Association of Gallbladder Mucocele Histologic Diagnosis with Selected Drug Use in Dogs: A Matched Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: The cause of gallbladder mucocele (GBM) formation in dogs currently is unknown. Many available drugs represent a newer generation of xenobiotics that may predispose dogs to GBM formation. OBJECTIVE: To determine if there is an association between the histologic diagnosis of GBM in dogs and administration of selected drugs. ANIMALS: Eighty-one dogs with a histologic diagnosis of GBM and 162 breed, age, and admission date-matched control dogs from a single referral institution. METHODS: Medical records of dogs with GBM and control dogs from 2001 to 2011 were reviewed. Owner verification of drug history was sought by a standard questionnaire. Reported use of heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, corticosteroids, or medications for treatment of osteoarthritis was recorded. RESULTS: Dogs with GBM were 2.2 times as likely to have had reported use of thyroxine (as a proxy for the diagnosis of hypothyroidism) as control dogs (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.949-5.051), 3.6 times as likely to have had reported treatment for Cushing's disease (95% CI, 1.228-10.612), and 2.3 times as likely to have had reported use of products containing imidacloprid (95% CI, 1.094-4.723). Analysis of a data subset containing only Shetland sheepdogs (23 GBM and 46 control) indicated that Shetland sheepdogs with GBM formation were 9.3 times as likely to have had reported use of imidacloprid as were control Shetland sheepdogs (95% CI, 1.103-78.239). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study provides evidence for an association between selected drug use and GBM formation in dogs. A larger epidemiologic study of Shetland sheepdogs with GBM formation and exposure to imidacloprid is warranted.

Molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus mastitis in dairy heifers.

The specific purpose was to investigate the possible interrelationships of genotypes of Staphylococcus aureus found in mammary glands, horn flies, and extramammary sites on 3 southeastern US dairies. A total of 1,228 samples were obtained from various sources on the 3 dairy herds, each of which had a history of Staph. aureus mastitis. Dairy herds studied had access to pasture, and samples were collected during the summer when horn flies (Haematobia irritans) were active. Samples collected included milk samples from all lactating herd cows, colostrum samples from heifers calving during the study period, heifer body sites (mouth, nostrils, and teats), the heifer environment (water, feed, and soil/vegetation/pasture), horn flies, and humans (hands and nostrils). Isolation of Staph. aureus was attempted from all samples, with isolates subjected to genotypic analysis using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. A total of 244/1228 (or 19.9%) of all samples were positive for Staph. aureus. For milk samples, 52/383 (or 13.6%) of samples were Staph. aureus positive, and 70/411 (or 17.0%) of heifer quarter colostrum samples were positive. Horn fly samples were frequently positive, with over one-half (29/52, or 55.8%) of samples positive for Staph. aureus. Staphylococcus aureus obtained during the study comprised isolates from 12 different genotype groups as defined in this study. Identical genotypes were obtained from horn flies, heifer colostrum samples, and cow milk samples. Group B genotypes were shared among flies, heifer colostrum samples, body sites, and cow milk samples, whereas group A genotypes were common to the same sample locations and body sites but rarely (once) found in horn flies. We conclude, based upon the finding of identical pulsed-field gel electrophoresis genotypes in flies, heifer body sites, and heifer colostrum samples, that flies and heifer body sites could be important sources of Staph. aureus for heifer intramammary infections.

Fresh cow mastitis monitoring on day 3 postpartum and its relationship to subsequent milk production.

