Prevalence of an angiotensin-converting enzyme gene variant in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Genetic heterogeneity of the canine angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene is functionally important because the degree of aldosterone breakthrough with ACE-inhibitor therapy is greater in variant positive dogs compared to variant negative dogs, but the prevalence of the variant is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine ACE gene variant-positive prevalence in a population of 497 dogs of different breeds. RESULTS: Overall variant-positive prevalence was 31%, with 20% of dogs heterozygous and 11% of dogs homozygous. The variant was overrepresented in Irish Wolfhounds (prevalence 95%; P < .001), Dachshunds (prevalence 90%; P < .001), Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (prevalence 85%; P < .001), Great Danes (prevalence 84%; P < .001), and Bull Mastiffs (prevalence 58%; P = .02). Irish Wolfhounds were more likely to be homozygous than heterozygous (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one-third of dogs in this study were positive for a functionally important ACE gene variant, with wide prevalence variability between breeds. The clinical importance of high ACE gene variant-positive prevalence in some breeds requires further study because the highest prevalences were found in breeds that are predisposed to heart disease and therefore may be treated with ACE-inhibitors.

Absence of known feline MYH7 and MYBPC3 variants in a diverse cohort of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cause of heart disease in the domestic cat with a genetic predisposition in a few breeds. In the Maine Coon and Ragdoll breeds, two variants associated with the HCM phenotype have been identified in the cardiac myosin binding protein C gene (MYBPC3; p.Ala31Pro and p.Arg820Trp respectively), and a single variant has been identified in the myosin heavy chain gene (MYH7; p.Glu1883Lys) in one domestic cat with HCM. It is not known if these variants influence the development of HCM in other cohorts of the feline population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of the known MYBPC3 and MYH7 variants in a population of cats with HCM. DNA was isolated from samples collected from non-Ragdoll and non-Maine Coon domestic cats diagnosed with HCM through the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine and genotyped for the three variants. One-hundred and three DNA samples from cats with HCM were evaluated from domestic shorthair, domestic longhair and purebred cats. All samples were wt for the MYBPC3 and MYH7 variants. Although this study was limited by its inclusion of cats from one tertiary hospital, the lack of these MYBPC3 and MYH7 variants in this feline HCM population indicates that the clinical utility of genetic testing for these variants may be isolated to the two cat breeds in which these variants have been identified. Further studies to identify the causative variants for the feline HCM population are warranted.

Atenolol in cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial of effect on quality of life, activity, and cardiac biomarkers.

OBJECTIVE: To compare quality of life (QOL) and activity measures between healthy control cats and cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and to evaluate the effect of oral atenolol therapy on QOL, activity, and circulating biomarkers in cats with subclinical HCM. ANIMALS: Thirty-two client-owned cats with subclinical HCM and 27 healthy control cats. METHODS: Owner responses to a QOL questionnaire, circulating cardiac biomarker concentrations, and accelerometer-based activity measures were compared prospectively in cats with and without HCM, and in cats with HCM before and after treatment with oral atenolol (6.25 mg/cat q 12 h) for 6 months. RESULTS: Owner-assessed activity of daily living score was lower in cats with HCM than in cats in controls (p=0.0420). No differences were identified between control cats and cats with HCM for any activity variable. Compared with placebo, treatment with atenolol was associated with a lower baseline-adjusted mean ± SD heart rate (157 ± 30 vs. 195 ± 20 bpm; p=0.0001) and rate-pressure product (22,446 ± 6,237 vs. 26,615 ± 4,623 mmHg/min; p=0.0146). A treatment effect of atenolol on QOL or activity was not demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: This study failed to identify an effect of subclinical HCM on owner-assessed QOL or activity or a treatment effect of atenolol on these variables at the dosage evaluated. These findings do not support a treatment benefit of atenolol for the goal of symptom reduction in cats with subclinical HCM.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease in the miniature poodle: A retrospective study.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cardiovascular disease in the dog. The natural history of the disease is wide ranging and includes patients without clinical signs as well as those with significant clinical consequences from cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension and/or congestive heart failure. The factors that determine which dogs remain asymptomatic and which develop clinical disease are not known. Disease characteristics could be breed or family related; some breeds of dogs, particularly the Cavalier King Charles spaniels, develop MMVD at an early age. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively characterize MMVD in the miniature poodle, a commonly affected breed in which MMVD has not been well characterized. Thirty-two miniature poodles met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 11±three years. Clinical signs included exercise intolerance, syncope and coughing. Eighteen dogs were classified as ACVIM Stage B1, 12 as stage B2, and two as stage C. Mean vertebral heart scale (VHS) was 10.2 (±standard deviation of 0.9); 15 of 28 dogs had a VHS <10.3. One dog had radiographic evidence of congestive heart failure. Mean diastolic left ventricle dimension normalized to body weight was 1.6 (±0.4) and mean systolic was 0.8 (±0.3). Mitral valve prolapse was subjectively classified as mild or moderate in 19 dogs and severe in two. In the miniature poodles reported here, MMVD appears to be a fairly late onset disease and often is a mild phenotype.

