The Effect of Acute Aerobic Exercise on Biomarkers of Renal Health and Filtration in Moderate-CKD.

Purpose: Efficacy of exercise to improve renal health and filtration remains understudied in adults with moderate-stages (stages G3a-b) of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Acute exercise may contribute clinically relevant information for exercise-related augmentation of renal health and filtration in CKD. Urine epidermal growth factor (uEGF) and cystatin C (CyC) are proposed to be more direct biomarkers of renal health and filtration. This study aimed to determine the influence of continuous moderate-intensity exercise (CMIE) and high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on traditional and novel biomarkers of renal health and filtration in moderate-stages of CKD. Methods: Twenty CKD participants completed 30 minutes of both CMIE and HIIE. Blood and urine samples were obtained pre, 1-hour, and 24-hours post-exercise. Traditional-serum creatinine (sCr) urine creatinine, novel-uEGF, uEGF ratio (uEGFr), and CyC. Estimates of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)-modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) and the CKD-Epidemiology (CKD-EPI)-responses were compared pre, 1 hr, and 24 hr post-exercise. Results: Relative to pre-exercise measures, uEGF remained unchanged in both exercise conditions. However, uEGFr was 5.4% greater 24-hours after HIIE (P = .05), while uEGFr remained unchanged with CMIE. sCr decreased 6 to 19% 1-hour post-exercise in both conditions (P = .009). On average renal filtration increased in eGFR-MDRD (7.2 ± 2.0 ml/min/1.73 m2) (P = .007) and eGFR-CKD-EPI (8.6 ± 2.3 ml/min/1.73 m2) 1-hour post-exercise (P = .009). Conclusion: By clinical estimates, renal filtration in CKD was not normalized but transiently improved regardless of exercise condition, with HIIE eliciting transient improvements in renal health.

The Influence of an Acute Bout of Aerobic Exercise on Vascular Endothelial Function in Moderate Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is directly influenced by the deleterious effects of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. The vascular endothelium may transiently respond to aerobic exercise and improve post-exercise vascular renal function in moderate stages of CKD. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a nitric-oxide-dependent measure of endothelial function that is transiently potentiated by exercise. The purpose of the study was to determine the acute influence of a single bout of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) or steady-state moderate-intensity exercise (SSE) on endothelial dysfunction in moderate stages of CKD. Twenty participants (n = 6 men; n = 14 women) completed 30 min of SSE (65%) and HIIE (90:20%) of VO2reserve in a randomized crossover design. FMD measurements and blood samples were obtained before, 1 h, and 24 h post-exercise. FMD responses were augmented 1 h post-exercise in both conditions (p < 0.005). Relative to pre-exercise measures, total antioxidant capacity increased by 4.3% 24 h post-exercise (p = 0.012), while paraoxonase-1 was maintained 1 h and elevated by 6.1% 24 h after SSE, but not HIIE (p = 0.035). In summary, FMD can be augmented by a single episode of either HIIE or SSE in moderate stages of CKD. Modest improvements were observed in antioxidant analytes, and markers of oxidative stress were blunted in response to either SSE or HIIE.

Metabolic Health, Obesity, and Cardiovascular Disease: 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND: The metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUN) and metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotypes are abnormal metabolic states. The purpose of this study was to report the frequency of the strictly defined MHO and MUN phenotypes and the association between metabolic phenotype and 10-year Framingham cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score using a sample taken from the 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of 2,316 participants age 18-79 years with complete metabolic health information were selected from the 2015-2016 dataset and included in the present analysis. Metabolic health was defined as the absence of all metabolic abnormalities as outlined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, excluding waist circumference. Obesity was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 or waist > 88.9 cm for females or > 101.6 cm for males. RESULTS: Frequency of the MHO phenotype was 5.5% and the MUN was 44.3%. After adjustment for all covariates, Framingham CVD risk score was higher in the MUN (b = 1.74,p < 0.001) and metabolically unhealthy obese (b = 3.32,p < 0.001) phenotypes that used BMI to define obesity, and the MHO phenotype had a slight protective effect (b = -2.25,p < 0.001) when waist circumference was used as the measure of obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolically unhealthy phenotypes had higher CVD risk, while the MHO phenotype was not at any greater risk than the metabolically healthy normal weight.

