Left atrial measurement in lateral versus sternal recumbency in cats undergoing focused cardiac ultrasound examination.

Objective: To compare left atrial measurements carried out by an emergency and critical care (ECC) clinician on cats in lateral and sternal recumbency. Animals and procedures: A prospective observational study was conducted between December 2019 and January 2021 at the university teaching hospital at University of Liège. One hundred and two hospitalized cats were enrolled. Focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) was performed in right lateral and sternal recumbency by a single FOCUS-trained ECC resident. Standard right parasternal long- and short-axis views were recorded. After randomization of the cineloops, the same blinded resident measured maximal left atrial dimension (LAD) and the ratio of left atrial to aortic diameter (LA:Ao). Reproducibility was assessed using the Bland-Altman method. Results: The LA:Ao and LAD measurements in lateral (LA:Ao median: 1.37, range: 1.02 to 3.22; LAD median: 13.25, range: 7.90 to 32.90) and sternal (LA:Ao median: 1.38, range: 1.06 to 3.22; LAD median: 13.00, range: 8.00 to 32.90) recumbency were not significantly different (bias: -0.003, CI -0.014, 0.007; and bias: -0.101, CI -0.231, 0.029, respectively). Conclusions and clinical relevance: The FOCUS technique was successfully applied in sternal recumbency in almost all cats. The LAD and LA:Ao measured in sternal and lateral recumbency were not significantly different. Cardiac left atrial measurements obtained using FOCUS can be reliably assessed in sternal recumbency in hospitalized, stable cats.

Mesure de l'oreillette gauche en décubitus latéral versus sternal chez les chats soumis à une échographie cardiaque focalisée. Objectif: Comparer les mesures de l'oreillette gauche effectuées par un clinicien des urgences et soins intensifs (ECC) sur des chats en décubitus latéral et sternal. Animaux et procédures: Une étude observationnelle prospective a été menée entre décembre 2019 et janvier 2021 au CHU de l'Université de Liège. Cent deux chats hospitalisés ont été enrôlés. L'échographie cardiaque focalisée (FOCUS) a été réalisée en décubitus latéral droit et sternal par un seul résident ECC formé au FOCUS. Des vues parasternales droites grand et petit axe standards ont été enregistrées. Après randomisation des cineloops, le même résident en aveugle a mesuré la dimension auriculaire gauche maximale (LAD) et le rapport entre le diamètre de l'oreillette gauche et celui de l'aorte (LA:Ao). La reproductibilité a été évaluée à l'aide de la méthode de Bland-Altman. Résultats: Les mesures LA:Ao et LAD en décubitus latéral (LA:Ao médian : 1,37, intervalle : 1,02 à 3,22; LAD médian : 13,25, intervalle : 7,90 à 32,90) et sternal (LA:Ao médian : 1,38, intervalle : 1,06 à 3,22; médiane LAD : 13,00, intervalle : 8,00 à 32,90) n'étaient pas significativement différents (biais : −0,003, IC −0,014, 0,007; et biais : −0,101, IC −0,231, 0,029, respectivement). Conclusions et pertinence clinique: La technique FOCUS a été appliquée avec succès en décubitus sternal chez presque tous les chats. Le LAD et LA:Ao mesurés en décubitus sternal et latéral n'étaient pas significativement différents. Les mesures de l'oreillette cardiaque gauche obtenues à l'aide de FOCUS peuvent être évaluées de manière fiable en décubitus sternal chez les chats hospitalisés et stables.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Incidence of superficial abdominal organ identification is similar using high-frequency linear (transrectal) and low-frequency curvilinear (abdominal) transducers in clinically healthy horses: A pilot study.