Evaluation of genes associated with human myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs with familial myxomatous mitral valve degeneration.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common heart disease in the dog. It is believed to be heritable in Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS) and Dachshunds. Myxomatous mitral valve disease is a familial disease in human beings as well and genetic mutations have been associated with its development. We hypothesized that a genetic mutation associated with the development of the human form of MMVD was associated with the development of canine MMVD. DNA was isolated from blood samples from 10 CKCS and 10 Dachshunds diagnosed with MMVD, and whole genome sequences from each animal were obtained. Variant calling from whole genome sequencing data was performed using a standardized bioinformatics pipeline for all samples. After filtering, the canine genes orthologous to the human genes known to be associated with MMVD were identified and variants were assessed for likely pathogenic implications. No variant was found in any of the genes evaluated that was present in least eight of 10 affected CKCS or Dachshunds. Although mitral valve disease in the CKCS and Dachshund is a familial disease, we did not identify genetic cause in the genes responsible for the human disease in the dogs studied here.

Aldosterone breakthrough in dogs with naturally occurring myxomatous mitral valve disease.

INTRODUCTION: Aldosterone breakthrough (ABT) is the condition in which angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and/or angiotensin receptor blockers fail to effectively suppress the activity of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system. The objective of this study was to determine if ABT occurs in dogs with naturally occurring myxomatous mitral valve disease receiving an ACEI, using the urine aldosterone to creatinine ratio (UAldo:C) as a measure of renin angiotensin aldosterone system activation. ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study includes 39 dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease. A UAldo:C cut-off definition (derived from a normal population of healthy, adult, and client-owned dogs) was used to determine the prevalence of ABT in this population. Spearman analysis and univariate logistic regression were used to evaluate the relationship between UAldo:C and ABT (yes/no) and eight variables (age, serum K+ concentration, serum creatinine concentration, ACEI therapy duration and ACEI dosage, furosemide therapy duration and furosemide dosage, and urine sample storage time). Finally, the UAldo:C in dogs receiving spironolactone, as part congestive heart failure (CHF) therapy, was compared to dogs with CHF that were not receiving spironolactone. RESULTS: The prevalence of ABT was 32% in dogs with CHF and 30% in dogs without CHF. There was no relationship between either the UAldo:C or the likelihood of ABT and the eight variables. Therapy with spironolactone lead to a significant elevation of the UAldo:C. DISCUSSION: Using the UAldo:C and a relatively stringent definition of ABT, it appears that incomplete RAAS blockade is common in dogs with MMVD receiving an ACEI. The prevalence of ABT in this canine population mirrors that reported in humans. While the mechanism of ABT is likely multifactorial and still poorly understood, the proven existence of ABT in dogs offers the potential to improve the prognosis for MMVD with the addition of a mineralocorticoid receptor blocker to current therapeutic regimens. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 30% of dogs being treated for heart disease and CHF satisfied the definition of ABT. Identifying patient subpopulations experiencing ABT may help guide future study design and clinical decision-making.

Outcome and survival in canine sick sinus syndrome and sinus node dysfunction: 93 cases (2002-2014).

