity and mortality in dogs undergoing cervical and thoracolumbar spinal surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: 157 dogs undergoing cervical or thoracolumbar spinal surgery. METHODS: Data were collected sequentially on canine cases presented from the Neurology Section of the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for anesthesia and surgery for cervical spinal cord disease. Simultaneously, data were collected on all thoracolumbar spinal surgery cases during the same time period. Data included signalment, drugs administered, surgical approach, disease process, cardiac arrhythmias during anesthesia, and outcome. RESULTS: Data were collected from 164 surgical events in 157 dogs. There were 52 cervical approaches; four dorsal and 48 ventral. All thoracolumbar surgeries were approached dorsolaterally. Four dogs 4/52 (7.6%) undergoing a cervical approach did not survive to discharge. Two dogs (2/8; 25%) underwent atlanto-axial (AA) stabilization and suffered cardiovascular arrest and two dogs (2/38; 5.2%) undergoing cervical ventral slot procedures were euthanized following anesthesia and surgery due to signs of aspiration pneumonia. All dogs undergoing thoracolumbar surgery survived until discharge (112/112). Mortality in dogs undergoing cervical spinal surgery was greater compared with dogs undergoing thoracolumbar spinal surgery (p = 0.009), however, in dogs undergoing decompressive disc surgery, intraoperative death rates were not different between dogs undergoing a cervical compared with thoracolumbar approaches (p = 0.32) nor was there a significant difference in overall mortality (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Overall, dogs undergoing cervical spinal surgery were less likely to survive until discharge compared with dogs undergoing thoracolumbar spinal surgery. Mortality in dogs undergoing cervical intervertebral disc decompression surgery was no different than for dogs undergoing thoracolumbar intervertebral disc decompression surgery. However, dogs undergoing cervical intervertebral disc decompression surgery should be considered at risk for aspiration pneumonia.

Effects of acepromazine maleate on platelet function assessed by use of adenosine diphosphate activated- and arachidonic acid- activated modified thromboelastography in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of acepromazine maleate administered IV on platelet function assessed in healthy dogs by use of a modified thromboelastography assay. ANIMALS: 6 healthy adult mixed-breed dogs. PROCEDURES: Dogs received each of 3 treatments (saline [0.9% NaCl] solution [1 to 2 mL, IV] and acepromazine maleate [0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg, IV]) in a randomized crossover study with a minimum 3-day washout period between treatments. From each dog, blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture immediately before and 30 and 240 minutes after administration of each treatment. A modified thromboelastography assay, consisting of citrated kaolin-activated (baseline assessment), reptilase-ADP-activated (ADP-activated), and reptilase-arachidonic acid (AA)-activated (AA-activated) thromboelastography, was performed for each sample. Platelet inhibition was evaluated by assessing the percentage change in maximum amplitude for ADP-activated or AA-activated samples, compared with baseline values. Percentage change in maximum amplitude was analyzed by use of Skillings-Mack tests with significance accepted at a family-wise error rate of P < 0.05 by use of Bonferroni corrections for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the percentage change of maximum amplitude from baseline for ADP-activated or AA-activated samples among treatments at any time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Platelet function in dogs, as assessed by use of a modified thromboelastography assay, was not inhibited by acepromazine at doses of 0.05 or 0.1 mg/kg, IV. This was in contrast to previous reports in which it was suggested that acepromazine may alter platelet function via inhibition of ADP and AA.

A comparison of epidural buprenorphine plus detomidine with morphine plus detomidine in horses undergoing bilateral stifle arthroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the analgesic efficacy of buprenorphine plus detomidine with that of morphine plus detomidine when administered epidurally in horses undergoing bilateral stifle arthroscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial. ANIMALS: Twelve healthy adult horses participating in an orthopedic research study. Group M (n = 6) received morphine (0.2 mg kg(-1)) and detomidine (0.15 mg kg(-1)) epidurally; group B (n = 6) received buprenorphine (0.005 mg kg(-1)) and detomidine (0.15 mg kg(-1)) epidurally. METHODS: Horses received one of two epidural treatments following induction of general anesthesia for bilateral stifle arthroscopy. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), end-tidal CO(2) (Pe'CO(2)), and end-tidal isoflurane concentrations (E'Iso%) were recorded every 15 minutes following epidural administration. Post-operative assessment was performed at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 hours after standing; variables recorded included HR, respiratory rate (f(R)), abdominal borborygmi, defecation, and the presence of undesirable side effects. At the same times post-operatively, each horse was videotaped at a walk and subsequently assigned a lameness score (0-4) by three ACVS diplomates blinded to treatment and who followed previously published guidelines. Nonparametric data were analyzed using Wilcoxon's rank-sum test. Inter- and intra-rater agreement were determined using weighted kappa coefficients. Statistical significance was set at p

Impact of the Gly573Ser substitution in TRPV3 on the development of allergic and pruritic dermatitis in mice.