Comparison of invasive and non-invasive blood pressure measurements in anesthetized female Dorset cross-bred lambs (Ovis aries).

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of agreement between invasive and noninvasive blood pressure measurements in anesthetized, non-surgically manipulated Dorset cross-bred lambs. Twelve healthy female Dorset cross-bred lambs, weighing 37.3 ± 7.4 kg (mean ± SD) underwent isoflurane anesthesia for simultaneous measurement of systolic arterial pressure (SAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) from an invasive blood pressure source and a noninvasive oscillometric source (O-NIBP). The femoral artery was catheterized for invasive blood pressure measurements, while noninvasive blood pressure was measured from a cuff placed on the antebrachium. The Bland-Altman method was used to calculate agreement between SAP, MAP and DAP measurements. The bias ± SD between SAP, MAP and DAP measurements was 3.6 ± 12.0, 4.9 ± 9.1 mmHg and 4.1 ± 8.0, respectively. The 95% limits of agreement for SAP, MAP and DAP were - 19.9 to 27.1, -13.0 to 22.8 mmHg, and - 11.7 to 19.9, respectively. Overall, agreement was poor between femoral IBP and O-NIBP monitoring techniques in anesthetized Dorset cross-bred lambs, with O-NIBP underestimating the femoral IBP. Arterial blood pressure should be most accurately measured using an invasive blood pressure monitoring technique in lambs undergoing isoflurane anesthesia.

Comparison of arterial and venous blood-gas values in anesthetized Dorset cross-bred lambs (Ovis aries) using a point-of-care analyzer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of agreement between arterial and venous blood gases in anesthetized lambs using a point-of-care analyzer. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental study. ANIMALS: A group of 12 female Dorset cross-bred lambs, weighing 37.3 ± 7.4 kg (mean ± standard deviation). METHODS: Lambs were anesthetized with isoflurane for catheterization of the jugular vein and femoral artery, and blood samples were collected simultaneously for analysis of pH, PCO2, PO2, base excess (BE), bicarbonate ( [Formula: see text] ), total carbon dioxide (tCO2), oxygen saturation (SO2), ionized calcium (iCa) and potassium (K+) using the Vet Scan i-STAT handheld analyzer. The Bland-Altman method was used to calculate agreement between arterial and venous measurements. RESULTS: Strong agreement was identified between arterial and venous pH (bias = 0.04; 95% limits of agreement = 0.02-0.06), K+ (bias = -0.1 and 95% limits of agreement = -0.8 to 0.5) and iCa (bias = 0.04; 95% limits of agreement = -0.08 to 0.0003). There was poor agreement for PO2 (bias = 168.0; 95% limits of agreement = 77.4-258.7) and SO2 (bias = 9.1; 95% limits of agreement = 2.8-15.3), as these values were higher in arterial blood than in venous blood. Moderate agreement was present for BE (bias = 1.7; 95% limits of agreement = -2.7 to 6.1), PCO2 (bias = -2.1; 95% limits of agreement = -7.5 to 3.4), [Formula: see text] (bias = 1.1; 95% limits of agreement = -3.1 to 5.3) and tCO2 (bias = 1.0; 95% limits of agreement = -3.3 to 5.3). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Venous blood can be used for the measurement of pH, K+ and iCa in anesthetized Dorset cross-bred lambs. Arterial blood is required for accurate measurement of PO2, SO2, PCO2, [Formula: see text] , tCO2 and BE to assess systemic blood oxygenation and pulmonary function in anesthetized Dorset cross-bred lambs.

Effects of General Anesthesia on 2 Urinary Biomarkers of Kidney Injury-Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 1 and Lipocalin 2-in Male C57BL/6J Mice.