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of a group of dogs with sinoatrial node abnormalities. ANIMALS: Ninety-three client-owned dogs at a referral institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for clinical history, diagnostic testing, and medical or permanent artificial pacemaker (PAP) treatment. Owners or veterinarians were contacted for long-term follow-up. RESULTS: Sixty-one dogs were symptomatic for their bradyarrhythmia and were diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome (SSS). Thirty-two dogs were asymptomatic for their bradyarrhythmia and were diagnosed with sinus node dysfunction (SND). Miniature Schnauzers, West Highland White terriers, Cocker spaniels, and female dogs were overrepresented. Medical management with positive chronotropic drugs successfully controlled syncope long-term in 54% of SSS dogs, and acted as a bridge to PAP in 20%. Positive atropine response predicted medical treatment success. Forty-six percent of SSS dogs eventually underwent PAP implantation. Median survival time was approximately 18 months in SND and SSS dogs regardless of treatment strategy. Congestive heart failure (CHF) associated with progressive valvular heart disease occurred commonly in all groups, particularly in dogs with bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Sinus node dysfunction and SSS represent a spectrum of sinoatrial node disease, which for some dogs may also involve a component of autonomic dysfunction. Dogs with SND do not require treatment. Dogs with SSS often require treatment to reduce the frequency of syncope; medical management is often useful, particularly in atropine responsive dogs. Prognosis of SSS with treatment is good, though development of CHF does not appear to be mitigated by treatment.

Cardiovascular-renal axis disorders in the domestic dog and cat: a veterinary consensus statement.

OBJECTIVES: There is a growing understanding of the complexity of interplay between renal and cardiovascular systems in both health and disease. The medical profession has adopted the term "cardiorenal syndrome" (CRS) to describe the pathophysiological relationship between the kidney and heart in disease. CRS has yet to be formally defined and described by the veterinary profession and its existence and importance in dogs and cats warrant investigation. The CRS Consensus Group, comprising nine veterinary cardiologists and seven nephrologists from Europe and North America, sought to achieve consensus around the definition, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of dogs and cats with "cardiovascular-renal disorders" (CvRD). To this end, the Delphi formal methodology for defining/building consensus and defining guidelines was utilised. METHODS: Following a literature review, 13 candidate statements regarding CvRD in dogs and cats were tested for consensus, using a modified Delphi method. As a new area of interest, well-designed studies, specific to CRS/CvRD, are lacking, particularly in dogs and cats. Hence, while scientific justification of all the recommendations was sought and used when available, recommendations were largely reliant on theory, expert opinion, small clinical studies and extrapolation from data derived from other species. RESULTS: Of the 13 statements, 11 achieved consensus and 2 did not. The modified Delphi approach worked well to achieve consensus in an objective manner and to develop initial guidelines for CvRD. DISCUSSION: The resultant manuscript describes consensus statements for the definition, classification, diagnosis and management strategies for veterinary patients with CvRD, with an emphasis on the pathological interplay between the two organ systems. By formulating consensus statements regarding CvRD in veterinary medicine, the authors hope to stimulate interest in and advancement of the understanding and management of CvRD in dogs and cats. The use of a formalised method for consensus and guideline development should be considered for other topics in veterinary medicine.

The effect of enalapril on furosemide-activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in healthy dogs.

Studies in our laboratory have revealed that furosemide-induced RAAS activation, evaluated via the urine aldosterone-to-creatinine ratio (UAldo:C), was not attenuated by the coadministration of benazepril, while enalapril successfully suppressed amlodipine-induced urinary aldosterone excretion. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of enalapril in suppressing ACE activity and furosemide-induced circulating RAAS activation. Failure to do so would suggest that this failure may be a drug class effect. We hypothesized that enalapril would suppress ACE activity and furosemide-induced circulating RAAS activation. Sixteen healthy hound dogs. The effect of furosemide (2 mg/kg PO, q12 h; Group F) and furosemide plus enalapril (0.5 mg/kg PO, q12 h; Group FE) on circulating RAAS was determined by plasma ACE activity, 4-6 h post-treatment, and urinary A:C on days -1, -2, 1, 4, and 7. There was a significant increase in the average urine aldosterone-to-creatinine ratio (UAldo:C) after administration of furosemide (P < 0.05). Enalapril inhibited ACE activity (P < 0.0001) but did not significantly reduce aldosterone excretion. A significant (P < 0.05) increase in the UAldo:C was maintained for the 7 days of the study in both groups. Enalapril decreased plasma ACE activity; however, it did not suppress furosemide-induced RAAS activation, as determined by the UAldo:C. While enalapril blunts ACE activity, the absence of circulating RAAS suppression may be due to angiotensin II reactivation, alternative RAAS pathways, and furosemide overriding concurrent ACE inhibition, all indicating the existence of aldosterone breakthrough (ABT). Along with similar findings with benazepril, it appears that failure to suppress aldosterone suppression with furosemide stimulation may be a drug class effect. The discrepancy between the current data and the documented benefits of enalapril likely reflects the efficacy of this ACE inhibitor in suppressing tissue RAAS, variable population responsiveness to ACE-inhibition, and/or providing additional survival benefits, possibly through as yet unknown mechanisms.