The purpose was to determine the association of milk California Mastitis Test (CMT), somatic cell concentration (SCC), and milk differential cell count results on day 3 postcalving with subsequent lactation production and health events. On d 3 postcalving, the CMT was performed and quarter milk samples were collected from 130 dairy cows. Quarter SCC and milk differential cell counts were determined. Microbiology on duplicate quarter milk samples was used to determine the presence of intramammary infection by major or minor pathogens. Production measures obtained using Dairy Herd Improvement Association testing were 150-d standardized and summit milks. Milk culture results on a cow basis included 82 (63.1%) samples with no growth, 31 (23.9%) with major pathogens, and 17 (13.1%) with minor pathogens. Milk culture results comparing cows with no growth to those with any growth (major or minor pathogens) were not associated with statistically significant differences in milk production. Milk culture results comparing cows with major pathogens to those with no growth and minor pathogens combined were associated with statistically significant differences in 150 d milk. Milk production did not differ for cows with CMT results above and below a cut-off of trace, and for SCC results above and below cut-offs of 200,000, 300,000, and 400,000/mL, respectively. Statistically significant differences in milk production were found for cows above and below cut-offs for percentage neutrophils in milk and for absolute neutrophil counts. Associations were found for milk production and number of quarters (0, 1, 2, or 3 and 4 combined) above respective cut-offs for SCC, percentage neutrophils in milk, and absolute numbers of neutrophils in milk, but not for CMT. Milk production differed for cows experiencing any health event versus those with no health event. The most commonly recorded health event was clinical mastitis. Statistically significant associations were detected between health events and milk culture results, SCC, neutrophil percentage, and neutrophil absolute counts. Results of the present investigation indicate that milk monitoring on d 3 of lactation using milk neutrophil percentage or neutrophil absolute counts may be useful as an indication of subsequent milk production.

Bartonella DNA in the blood and lymph nodes of Golden Retrievers with lymphoma and in healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: Although lymphoma is the most common neoplastic process reported in dogs, its precise etiology is unknown. Golden Retrievers are more likely to develop lymphoma, suggesting a breed predisposition; however, other factors, including environment, immunity, and infection, are likely contributors to oncogenesis. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that the development of lymphoma in Golden Retrievers may be associated with vector-borne infections, specifically Bartonella, Anaplasma, or Ehrlichia species infections. ANIMALS: Golden Retrievers with lymphoma and healthy Golden Retrievers from across the United States were recruited for study participation. METHODS: A matched, case-control study was performed to determine the association of lymphoma and the presence of Bartonella, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia species in serum, blood, and lymph node aspirates. RESULTS: Using PCR analyses and DNA sequencing, single and coinfections with Bartonella henselae, Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella quintana, and/or Bartonella vinsonii (berkhoffii) were detected in the blood and lymph node aspirates of Golden Retrievers with lymphoma (5/28 dogs, 18%) and in healthy Golden Retrievers (10/56 dogs, 18%); no Anaplasma or Ehrlichia DNA was detected in any dog. When compared with dogs with lymphoma, a higher (P <.001) proportion of healthy Golden Retrievers were receiving monthly acaricide treatments (2.6 times higher). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Bartonella DNA can be detected in blood and lymph nodes; importantly, in this report, Bartonella was detected in the same proportion of clinically healthy dogs and dogs with lymphoma. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to determine the mode of transmission of Bartonella in dogs, whether lymphatic infection is persistent, or whether these bacteria may contribute to the development of lymphoma.

Volatile constituents of Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum Rottl. ex Sprengel) and rakkyo (Allium chinense G. Don).

Volatile components were isolated from Chinese chive and rakkyo by simultaneous steam distillation-solvent extraction and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Sulfur compounds account for 88 and 94% of the total volatiles in the isolated extract of Chinese chive and rakkyo, respectively. In addition to the sulfur compounds commonly reported in the genus Allium, 27 novel volatile sulfur-containing components were found in the isolated extracts of both species. Among them were a sulfide, disulfides, trisulfides, and tetrasulfides with ethyl, butyl, and pentyl groups.

Effects of sample storage and delayed secondary enrichment on detection of Salmonella spp in swine feces.

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of fecal sample storage and delayed secondary enrichment (DSE) on detection of Salmonella spp in swine feces. Sample Population-Fecal samples obtained from 84 pigs in a commercial herd. PROCEDURE: Each fecal sample underwent 3 storage treatments: no storage (ie, processed on the day of collection), storage at 4 C for 6 days, and storage at -15 C for 14 days. After assigned storage treatments, all samples were enriched in Rappaport-Vassiladias (RV) broth (single enrichment) and plated on XLT4 agar. Delayed secondary enrichment was performed, using single enrichment broths that were stored for 4 days at room temperature. RESULTS: Of 504 cultures, 186 (36.9%) were Salmonella positive. A difference in proportions of samples with positive results was not found between same-day processing and storage at 4 C for 6 days. Compared with use of single enrichment for 24 hours (34% positive), use of DSE resulted in a greater proportion (40%; P < 0.001) of samples with positive results. Estimated relative sensitivities for the storage methods were 0.90, 0.85, and 0.71 for same-day processing, storage at 4 C for 6 days, and storage at -15 C for 14 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Where practical, processing of fecal samples on the day of collection is recommended, although storage at 4 C for several days does not result in marked loss of sensitivity. Improved detection associated with DSE warrants further investigation and optimization.