Abdominal organ displacement is a potentially life-threatening condition in horses. Primary care veterinarians commonly make referral decisions based on a combination of clinical and ultrasonographic findings. However, published studies describing the effects of transducer on identifying abdominal organ locations in horses are currently lacking. The objective of this prospective, methods comparison, pilot study was to compare organ identification using a high-frequency linear (transrectal) transducer and a low-frequency curvilinear (abdominal) transducer for transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonography of healthy horses. Twelve clinically normal adult horses owned by the University of Calgary were enrolled in the study. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed by four practitioners, each randomly assigned to an alternating rotation of transrectal or abdominal transducer and left or right side of a horse. Using a Chi square test or Fisher's exact test, the frequency of identification for each organ was compared between both transducers. There was no significant difference in organ identification on the right side of the abdomen. On the left side, the stomach, liver, and kidney were less likely to be detected with the transrectal transducer. Compared with a low-frequency abdominal transducer, a high-frequency linear transrectal transducer delivers images that allow for organ identification in transcutaneous ultrasonography of the equine abdomen except for the left kidney, left liver, and stomach.

Evaluation of intramuscular sodium nitroprusside injection to improve oxygenation in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) anesthetized with medetomidine-alfaxalone-azaperone.

OBJECTIVE: In ungulates, α2-adrenergic agonists can decrease oxygenation possibly through alteration of pulmonary perfusion. Sodium nitroprusside can decrease pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and increase cardiac output (Q˙t) through vasodilation. The objective was to determine if sodium nitroprusside would improve pulmonary perfusion and attenuate the increased alveolar-arterial (a-a) gradient resulting from medetomidine-azaperone-alfaxalone (MAA) administration. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, crossover study with a 2 week rest period. ANIMALS: A group of eight adult female captive white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). METHODS: Deer were administered MAA intramuscularly (IM), and auricular artery and pulmonary artery balloon catheters were placed. Deer spontaneously breathed air. Saline or sodium nitroprusside (0.07 mg kg-1) were administered IM 40 minutes after MAA injection. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP), pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP), right atrial pressure (RAP), Q˙t, arterial pH, PaCO2 and PaO2 were obtained immediately before nitroprusside injection (baseline) and 5, 10 and 15 minutes afterwards. Mixed venous blood samples were obtained at baseline and at 5 minutes. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR), PVR, intrapulmonary shunt fraction (Q˙s/Q˙t), a-a gradient, oxygen delivery (D˙O2) and oxygen extraction ratio (O2ER) were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed with repeated measures analysis of variance with correction factors. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: With nitroprusside, MAP, MPAP, PAOP, RAP, SVR and O2ER significantly decreased and HR, Q˙t and D˙O2 increased compared with baseline and between treatments. There was a significant decrease in PVR and a-a gradient and increase in PaO2 compared with baseline and saline treatment. Changes were not sustained. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nitroprusside temporarily changed hemodynamic variables, increased PaO2 and decreased a-a gradient. Nitroprusside possibly led to better pulmonary perfusion of ventilated alveoli. However, IM nitroprusside at this dose is not recommended because of severe systemic hypotension and short action.

The use of veterinary point-of-care ultrasound by veterinarians: A nationwide Canadian survey.

This survey assessed how veterinary point-of-care ultrasound (VPOCUS), including abdominal and thoracic focused assessment with sonography for trauma (AFAST, TFAST), is used across Canada. Seventy-four veterinarians completed an online survey; 88% (65/74) used ultrasound, 94% (61/65) performed AFAST, and 69% (45/65) performed TFAST. Reasons for not performing VPOCUS included no machine/poor quality machine, lack of experience/confidence, and lack of training/education. Abdominal effusion, and pleural and pericardial effusion were the most frequently diagnosed AFAST and TFAST pathologies, respectively. Lung and cardiovascular ultrasound examinations were infrequently performed. Subpleural consolidation was rarely included in VPOCUS. Most respondents performed VPOCUS, with AFAST being more frequently and confidently preformed than TFAST. More training, education, and standardization of techniques appear to be key elements to help build confidence and experience, particularly with regard to TFAST applications and diagnosis.