Complication rates associated with transvenous pacemaker implantation in dogs with high-grade atrioventricular block performed during versus after normal business hours.

BACKGROUND: Transvenous pacemaker implantation in dogs is associated with a relatively high complication rate. At our institution, pacemaker implantation in dogs with high-grade atrioventricular block (HG-AVB) frequently is performed as an after-hours emergency. HYPOTHESIS: Among dogs with HG-AVB, the rate of major complications is higher when pacemakers are implanted after hours (AH) compared to during business hours (BH). ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs with HG-AVB that underwent transvenous pacemaker implantation between January 2002 and December 2012 at the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. METHODS: Retrospective medical record review. Two-year follow-up was required for complications analysis. RESULTS: Major complications occurred in 14/79 dogs (18%) and included lead dislodgement, lead or generator infection, lead or generator migration, and pacing failure. Incidence of major complications was significantly higher AH (10/36, 28%) compared to BH (4/43, 9%; P = .041), and all infectious complications occurred AH. Median survival time for all dogs was 27 months and did not differ between AH and BH groups for either all-cause (P = .70) or cardiac (P = .40) mortality. AH dogs were younger than BH dogs (P = .010), but there were no other clinically relevant differences between BH and AH groups in terms of demographic, clinical, or procedural variables. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: At our institution, AH transvenous pacemaker placement is associated with a higher rate of major complications (especially infections) compared to BH placement. This difference may be because of a variety of human factor differences AH versus BH.

Aldosterone breakthrough with benazepril in furosemide-activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in normal dogs.

Pilot studies in our laboratory revealed that furosemide-induced renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation was not attenuated by the subsequent co-administration of benazepril. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of benazepril on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and furosemide-induced circulating RAAS activation. Our hypothesis was that benazepril suppression of ACE activity would not suppress furosemide-induced circulating RAAS activation, indicated by urinary aldosterone concentration. Ten healthy hound dogs were used in this study. The effect of furosemide (2 mg/kg p.o., q12h; Group F; n = 5) and furosemide plus benazepril (1 mg/kg p.o., q24h; Group FB; n = 5) on circulating RAAS was determined by plasma ACE activity, 4-6 h posttreatment, and urinary aldosterone to creatinine ratio (UAldo:C) on days -1, -2, 1, 3, and 7. There was a significant increase in the average UAldo:C (µg/g) after the administration of furosemide (Group F baseline [average of days -1 and -2] UAldo:C = 0.41, SD 0.15; day 1 UAldo:C = 1.1, SD 0.56; day 3 UAldo:C = 0.85, SD 0.50; day 7 UAldo:C = 1.1, SD 0.80, P < 0.05). Benazepril suppressed ACE activity (U/L) in Group FB (Group FB baseline ACE = 16.4, SD 4.2; day 1 ACE = 3.5, SD 1.4; day 3 ACE = 1.6, SD 1.3; day 7 ACE = 1.4, SD 1.4, P < 0.05) but did not significantly reduce aldosterone excretion (Group FB baseline UAldo:C = 0.35, SD 0.16; day 1 UAldo:C = 0.79, SD 0.39; day 3 UAldo:C 0.92, SD 0.48, day 7 UAldo:C = 0.99, SD 0.48, P < 0.05). Benazepril decreased plasma ACE activity but did not prevent furosemide-induced RAAS activation, indicating aldosterone breakthrough (escape). This is particularly noteworthy in that breakthrough is observed at the time of initiation of RAAS suppression, as opposed to developing after months of therapy.