A retrospective-cohort study on the development of cataracts in dogs with diabetes mellitus: 200 cases.

The objective of the study was to determine the incidence and estimated median time to cataract formation in dogs with diabetes mellitus. The animals studied were 200 dogs with diabetes mellitus which were referred to a university teaching hospital between 1985 and 1995. Medical records from dogs with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus were reviewed and, where necessary, further follow-up information was gathered from the referring veterinarian. Incidence rate and median time to diabetic cataract formation was calculated using survival-analysis techniques in a retrospective cohort study design. Among the 200 dogs in the study population, 23 had cataracts at the time of diabetes diagnosis that were presumed to be related to other disease processes. Of the remaining 177 dogs, 132 had documented cataract development with features suggestive as being secondary to diabetes. Twenty-three dogs did not have obvious cataracts at the time of their last examination while 22 dogs did not have cataracts at the time they were lost to follow-up. These 55 cases contributed to the statistical models as noncases of cataracts until the last date for which an examination was available. Half of the population had developed cataracts by the 170th day postdiagnosis of diabetes mellitus, while 75% and 80% of the population developed cataracts by 370 days and 470 days, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the majority of dogs with diabetes will develop cataracts within 5-6 months from the time of diagnosis of the disease, and that approximately 80% of dogs will develop cataracts within 16 months of diagnosis.

[Analysis of fatty acids from strains of Mycobacterium habana and Mycobacterium simiae]. / Análisis de ácidos grasos de cepas de Mycobacterium habana y Mycobacterium simiae.

A comparative analysis of mycobacterial fatty acid fractions of Mycobacteriun habana and Mycobacterium sineae strains was made. This study used the gas-liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Chromatographic profiles obtained from this technique were exposed and compared. This technique proves to be valuable as an alternative element in mycobacterial characterization and makes it possible to analyze the possible differences that may exist among mycobacterial species and to identify the present fatty acid fractions. The outcome proved that the studied strains had quantifiable quantities of over 20 C atom chain fatty acids. There are small differences among the strains in terms of these organic components. It was confirmed that each of then describes a characteristic chromatographic pattern although the composition of present fatty acids is very similar in both studied species.

Abnormalities of the thoracic bellows: stress fractures of the ribs and hiatal hernia.

The thoracic bellows mechanism consists of the rib cage and the diaphragm. The purpose of this study was to determine if nontraumatically acquired lesions of the bellows were secondary to underlying disease. Abnormalities of the bellows, specifically stress fractures of the ribs and hiatal hernia, were found in 21 dogs and cats with underlying cardiopulmonary disease, neuromuscular disease, or metabolic disease. A case-control study of Bulldogs demonstrated that hiatal hernia was associated with the more severe manifestations of brachycephalic syndrome. Stress fractures occurred mostly in females and in cats, and involved multiple ribs. Fractures were usually related to severe respiratory effort, but also occurred in association with metabolic disease. Hiatal hernia was also associated with severe respiratory effort, but may be exacerbated if a neuromuscular disorder affecting the diaphragm is present. Abnormalities of the thoracic bellows, such as rib stress fractures and hiatal hernia, may be signs of underlying disease, rather than being primary causes of disease.