Urinary biomarkers are used increasingly for sensitive prediction of kidney injury in preclinical and clinical studies. Given the frequent requirement of anesthesia in various animal models of disease, it is important to define the effects of anesthesia on kidney injury biomarkers to guide the appropriate selection of anesthetic agents and to avoid potential confounders in the interpretation of data. Therefore, we performed a prospective study using male C57BL/6J mice (n = 45) exposed to a single anesthetic episode to determine the effects several common anesthesia regimens on the urinary excretion of 2 commonly used kidney injury biomarkers: hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 1 (HAVCR1, also known as KIM1) and lipocalin 2 (LCN2, also known as NGAL). We evaluated 3 injectable regimens (ketamine-xylazine, tiletamine-zolazepam, and pentobarbital) and 2 inhalational agents (isoflurane and sevoflurane). Concentrations of HAVCR1 and LCN2 in urine collected at various time points after anesthesia were measured by using ELISA. Administration of ketamine-xylazine resulted in a significant increase in HAVCR1 levels at 6 h after anesthesia but a decrease in LCN2 levels compared with baseline. LCN2 levels steadily increased over the first 24 h after inhalant anesthesia, with a significant increase at 24 h after sevoflurane. These results suggest that injectable anesthesia had early effects on HAVCR1 and LCN2 levels, whereas inhalational agents increased these biomarkers over prolonged time.

Development of a Pain Scoring System for Use in Sheep Surgically Implanted with Ventricular Assist Devices.

Purpose/Aim: In prey species, such as sheep, clinical signs of postoperative pain can manifest in subtle ways or may be concealed entirely. Previous publications describing pain assessment in ruminants focus on lameness and flock behavior, often in a farm environment. These indicators of pain may be difficult to assess in sheep housed in biomedical research settings. We have developed a novel pain scoring system for sheep undergoing thoracotomy for implantation of ventricular assist devices that are permanently housed in modified stanchions. Materials and Methods: The pain scoring system includes ruminant-specific behavioral signs of pain in addition to objective measurements that can be readily evaluated in a biomedical research setting. A numerical score is generated by the evaluator for each category. A decision tree is utilized to help guide further action following the generation of a cumulative score by the evaluator. A total score of 0-2 requires no intervention, 3-9 requires the consideration of additional analgesic administration, and a pain score ≥ 10 warrants the consideration of additional multimodal analgesia. Results: A novel pain scoring system and decision tree specifically designed for sheep undergoing thoracotomy in a biomedical research environment was developed and successfully utilized. Out of 102 postoperative pain scores measured, 86 scores were <2. There were 17/102 postoperative pain scores ≥3, which typically resulted in the administration of supplemental rescue analgesia in the immediate postoperative period. Conclusions: A novel pain scoring system was developed and utilized in a biomedical research environment for evaluating postoperative pain in sheep undergoing thoracotomy for implantation of a ventricular assist device. Further studies are necessary to validate the reliability of this novel pain scoring system.

Emerging Adults and Recovery Capital: Barriers and Facilitators to Recovery.

INTRODUCTION: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are chronic, relapsing brain disorders associated with morbidity, mortality, and high healthcare costs. Emerging adults are particularly vulnerable, with twice the risk of developing an SUD relative to their adult or adolescent counterparts. Emerging adults in addiction and recovery are understudied. Accordingly, the concept of recovery capital has been developed to account for the internal and external resources that an individual can mobilize to recover from an SUD. To better understand the barriers that contribute to relapse, we explored recovery capital among emerging adults. The aims of this phenomenological study were to explore and describe the experience of emerging adults in recovery and to identify the barriers and facilitators to their recovery. METHODS: The informants (n = 8) were 18-25 years old in recovery from SUDs. Data were collected in 2016 using semistructured interviews and subsequently analyzed in 2017 for emerging themes. RESULTS: Informants in this study reported challenges that may be unique to their age and stage of development. Informants reported residential and financial instability as barriers to recovery. Alternatively, informants reported spirituality and visible role models in recovery as facilitators of recovery. Finally, informants reported that the role of their families changed temporally throughout the course of their addiction to facilitate their recovery. CONCLUSION: The results from this study suggest that the developmental tasks facing emerging adults are exacerbated in addiction and recovery, which increases the likelihood of SUD relapse.

Impact of Different Perfusion Modalities on Coronary and Carotid Blood Flow Velocities in an Adult ECLS Swine Model.