Association of dilated cardiomyopathy with the striatin mutation genotype in boxer dogs.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial disease in the Boxer dog is characterized by 1 of 2 clinical presentations, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) characterized by ventricular systolic dysfunction, dilatation and tachyarrhythmias, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) characterized by ventricular tachyarrhythmias, syncope, and sudden death. Boxer ARVC has been associated with a deletion in the striatin gene in some families. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that both presentations represent a single disease, and the development of DCM in the Boxer is associated with the striatin deletion. ANIMALS: Thirty-three adult Boxer dogs with DCM, 29 adult Boxer dogs with the striatin deletion and ARVC, and 16 Boxers without cardiac disease. METHODS: DNA samples were evaluated for the striatin deletion. Association of the deletion with the DCM phenotype was tested by a Fisher's exact test. T-tests were used to evaluate potential differences between the positive heterozygous and positive homozygous groups with DCM with regard to age, LVIDD, LVIDS, and FS%. RESULTS: Thirty of 33 dogs with DCM were positive for the striatin deletion. The striatin mutation and the homozygous genotype were strongly associated with the DCM phenotype (P < .001 and P = .005). There was no statistical difference between the heterozygous and homozygous groups with regard to age and echocardiographic measurements. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study demonstrates an association between DCM in the Boxer dog and the striatin mutation, particularly with the homozygous genotype. The observation that 3/33 dogs developed DCM and lacked the striatin mutation suggests that there is at least 1 other cause of DCM in the Boxer dog.

Safety of spironolactone in dogs with chronic heart failure because of degenerative valvular disease: a population-based, longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Spironolactone treatment in humans is associated with an increased risk of hyperkalemia and renal dysfunction. HYPOTHESIS: Dogs with cardiac disease treated with spironolactone, in addition to conventional therapy, are not at higher risk for adverse events (AEs) than those receiving solely conventional therapy. ANIMALS: One hundred and ninety-six client-owned dogs with naturally occurring myxomatous mitral valve disease. METHODS: Prospective, double-blinded field study with dogs randomized to receive either spironolactone (2 mg/kg once a day) or placebo in addition to conventional therapy (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, plus furosemide and digoxin if needed). Safety was compared between treatment groups, using the frequency of AEs, death caused by cardiac disease, renal disease, or both, and variations in serum sodium, potassium, urea, and creatinine concentrations. For the latter, population-specific reference intervals were established and out of range values (ORV) analyzed. RESULTS: The number of AEs was similar in the spironolactone and reference groups (188 and 208, respectively), when followed for median duration of 217 days (range [2-1,333]). At each study time point, the percentage of dogs showing ORV was similar between groups. There were a higher number of deaths because of cardiac disease, renal disease or both in the reference group (30.7% versus 13.7%) (P = .0043). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Dogs with heart failure receiving spironolactone in addition to conventional treatment are not at a higher risk for AEs, death caused by cardiac disease, renal disease, or both, hyperkalemia, or azotemia.

Cardiac structure and function in female carriers of a canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

This investigation tested the hypothesis that carriers of golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD), a genetically homologous condition of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), have quantifiable abnormalities in myocardial function, structure, or cardiac rhythm. Eleven GRMD carriers and four matched controls had cardiac evaluations and postmortem examinations. 24-h ECG Holter monitoring disclosed ventricular ectopy in 10 of 11 carriers and 2 of 4 controls. Conventional echocardiography failed to demonstrate significant differences between carriers and controls in systolic function. All carriers had multifocal, minimal to marked myofiber necrosis, fibrosis, mineralization, inflammation, and/or fatty change in their hearts. Immunohistochemistry revealed a mosaic dystrophin deficiency in scattered cardiac myofibers in all carriers. No controls had cardiac histologic lesions; all had uniform dystrophin staining. Despite cardiac mosaic dystrophin expression and degenerative cardiac lesions, GRMD carriers at up to 3 years of age could not be distinguished statistically from normal controls by echocardiography or 24-h Holter monitoring.

Multicenter evaluation of plasma N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) as a biochemical screening test for asymptomatic (occult) cardiomyopathy in cats.