Epidemiologic evaluation of the risk factors associated with exposure and seroreactivity to Bartonella vinsonii in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To determine seroprevalence to Bartonella vinsonii subsp berkhoffii in a population of sick dogs from North Carolina and Virginia and to evaluate potential risk factors associated with increased likelihood of exposure to the organism. SAMPLE POPULATION: Serum samples from 1,920 sick dogs. PROCEDURE: An indirect fluorescent antibody assay was performed on each sample, and the end-point antibody titer was recorded. A case (seropositive) was defined as a dog with reciprocal titer > or = 64, and a control (seronegative) was defined as a dog with reciprocal titer < 16 that was referred within 0 to 3 days of referral of a corresponding case. From this population, 207 dogs (69 cases and 138 controls) were included in a case-control seroepidemiologic study. RESULTS: 3.6% (69/1,920) of the dogs were seropositive to B vinsonii subsp berkhoffii. Results of the case-control study indicated that seropositive dogs were more likely to live in rural environments, frequently on a farm, were free to roam the neighborhood, and were considered to be predominantly outdoor dogs. Moreover, seropositive dogs were 14 times more likely to have a history of heavy tick exposure. After analysis of the case-control study, a more detailed examination of banked sera from dogs with known tick exposure was performed. High correlation was found between sero-reactivity to B vinsonii and seroreactivity to E canis or B canis (36.0 and 57.1%, respectively). Sera derived from dogs experimentally infected with E canis or R rickettsii did not cross react with B vinsonii antigen. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Several potential risk factors are associated with canine exposure to B vinsonii. Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the tick vector for E canis and B canis, may be involved in B vinsonii transmission among dogs.

Histopathology and epidemiology of condemnations due to squamous cell carcinoma in broiler chickens in North Carolina.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) lesions were confirmed by histopathology in 94% of 176 carcasses condemned for SCC during 8-hour shifts at four different processing plants. Lesions in the remaining carcasses were diagnosed as focal ulcerative dermatitis. SCC lesions were confined to the skin; no metastasis or invasion of underlying muscle was present. Monthly prevalence of SCC condemnations at processing was obtained from two plants for a 1-year period and from two additional plants for 3-year periods. Overall study prevalence of SCC varied between 0.03% and 0.09% of total condemnations. Servicemen were found not to have an effect on SCC condemnations for the only company that had these data available. Chronological trends were evaluated for SCC condemnations. A trigonometric model predicted 6-month cycles for one processing plant over a 3-year period. The same model was used to describe 6-month cycles present in the last 12 months of a 3-year observation period in a different processing plant. Chronologic trends were evaluated qualitatively for the two other processing plants.

The effects of cyclosporine versus standard care in dogs with naturally occurring glomerulonephritis.

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is a leading cause of chronic renal failure in dogs. However, little is known about the efficacy of available treatment options for GN in this species. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cyclosporine (Cy) administration on the outcome of naturally occurring GN in dogs. Thirteen dogs from 4 institutions were included in the study. Randomization of dogs into placebo-versus Cy-treated groups was stratified according to initial morphological diagnosis and contributing institution. Seven and 6 dogs were assigned to be given placebo or Cy, respectively. The initial Cy dose of 10 mg/kg every 24 hours was adjusted to maintain 24-hour trough, whole blood Cy concentrations between 250 and 400 ng/mL. There were no statistically significant differences between placebo- and Cy-treated groups with respect to serum total protein, albumin, urea nitrogen and creatinine, and plasma protein concentrations; platelet count; urine protein-creatinine ratio; endogenous creatinine clearance; 24-hour urine protein concentrations; or 24-hour urine protein-endogenous creatinine clearance ratio. However, PCV was significantly lower in the Cy-treated group. Decreased appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, involuntary shaking, and thrombocytopenia were noted in both treatment groups; however, clinical signs in Cy-treated dogs subjectively were more severe. One Cy-treated dog developed gingival hyperplasia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Survival of pseudorabies virus on swabs maintained under standard field sample shipping conditions.

Pseudorabies virus survival was compared using three different types of applicator swabs in Eagle's minimum essential medium held under shipping conditions (packed with frozen gel packs) for up to 96 hours. Virus titer decay rates for dacron-tipped applicators were not statistically different from those of controls. Titer decay rates were statistically different from controls for cotton- and calcium alginate-tipped applicators. With the lowest input virus titer, virus was detectable up to 96, 72, or 24 hours after inoculation for dacron-, cotton-, and calcium alginate-tipped applicators, respectively. Dacron-tipped applicators were chosen to evaluate pseudorabies virus survival on tonsil swabs collected from experimentally challenged or contact control pigs to simulate field sampling and shipping conditions. Virus was still detectable in 20 of 24 swab samples after 72 hours in cell culture medium under shipping conditions.

Effects of calving season and milk yield on pregnancy risk and income in North Carolina Holstein cows.