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of nonpulsatile and ECG-synchronized pulsatile extracorporeal life support on coronary and carotid blood flow velocities using transthoracic echocardiography and vascular ultrasound, respectively. Nine adult swine were randomly separated into nonpulsatile (NP, n = 5) and pulsatile (P, N = 4) groups and placed on ECLS for 24 h using an i-cor ECLS system. Noninvasive transthoracic images of the left and right coronary artery and the left carotid artery were acquired at the pre-ECLS (baseline), 30 min, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 h on-ECLS stages. The mean diastolic velocity of the left and right coronary arteries in the NP group significantly decreased after 24 h on ECLS compared to the baseline and 30 min ECLS stages (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the mean diastolic velocity of the coronary arteries in the P group at 30 min, 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, and 24-h ECLS compared to baseline. The P group showed a smaller decrease in the mean diastolic velocity of coronary arteries between the 30-min ECLS and 3-, 6-, 9-, 13-, 24-h ECLS stages compared to the NP group. The diastolic velocity of the left carotid artery in the NP group significantly decreased during 24-h ECLS compared to the P group (P < 0.05). An ECG-synchronized pulsatile ECLS system appeared to maintain coronary and carotid artery diastolic velocities better than conventional nonpulsatile ECLS. Further investigation of the perfusion modes during ECLS is warranted.

Sex differences in antinociceptive response to Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and CP 55,940 in the mouse formalin test.

Cannabinoids have shown promise for the treatment of intractable pain states and may represent an alternative pharmacotherapy for pain management. A growing body of clinical evidence suggests a role for sex in pain perception and in cannabinoid response. We examined cannabinoid sensitivity and tolerance in male and female mice expressing a desensitization-resistant form (S426A/S430A) of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R). Mice were assessed for acute and inflammatory nociceptive behaviors in the formalin test following pretreatment with either vehicle or mixed CB1R/CB2R agonists, Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol ([INCREMENT]-THC) (1-6 mg/kg) or CP 55,940 (0.06-0.2 mg/kg). Tolerance to the effects of 6 mg/kg [INCREMENT]-THC or 0.1 mg/kg CP 55,940 was examined by the formalin test following chronic daily dosing. Female mice showed decreased sensitivity to the effects of [INCREMENT]-THC and CP 55,940 compared with male mice. The S426A/S430A mutation increased the attenuation of nociceptive behaviors for both agonists in both sexes. Female mice displayed delayed tolerance to [INCREMENT]-THC compared with male mice, whereas the S426A/S430A mutation conferred a delay in tolerance to [INCREMENT]-THC in both sexes. Male S426A/S430A mutant mice also display resistance to tolerance to CP 55,940 compared with wild-type controls. This study demonstrates sex and genotype differences in response for two different cannabinoid agonists. The results underscore the importance of including both male and female mice in preclinical studies of pain and cannabinoid pharmacology.

Benefits and Challenges of Developing a Customized Rubric for Curricular Review of a Residency Program in Laboratory Animal Medicine.

Rigorous curricular review of post-graduate veterinary medical residency programs is in the best interest of program directors in light of the requirements and needs of specialty colleges, graduate school administrations, and other stakeholders including prospective students and employers. Although minimum standards for training are typically provided by specialty colleges, mechanisms for evaluation are left to the discretion of program directors. The paucity of information available describing best practices for curricular assessment of veterinary medical specialty training programs makes resources from other medical fields essential to informing the assessment process. Here we describe the development of a rubric used to evaluate courses in a 3-year American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM)-recognized residency training program culminating in a Master of Science degree. This rubric, based on examples from medical education and other fields of graduate study, provided transparent criteria for evaluation that were consistent with stakeholder needs and institutional initiatives. However, its use caused delays in the curricular review process as two significant obstacles to refinement were brought to light: variation in formal education in curriculum design and significant differences in teaching philosophies among faculty. The evaluation process was able to move forward after institutional resources were used to provide faculty development in curriculum design. The use of a customized rubric is recommended as a best practice for curricular refinement for residency programs because it results in transparency of the review process and can reveal obstacles to change that would otherwise remain unaddressed.

Bacterial amyloid curli acts as a carrier for DNA to elicit an autoimmune response via TLR2 and TLR9.