BACKGROUND: B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations reliably distinguish between cardiac and respiratory causes of dyspnea, but its utility to detect asymptomatic cats with occult cardiomyopathy (OCM) is unresolved. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Determine whether plasma N terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration can discriminate asymptomatic cats with OCM from normal cats, and whether NT-proBNP concentration correlates with clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic parameters. ANIMALS: One hundred and fourteen normal, healthy cats; 113 OCM cats. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, case-controlled study. NT-proBNP was prospectively measured and cardiac status was determined from history, physical examination, and M-mode/2D/Doppler echocardiography. Optimal cut-off values were derived using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: NT-proBNP was higher (median, interquartile range [25th and 75th percentiles]) in (1) OCM (186 pmol/L; 79, 478 pmol/L) versus normal (24 pmol/L; 24, 32 pmol/L) (P < .001); and (2) hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (396 pmol/L; 205, 685 pmol/L) versus hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (112 pmol/L; 48, 318 pmol/L) (P < .001). In OCM, NT-proBNP correlated (1) positively with LVPWd (ρ = 0.23; P = .01), LA/Ao ratio (ρ = 0.31; P < .001), LVs (ρ = 0.33; P < .001), and troponin-I (ρ = 0.64; P < .001), and (2) negatively with %FS (ρ = -0.27; P = .004). Area under ROC curve was 0.92; >46 pmol/L cut-off distinguished normal from OCM (91.2% specificity, 85.8% sensitivity); >99 pmol/L cut-off was 100% specific, 70.8% sensitive. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Plasma NT-proBNP concentration reliably discriminated normal from OCM cats, and was associated with several echocardiographic markers of disease severity. Further studies are needed to assess test performance in unselected, general feline populations, and evaluate relationships between NT-proBNP concentrations and disease progression.

Comparison of polymerase chain reaction with bacterial 16s primers to blood culture to identify bacteremia in dogs with suspected bacterial endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Identification of the bacterial organism in dogs with endocarditis is challenging. Human studies have reported the utility of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify and identify bacterial nucleic acid from infected valvular tissue and blood. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that PCR using primers designed to amplify the bacterial 16s gene would identify circulating bacteria in dogs with suspected bacterial endocarditis more consistently than standard blood culture techniques. ANIMALS: Eighteen dogs with suspected bacterial endocarditis based upon clinical and echocardiographic findings. Fifteen clinically normal dogs served as negative controls. METHODS: Prospective study of dogs evaluated for suspect endocarditis at 6 veterinary hospitals. A blood sample was drawn from all dogs and evaluated with both a single-sample PCR and standard 3-sample blood culture techniques. RESULTS: Blood culture identified noncontaminant bacteria in 6/18 study animals (33%) and 1 control dog; PCR identified noncontaminant bacteria in 7/18 study animals (39%). There were no study animals in which the 2 tests identified different bacteria (κ = 1.0). However, bacteria were identified by both techniques in only 2/18 study animals. When results from both PCR and blood culture were considered together, a noncontaminant bacterial organism was identified in 11/18 study animals (61%). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The results of this study suggest that although single sample PCR with 16s primers was not more sensitive than blood culture for detection of bacteremia in dogs with suspect endocarditis, performing both techniques simultaneously did increase the likelihood of identification of bacteria in blood.

Renal effects of Dirofilaria immitis in experimentally and naturally infected cats.

Canine heartworm infection has been associated with glomerular disease and proteinuria. We hypothesized that proteinuria, likely due to glomerular damage, would also be found in cats experimentally and naturally infected with Dirofilaria immitis. Two populations of cats were evaluated, including 80 that were each experimentally infected with 60 infective heartworm larvae as part of a drug safety study, and 31 that were naturally infected with D. immitis. Each had a control population with which to be compared. In the experimentally infected group, we evaluated urine from 64 cats. Ten of these cats were shown to have microalbuminuria 8 months post infection. No cat refractory to infection with larvae and no cats from the control group demonstrated microalbuminuria. All 10 microalbuminuric cats were shown to have significant proteinuria, as measured by the urine protein:creatinine ratio. There was a subtle, but significant, association between worm burden and proteinuria, and although the presence of adult heartworms was required for the development of proteinuria, both microfilaremic and amicrofilaremic cats were affected. Neither the presence of circulating heartworm antibodies and antigen nor the presence of antigenuria predicted the development of proteinuria. Both heavily infected cats (5-25 adult heartworms) and cats with worm burdens compatible with natural infections (1-4 adult heartworms) developed proteinuria, and the relative numbers of cats so affected were similar between heavily and more lightly infected cats. Naturally infected cats, for which only dipstick protein determinations were available, were shown to have a significantly greater incidence of proteinuria (90% vs 35%) than did those in an age- and gender-matched control population. Additionally, the proteinuria in heartworm-infected cats was 3- to 5-fold greater in severity. We conclude that cats infected with mature adult heartworms are at risk for developing proteinuria and that this is recognized relatively soon after infection. While heavier infections may predispose cats to developing proteinuria, this complication is seen in naturally infected cats and experimental cats with worm burdens similar to those seen in natural infections (i.e., "clinically appropriate" worm burdens). The clinical relevance of heartworm-associated proteinuria is yet to be determined.