Effects of season of calving and milk yield and their potential interaction on days from calving to last breeding were investigated using survival analysis and an economic model in 2000 Holstein cows that calved during 1989 and 1990. The final Cox proportional hazards model included lactation number, calving season, and herdmate deviation FCM. The interval from calving to last breeding ranged from 40 to 570 d. Compared with cows that calved in fall, cows that calved in summer were two-thirds as likely to become pregnant. Conversely, cows calving in winter or spring were more likely to become pregnant. Milk yields beyond approximately 8025 kg lowered the risk of pregnancy. The interaction of season and yield was nonsignificant, suggesting that these factors may act independently to affect reproduction. Lower pregnancy rates associated with high yield were detected earlier postpartum than were lower rates associated with calving in summer. Within each season, higher yield offset the lower income over feed costs associated with poorer reproductive performance. Nevertheless, summer calving lowered income over feed costs per cow per year by $98, $2, $176, and $68 for low, medium to low, medium to high, and high yielding cows, respectively.

Heterogeneity of sulfated microdomains within basement membranes of pulmonary airway epithelium.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the cytochemically defined distribution of sulfated macromolecules is significantly different in microdomains of basement membranes (BMs) associated with different levels of pulmonary airways. The high iron diamine-thiocarbohydrazide-silver proteinate (HID-TCH-SP) technique, which is highly specific for sulfate esters of glycosaminoglycans and some glycoproteins, was used as a probe to compare the BM of trachea, bronchi, and three different sizes of bronchioles. When HID-reactive sites were counted and statistically compared, significant differences were found between the three known anatomically distinct layers of the BM--lamina lucida (LL), lamina densa (LD), and lamina reticularis (LR)--relative to the airway level. The highest concentration of HID reactivity in trachea, bronchi, and large bronchiole was found in LR and the lowest in LD. By comparison, HID-reactive sites were found to be more concentrated in the LL in medium and small bronchioles. HID reactivity was consistently low in LD as compared with LL and LR in all five locations. The overall degree of HID reactivity in BMs was clearly highest in large bronchioles and lowest in medium and small bronchioles. This cytochemically detectable heterogeneity in the distribution of HID reactivity in BM microdomains may represent specific compositional differences in pulmonary BMs which are important determinants of epithelial cell function and might be expected to impact key biologic processes in normal and pathologic states.

Hematologic, blood gas, blood chemistry and serum mineral values for a sample of clinically healthy adult goats.

Fifty-five hematologic, blood gas, blood chemistry, and serum mineral values were determined from a random sample of 29 clinically healthy goats from an equal number of randomly selected herds in the piedmont of North Carolina. Descriptive statistics and equations for calculated values are presented. The internal and external validity of the data is discussed.

Risk factors for downer cow syndrome.

A nested case-control study to detect risk factors for the development of the downer cow syndrome 30 d postpartum was conducted. Records from 2705 lactations from 12 Holstein dairy herds in the vicinity of Cornell University were collected prospectively between March 1981 and April 1985. Logistic regression was used to model the risk factors for downer cow syndrome. No confounding or modification effect by season of calving and parity was detected. The cumulative postpartum incidence rate for downer cow syndrome was 1.1%. Clinical hypocalcemia and stillbirth increased the risk of downer cow syndrome fivefold. An interaction term existed between dystocia and retained placenta.

Path analysis for seven postpartum disorders of Holstein cows.

Path analysis and multiple logistic regression with an extrabinomial variation error term (to account for herd) were used to model seven postpartum clinical disorders of dairy cows and factors related to the calf. Data were from 7761 lactation records from 34 commercial herds in the vicinity of Cornell University. Stillbirth increased the odds of developing metritis and retained placenta. The odds of developing dystocia and mastitis were lower when the sex of the calf was female. However, cows that twinned had increased odds of developing dystocia and retained placenta. Dystocia was related to an increase in the odds of retained placenta. Milk fever, dystocia, and ketosis each increased the odds of developing left-displaced abomasum. Postpartum periods with dystocia, retained placenta, or ketosis had increased odds of metritis. Two interaction terms involved parity: stillbirth for milk fever and retained placenta for ketosis. The extrabinomial variation error term contributed to the fit in all models.