Bacterial biofilms are associated with numerous human infections. The predominant protein expressed in enteric biofilms is the amyloid curli, which forms highly immunogenic complexes with DNA. Infection with curli-expressing bacteria or systemic exposure to purified curli-DNA complexes triggers autoimmunity via the generation of type I interferons (IFNs) and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies. Here, we show that DNA complexed with amyloid curli powerfully stimulates Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) through a two-step mechanism. First, the cross beta-sheet structure of curli is bound by cell-surface Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), enabling internalization of the complex into endosomes. After internalization, the curli-DNA immune complex binds strongly to endosomal TLR9, inducing production of type I IFNs. Analysis of wild-type and TLR2-deficient macrophages showed that TLR2 is the major receptor that drives the internalization of curli-DNA complexes. Suppression of TLR2 internalization via endocytosis inhibitors led to a significant decrease in Ifnß expression. Confocal microscopy analysis confirmed that the TLR2-bound curli was required for shuttling of DNA to endosomal TLR9. Structural analysis using small-angle X-ray scattering revealed that incorporation of DNA into curli fibrils resulted in the formation of ordered curli-DNA immune complexes. Curli organizes parallel, double-stranded DNA rods at an inter-DNA spacing that matches up well with the steric size of TLR9. We also found that production of anti-double-stranded DNA autoantibodies in response to curli-DNA was attenuated in TLR2- and TLR9-deficient mice and in mice deficient in both TLR2 and TLR9 compared to wild-type mice, suggesting that both innate immune receptors are critical for shaping the autoimmune adaptive immune response. We also detected significantly lower levels of interferon-stimulated gene expression in response to purified curli-DNA in TLR2 and TLR9 deficient mice compared to wild-type mice, confirming that TLR2 and TLR9 are required for the induction of type I IFNs. Finally, we showed that curli-DNA complexes, but not cellulose, were responsible elicitation of the immune responses to bacterial biofilms. This study defines the series of events that lead to the severe pro-autoimmune effects of amyloid-expressing bacteria and suggest a mechanism by which amyloid curli acts as a carrier to break immune tolerance to DNA, leading to the activation of TLR9, production of type I IFNs, and subsequent production of autoantibodies.

Ultrasound-guided vessel catheterization in adult Yorkshire cross-bred pigs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an ultrasound-guided approach for venous and arterial vascular access and catheterization in anesthetized adult Yorkshire cross-bred pigs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental study. ANIMALS: Ten adult female Yorkshire cross-bred pigs, weighing 78.4 ± 5.6 kg (mean ± standard deviation). METHODS: Using ultrasound guidance and the Seldinger technique, a 7 Fr, 20 cm triple-lumen central venous catheter was placed in the external jugular vein and an 18 gauge, 16 cm catheter was placed in the femoral artery. The success rate of catheterization and the incidence of catheter patency over 24 hours of general anesthesia were recorded. RESULTS: Catheterization of the external jugular vein was successful in 10 out of 10 pigs and catheterization of the femoral artery was successful in eight out of 10 pigs. A surgical dissection technique on the femoral artery was performed in two pigs. Venous and arterial catheter patency was maintained in all pigs over the 24 hour study period. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasound guidance resulted in success rates of 100% for catheterization of the external jugular vein and 80% for catheterization of the femoral artery in anesthetized adult Yorkshire cross-bred pigs. This technique is a noninvasive, easily performed alternative to surgical exposure of the vessels in large pigs undergoing surgical instrumentation for biomedical device testing.

In Vivo Hemodynamic Performance Evaluation of Novel Electrocardiogram-Synchronized Pulsatile and Nonpulsatile Extracorporeal Life Support Systems in an Adult Swine Model.