Acute effect of pimobendan and furosemide on the circulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in healthy dogs.

BACKGROUND: The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is activated in states of decreased cardiac output and by certain cardiovascular therapeutic agents, such as loop diuretics and vasodilators. HYPOTHESIS: Short-term treatment with the inodilator, pimobendan, will not activate the circulating RAAS because its vasodilatory action will be offset by its positive inotropic property, thereby ameliorating RAAS stimulation at the juxtaglomerular apparatus. Furthermore, pimobendan will suppress RAAS activation produced by furosemide. ANIMALS: Nine healthy laboratory dogs were used in this study. METHODS: Experimental, cross-over study. Dogs were administered pimobendan (0.5 mg/kg q12h) for 4 days followed by furosemide (2 mg/kg q12h) and then, after a wash-out period, a combination of the drugs. Aldosterone : creatinine (A : Cr) was measured at the end of each treatment cycle. RESULTS: There was no significant increase in the average urinary A : Cr with the administration of pimobendan (control urinary A : Cr = 0.46, standard deviation (SD) 0.33; pimobendan A : Cr = 0.48, SD 0.28). There was a significant increase in the average urinary A : Cr after administration of furosemide (urinary A : Cr = 1.3, SD 0.70) and with the combination of furosemide and pimobendan (urinary A : Cr = 2.9, SD 1.6). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Short-term administration of high-dose pimobendan, does not activate the RAAS in healthy dogs. Pimobendan did not prevent RAAS activation associated with furosemide therapy. These results in healthy dogs suggest that furosemide therapy, with or without pimobendan, should be accompanied by RAAS suppressive therapy.

Echocardiographic quantification of Dirofilaria immitis in experimentally infected cats.

The safety of heartworm preventives in heartworm-positive cats has traditionally been evaluated using adult Dirofilaria immitis removed from infected dogs and surgically implanted into the cats. An alternate study model uses infective larvae to establish adult infections in cats. Unfortunately, the number of adult worms resulting from the latter method varies widely from none to more than 30, both unacceptable for studies of natural heartworm infection and for studies evaluating product safety in heartworm-infected cats. We sought to determine infection severity in experimental infections via echocardiography to reduce the chances of enrolling uninfected and heavily infected cats into a study. Eighty adult cats were each inoculated with 60 infective D. immitis larvae and maintained for 8 months to allow for the development of adult worms. Antigen and antibody testing, as well as echocardiographic imaging, were performed to confirm and estimate adult worm burdens. Approximately 8 and 12 months post-infection, echocardiographic examination was performed to confirm and enumerate adult D. immitis populations in the cardiovascular system. Worm burdens were stratified as 0, 1-3, 4-11, and > 11 adults, with 0 being considered uninfected and more than 11 considered too heavily infected to be relevant for anthelmintic studies. Cats with clinically relevant infections (1-10 adults) subsequently received multiple treatments with the investigational drug, and worm burdens were confirmed by necropsy 30 days following the final treatment. Worm burden estimated with echocardiography correlated well, but not precisely, with post-mortem counts (p < 0.001, r2 = 0.67). Echocardiography under-, over-, and exactly estimated heartworm burden 53%, 27%, and 22% of the time, respectively. Although the correct category (0-4) was determined by echocardiography in only 54% of cats, positive cats were distinguished from negative cats 88% of the time and the heaviest infections (> 11) were correctly categorized 95% of the time. Both false negative and false positive results were observed. We conclude that echocardiography is useful for detecting mature experimental heartworm infections, identifying cats that have rejected mature infection, and detecting very heavy heartworm burdens, but it is only moderately accurate in classifying lesser burdens. While echocardiography cannot be relied upon to consistently determine the exact heartworm burden in experimentally infected cats, it is useful in stratifying worm burdens for anthelmintic safety studies.