We reported that the Gly573Ser substitution in transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) led to increased ion channel activity in keratinocytes and caused spontaneous hairlessness in DS-Nh mice. DS-Nh mice also develop allergic and pruritic dermatitis. As the hairless and dermatitis phenotypes were both inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion and could not be segregated from each other, we speculated that TRPV3(Gly573Ser) might be responsible for the dermatitis. Here, we constructed TRPV3(Gly573Ser) transgenic mice, with a putative promoter sequence in the 5' region of TRPV3, to investigate the involvement of TRPV3 in the development of specific types of dermatitis. These transgenic mice spontaneously developed dermatitis, whereas wild-type mice did not display this phenotype when maintained under the same conditions. Histological and serological analyses were carried out to better understand the clinical features of TRPV3(Gly573Ser) transgenic mice. A physiological study revealed that TRPV3(Gly573Ser) induced a higher nerve growth factor response to heat. Finally, C57BL-Nh mice were used to investigate the penetrance of the TRPV3(Gly573Ser) gene for dermatitis. Interestingly, C57BL-Nh mice developed spontaneous scratching behavior, separately from the development of dermatitis. We propose that TRPV3(Gly573Ser) is a cause of pruritus and/or dermatitis associated with scratching, and suggest that TRPV3 may represent a therapeutic target in pruritic dermatitis.

Use of propofol for anesthesia in cats with primary hepatic lipidosis: 44 cases (1995-2004).

OBJECTIVE-To determine morbidity and fatalities in cats with hepatic lipidosis that received propofol to facilitate placement of a feeding tube. STUDY DESIGN-Retrospective case series. ANIMALS-44 Cats with presumed primary hepatic lipidosis anesthetized for placement of a feeding tube. PROCEDURES-Medical records from January 1995 through December 2004 were reviewed to identify cats that matched the inclusion criteria (histologic confirmation of hepatic lipidosis, anesthetized for placement of feeding tube, complete intensive care unit [ICU] records, and recorded outcome). Data extracted included age, body weight, sex, anesthetic drugs, drug dosages, type of feeding tube, duration of anesthesia, number of hours in ICU, administration of blood products, and survival until discharge from ICU. RESULTS-44 Cats (21 females and 23 males) were included in the analysis. Age range was 3 to 15 years (median, 8 years), and body weight ranged from 1.8 to 9.0 kg (4.0 to 19.8 lb), with a median of 4.8 kg (10.6 lb). Twenty-seven cats were administered propofol. There was no significant association between the use of propofol or the dosage of propofol and any risk factor, need for blood products, number of hours in the ICU, or survival. There was no significant difference between cats that received propofol and cats that did not receive propofol with regard to interval until discharge from the ICU. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE-The use of propofol did not increase morbidity or fatalities in cats with primary hepatic lipidosis. Thus, propofol can be used in these cats for placement of a feeding tube.

Distribution of a lidocaine-methylene blue solution staining in brachial plexus, lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve blocks in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence on the distribution of the volume of a local anaesthetic-methylene blue solution at three different nerve block sites in the dog. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, blinded experimental trial. ANIMALS: 23 hound-cross dogs weighing 16-40 kg and aged 2 +/- 0 years (mean +/- SD). METHODS: Dogs were anaesthetized and randomly assigned to three groups of seven or eight dogs each, based on volume administered: low, medium and high volume (L, M and H). Using electrolocation, the injection was performed after a positive response was elicited (flexion of the elbow for the brachial plexus block, quadriceps contractions for the lumbar plexus and dorsiflexion/plantar extension of the foot for the sciatic nerve block). At the brachial plexus site, groups L, M and H received 0.075, 0.15 and 0.3 mL kg(-1), respectively. At the lumbar plexus site, groups L, M and H received 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mL kg(-1), respectively. At the proximal sciatic nerve site, groups L, M and H received 0.05, 0.1 and 0.25 mL kg(-1), respectively. Necropsies were performed immediately following euthanasia. Staining of > or =2 cm along the nerve was considered sufficient; the proportions sufficient were compared with Fisher's exact test. The volume was recommended when all the relevant nerves were stained sufficiently in all or all but one of the dogs within the group. RESULTS: In the brachial plexus, only in group H were all the nerves stained sufficiently. In the lumbar plexus site, no statistical difference was found, but we suggest the H group volume to balance sufficient and excessive staining. At the sciatic nerve site, all volumes tested produced sufficient staining in all (or all but one) dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Volumes of 0.3 and 0.05 mL kg(-1) produced sufficient distribution for performing brachial plexus, and sciatic nerve blocks, respectively. Additionally, a volume of 0.4 mL kg(-1) might also be adequate for a lumbar plexus block (no statistical significance was reached).