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate a novel electrocardiogram (ECG)-synchronized pulsatile extracorporeal life support (ECLS) system for adult partial mechanical circulatory support for adequate quality of pulsatility and enhanced hemodynamic energy generation in an in vivo animal model. The secondary aim was to assess end-organ protection during nonpulsatile versus synchronized pulsatile flow mode. Ten adult swine were randomly divided into a nonpulsatile group (NP, n = 5) and pulsatile group (P, n = 5), and placed on ECLS for 24 h using an i-cor system consisting of an i-cor diagonal pump, an iLA membrane ventilator, an 18 Fr femoral arterial cannula and a 23/25 Fr femoral venous cannula. Trials were conducted at a flow rate of 2.5 L/min using nonpulsatile or pulsatile mode (with assist ratio 1:1). Real-time pressure and flow data were recorded using a custom-based data acquisition system. To the best of our knowledge, the oxygenator and circuit pressure drops were the lowest for any available system in both groups. The ECG-synchronized i-cor ECLS system was able to trigger pulsatile flow in the porcine model. After 24-h ECLS, energy equivalent pressure, surplus hemodynamic energy, and total hemodynamic energy at preoxygenator and prearterial cannula sites were significantly higher in the P group than those in the NP group (P < 0.05). Urine output was higher in P versus NP (3379 ± 443 mL vs. NP, 2598 ± 1012 mL), and the P group seemed to require less inotropic support, but both did not reach statistical significances (P > 0.05). The novel i-cor system performed well in the nonpulsatile and ECG-synchronized pulsatile mode in an adult animal ECLS model. The iLA membrane oxygenator had an extremely lower transmembrane pressure gradient and excellent gas exchange capability. Our findings suggest that ECG-triggered pulsatile ECLS provides superior end-organ protection with improved renal function and systemic vascular tone.

Housing conditions modulate the severity of Mycoplasma pulmonis infection in mice deficient in class A scavenger receptor.

Mycoplasmosis is a frequent causative microbial agent of community-acquired pneumonia and has been linked to exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The macrophage class A scavenger receptor (SRA) facilitates the clearance of noxious particles, oxidants, and infectious organisms by alveolar macrophages. We examined wildtype and SRA(-/-) mice, housed in either individually ventilated or static filter-top cages that were cycled with fresh bedding every 14 d, as a model of gene-environment interaction on the outcome of pulmonary Mycoplasma pulmonis infection. Intracage NH3 gas measurements were recorded daily prior to infection. Mice were intranasally infected with 1 × 10(7) cfu M. pulmonis UAB CT and evaluated at 3, 7, and 14 d after inoculation. Wildtype mice cleared 99.5% of pulmonary M. pulmonis by 3 d after infection but remained chronically infected through the study. SRA (-/-) mice were chronically infected with 40-fold higher mycoplasma numbers than were wildtype mice. M. pulmonis caused a chronic mixed inflammatory response that was accompanied with high levels of IL1ß, KC, MCP1, and TNFα in SRA(-/-) mice, whereas pulmonary inflammation in WT mice was represented by a monocytosis with elevation of IL1ß. Housing had a prominent influence on the severity and persistence of mycoplasmosis in SRA(-/-) mice. SRA(-/-) mice housed in static cages had an improved recovery and significant changes in surfactant proteins SPA and SPD compared with baseline levels. These results indicate that SRA is required to prevent chronic mycoplasma infection of the lung. Furthermore, environmental conditions may exacerbate chronic inflammation in M. pulmonis-infected SRA(-/-) mice.

Fatal clostridium septicum myonecrosis in a captive canada lynx (Lynx canadensis).

A 1-yr-old female Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) presented for sudden onset of rapidly progressive bilateral pelvic limb paralysis. The lynx was chemically immobilized to perform a physical examination but expired shortly thereafter. On postmortem radiographs, there were myriad small irregular, round-to-spherical gas densities within the skeletal muscle of the right thigh and epaxial musculature. At gross necropsy, the muscles of the right thigh, right lateral abdominal wall, and epaxial region were emphysematous and necrohemorrhagic, with subcutaneous and muscular crepitant swelling. Multiple skin puncture wounds, consistent with bites, were present over the affected tissues. Clostridium septicum was isolated in pure anaerobic culture from the musculature of the right hind limb. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of acute, severe necrohemorrhagic and gangrenous myositis and cellulitis. Gram stains demonstrated large gram-positive bacilli with subterminal spores. This is the first known documented case of C. septicum myonecrosis in a nondomestic felid.