Utilisation de l'échographie au lieu d'intervention par les vétérinaires : une enquête pancanadienne. Cette enquête visait à évaluer comment l'échographie au lieu d'intervention vétérinaire (VPOCUS), incluant l'évaluation abdominale et thoracique avec l'échographe pour un trauma (AFAST, TFAST), est utilisée à travers le Canada. Soixante-quatorze vétérinaires ont complété une enquête en ligne; 88 % (65/74) utilisait l'échographie, 94 % (61/65) effectuaient AFAST et 69 % (45/65) effectuaient TFAST. Les raisons invoquées pour ne pas effectuer VPOCUS incluaient aucun appareil/équipement de pauvre qualité, manque d'expérience/confiance et manque de pratique/formation. Les effusions abdominales de même que les effusions pleurales et péricardiques étaient les pathologies AFAST et TFAST les plus fréquemment diagnostiquées, respectivement. Les examens échographiques pulmonaires et cardiovasculaires étaient effectués peu fréquemment. La consolidation sub-pleurale était rarement incluse dans les VPOCUS. La plupart des répondants réalisaient VPOCUS, avec AFAST effectué plus fréquemment et avec plus de confiance que TFAST. Plus de pratique, de formation et de standardisation des techniques semblent des éléments clés pour aider à bâtir la confiance et l'expérience, particulièrement en ce qui concerne les applications et le diagnostic des TFAST.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

COMPARISON OF THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF MEDETOMIDINE-KETAMINE VERSUS MEDETOMIDINE-AZAPERONE-ALFAXALONE COMBINATION IN FREE-RANGING ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN SHEEP ( OVIS CANADENSIS).

Chemical immobilization is a key aspect of wildlife management. To minimize dose-dependent adverse effects, immobilization protocols often include two or more synergistic agents, which allows for reductions in individual drug dosages. Free-ranging bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis) in Canada ( n = 74) were remotely injected with a combination of medetomidine (0.16 ± 0.04 mg/kg) and ketamine (4.0 ± 1.4 mg/kg) (MK), or combination of medetomidine (0.14 ± 0.06 mg/kg), azaperone (0.21 ± 0.11 mg/kg), and alfaxalone (0.45 ± 0.21 mg/kg) (MAA). Once recumbency was achieved, arterial blood samples were collected and immediately analyzed for blood gas and acid-base status. Rectal temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate were recorded upon recumbency and throughout anesthesia at 5-15 min intervals. At conclusion of the procedures, medetomidine was reversed by intramuscular atipamezole at five times the medetomidine dose. Induction times (mean ± standard deviation) of animals that became immobilized with one dart (8.7 ± 3.2 min, 7.3 ± 3.9 min) and recovery times of all animals (3.4 ± 1.5 min, 3.9 ± 1.6 min) were not significantly different between MK and MAA groups, respectively. Both MK and MAA groups experienced severe hypoxemia (PaO2 42 ± 9 mmHg, 40 ± 10 mmHg, respectively). PaCO2 was significantly higher ( P = 0.0248) in the MK group (median 54 mmHg) than the MAA group (median 48 mmHg) with a trend towards lower pH (7.40 vs 7.42, respectively, P = 0.07). Initially, MK animals had higher heart rates than MAA animals (median 49 vs 40 beats/min), which decreased over time. In bighorn sheep, both MK and MAA produced reliable, reversible immobilization with smooth inductions and recoveries. However, less respiratory depression was seen with MAA than MK.

Comparison of tranexamic acid plasma concentrations when administered via intraosseous and intravenous routes.

INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of information regarding intraosseous (IO) administration of tranexamic acid (TXA). Our hypothesis was that a single bolus IO injection of TXA will have a similar pharmacokinetic profile to TXA administered at the same dose IV. METHODS: Sixteen male Landrace cross swine (mean body weight 27.6±2.6kg) were divided into an IV group (n=8) and an IO group (n=8). Each animal received 30mg/kg TXA via an IV or IO catheter, respectively. Jugular blood samples were collected for pharmacokinetic analysis over a 3h period. The maximum TXA plasma concentration (Cmax) and corresponding time as well as distribution half-life, elimination half-life, area under the curve, plasma clearance and volume of distribution were calculated. One- and two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures (time, group) with Tukey's and Bonferonni post hoc tests were used to compare TXA plasma concentrations within and between groups, respectively. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of TXA were significantly higher (p<0.0001) in the IV group during the TXA infusion. Cmax occurred at 4min after initiation of the bolus in the IV group (9.36±3.20ng/µl) and at 5min after initiation of the bolus in the IO group (4.46±0.49ng/µl). Plasma concentrations were very similar from the completion of injection onwards. There were no significant differences between the two administration routes for any other pharmacokinetic variables measured. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support pharmacokinetic bioequivalence of IO and IV administration of TXA.

Evaluation of a portable oxygen concentrator to provide fresh gas flow to dogs undergoing anesthesia.

This study evaluated the ability of a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) to provide fresh gas to an anesthetic machine via an Ayre's T-piece or a Bain circuit. Fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) was compared at flows of 0.5 to 3.0 L/min. Measured FiO2 was 96% at flow rates ≥ 1 L/min. Mean battery life at 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 L/min was 4.21 ± 0.45, 2.62 ± 0.37 and 1.5 ± 0.07 hours, respectively. The POC proved to be useful and effective during 2 power outages. The POC was sufficient to prevent rebreathing in 70% of dogs using a T-piece circuit and 20% of dogs with a Bain circuit. A significant negative correlation between inspired CO2 and O2 flow rates was noted. A significant positive correlation between inspired CO2 and ETCO2 was documented. The occurrence of hypercarbia was associated with low O2 flow. Battery back-up was essential during power outages. The POC can be effectively used for delivery of anesthesia.

Évaluation d'un concentrateur d'oxygène portable pour fournir une circulation de gaz frais aux chiens subissant une anesthésie. Cette étude a évalué la capacité d'un concentrateur d'oxygène portable (COP) à fournir du gaz frais à l'aide d'une pièce en T d'Ayre ou d'un circuit de Bain. La fraction d'oxygène inspiré (FiO2) a été comparée à des débits de 0,5 à 3,0 L/min. La FiO2 mesurée était de 96 % à des taux de débit de ≥ 1 L/min. La durée de vie moyenne de la batterie à 1,0, à 2,0 et à 3,0 L/min était de 4,21 ± 0,45, de 2,62 ± 0,37 et 1,5 ± 0,07 heures, respectivement. Le COP s'est avéré utile et efficace durant deux pannes d'électricité. Le COP a été suffisant pour prévenir la réinspiration chez 70 % des chiens en utilisant un circuit de pièce en T et un circuit de Bain chez 20 % des chiens. Une corrélation négative importante entre le CO2 inspiré et les taux de débit d'O2 a été observée. Une corrélation positive importante entre le CO2 inspiré et l' ETCO2 a été documentée. L'occurrence de l'hypercarbie était associée à un faible débit d'O2. Une batterie de secours était essentielle durant les pannes d'électricité. Le COP peut être efficacement utilisé pour fournir de l'anesthésie.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Efficacy of a portable oxygen concentrator with pulsed delivery for treatment of hypoxemia during equine field anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: Hypoxemia is common during equine field anesthesia. Our hypothesis was that oxygen therapy from a portable oxygen concentrator would increase PaO2 during field anesthesia compared with the breathing of ambient air. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Fifteen yearling (250 - 400 kg) horses during field castration. METHODS: Horses were maintained in dorsal recumbency during anesthesia with an intravenous infusion of 2000 mg ketamine and 500 mg xylazine in 1 L of 5% guaifenesin. Arterial samples for blood gas analysis were collected immediately post-induction (PI), and at 15 and 30 minutes PI. The control group (n = 6) breathed ambient air. The treatment group (n = 9) were administered pulsed-flow oxygen (192 mL per bolus) by nasal insufflation during inspiration for 15 minutes PI, then breathed ambient air. The study was performed at 1300 m above sea level. One-way and two-way repeated-measures anova with post-hoc Bonferroni tests were used for within and between-group comparisons, respectively. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Mean ± SD PaO2 in controls at 0, 15 and 30 minutes PI were 46 ± 7 mmHg (6.1 ± 0.9 kPa), 42 ± 9 mmHg (5.6 ± 1.1 kPa), and 48 ± 7 mmHg (6.4 ± 0.1 kPa), respectively (p = 0.4). In treatment animals, oxygen administration significantly increased PaO2 at 15 minutes PI to 60 ± 13 mmHg (8.0 ± 1.7 kPa), compared with baseline values of 46 ± 8 mmHg (6.1 ± 1 kPa) (p = 0.007), and 30 minute PI values of 48 ± 7 mmHg (6.5 ± 0.9 kPa) (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: These data show that a pulsed-flow delivery of oxygen can increase PaO2 in dorsally recumbent horses during field anesthesia with ketamine-xylazine-guaifenesin. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The portable oxygen concentrator may help combat hypoxemia during field anesthesia in horses.