Effects of adenosine infusion on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of adenosine infusion on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized crossover study. ANIMALS: Seven adult male and female Beagles weighing 10.9 (7.5, 13.6) kg [median (minimum, maximum)]. METHODS: Each dog was anesthetized with isoflurane in oxygen and randomly assigned to receive either an intravenous (IV) adenosine (0.3 mg kg(-1) minute(-1)) or saline (6 mL kg(-1) hour(-1) IV) infusion. After an interval of 7 days or more, each dog was re-anesthetized and treated with the alternative infusion. Using a tail-clamp technique, MAC was determined before (pre-infusion), during (infusion), and 2 hours after the infusions (post-infusion). RESULTS: The pre-infusion MAC of isoflurane was 1.25 (1.15, 1.35) [median (minimum, maximum)] vol.% for the saline treatment group and 1.25 (1.05, 1.45) vol.% for the adenosine treatment group, and did not differ significantly between the two treatments. The infusion MAC values were not significantly different (p = 0.16) and were 1.25 (0.95, 1.35) vol.% and 1.05 (1.00, 1.25) vol.%, respectively. The post-infusion MAC values differed significantly (p = 0.016); MAC was 1.15 (1.15, 1.35) vol.% and 1.05 (1.05, 1.25) vol.% for the saline and adenosine treatment groups, respectively. During infusion, mean arterial blood pressure decreased significantly (p = 0.008) during adenosine treatment compared with the saline 66 mmHg (52, 72) and 91 mmHg (68, 110), respectively. End-tidal CO2 (Pe'CO2), urine production, hematocrit, and plasma total solids did not differ significantly between the two treatments at any time (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the MAC of isoflurane in dogs was not decreased significantly during infusion with adenosine (0.3 mg kg(-1) minute(-1)), it was significantly decreased post-infusion, but only by 0.1 vol.%, an amount not considered clinically important. Adenosine infusion decreased mean arterial pressure by 27% and did not adversely affect renal function.

Association of a mutation in TRPV3 with defective hair growth in rodents.

DS-Nh mice and WBN/Kob-Ht rats are spontaneous hairless mutant rodent strains. These animals develop spontaneous dermatitis under normal conditions. The non-hair Nh and Ht phenotypes are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, and the Nh mutation possesses a high potency for penetration. We previously reported that genes involved in dermatitis and hairlessness did not segregate from each other. Here, we carried out genetic analysis to identify the genes responsible for these hairless mutations. An amino-acid substitution at the same position in one gene was detected in DS-Nh mice and WBN/Kob-Ht rats: Gly573 to Ser (Nh mutation) or Gly573 to Cys (Ht mutation), located in the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel subfamily V member 3 (TRPV3) gene. Mutated TRPV3 was expressed in skin keratinocytes of DS-Nh mice. Histopathological analyses revealed that mast cells in skin lesions were increased in both rodents compared to their age-matched parent strains, and that this may partially be due to hairlessness and dermatitis. We concluded that TRPV3 was the gene responsible for Nh and Ht mutations, and that mutation in TRPV3 possibly correlated with increased mast cell numbers.

WBN/Kob-Ht rats spontaneously develop dermatitis under conventional conditions: another possible model for atopic dermatitis.

WBN/Kob-Ht rats (Ht-rats) raised under conventional conditions spontaneously developed dermatitis. In this study, we carried out histopathological analysis to elucidate the pathological features of the dermatitis in Ht-rats. We then tried to detect Staphylococcus species recovered from the skin lesions of Ht-rats. We also measured the serum levels of total IgE, IL-4 and IFN-gamma in these rats. The histopathological data indicated that inflammatory cells had infiltrated the skin lesions. Staphylococcus aureus was recovered from the skin lesions, and the serum levels of total IgE and IL-4 were elevated in Ht-rats with dermatitis. These results suggest that dermatitis in Ht-rats is similar to that in the DS-Nh mice, which has recently been proposed as an animal model for human atopic dermatitis.