Cranial vena cava syndrome secondary to cryptococcal mediastinal granuloma in a cat.

The successful management of cranial vena cava syndrome with suspected secondary chylothorax due to mediastinal cryptococcal granuloma in a 4-year-old male domestic shorthair cat is described. Treatment included long-term antifungal medication, short-term corticosteroids, intermittent thoracocentesis, rutin, octreotide, and enalapril.

Syndrome de la veine cave crâniale secondaire à un granulome médiastinal àCryptococcuschez un chat. La gestion réussie d'un syndrome de veine cave crâniale accompagnée d'un chylothorax secondaire suspecté causé par un granulome médiastinal à Cryptococcus chez un chat commun mâle âgé de 4 ans est décrite. Le traitement a inclus une médication antifongique à long terme, des corticostéroïdes à court terme, une thoracentèse intermittente, de la rutine, de l'octréotide et de l'énalapril.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Evaluation of coagulation via thromboelastography in healthy horses administered dexamethasone.

Dexamethasone was administered to healthy horses daily for 7 days. Blood samples were collected at 3 time points from both treatment and non-treatment groups, and analyzed via thromboelastography (TEG). There were no significant differences in TEG parameters between treated and untreated horses, or within treatment groups over time.

Évaluation de la coagulation par une thrombo-élastographie chez des chevaux en santé ayant reçu de de la dexaméthasone. La dexaméthasone a été administrée à des chevaux en santé pendant 7 jours. Des échantillons de sang ont été prélevés à trois moments auprès des groupes de traitement et des groupes sans traitement et ensuite analysés par thrombo-élastographie (TEG). Il n'y avait aucune différence significative dans le temps pour les paramètres TEG entre les chevaux traités et non traités ou à l'intérieur des groupes de traitement.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Impact of a Dexmedetomidine Intravenous Infusion in Septic Dogs: Preliminary Study.

The purpose of this study was to determine if a continuous rate infusion (CRI) of dexmedetomidine decreases vasopressor requirements in septic dogs undergoing surgery. Vital parameters, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, vasopressor requirement, and 28-day mortality were recorded. Dogs were randomly divided into two groups: a dexmedetomidine (DEX) (1 mcg/kg/h) group and a control group (NaCl), which received an equivalent CRI of NaCl. Dogs were premedicated with fentanyl 5 mcg/kg IV, induced with propofol, and maintained with sevoflurane and a variable rate fentanyl infusion. DEX or NaCl infusions were started 10 min prior to induction. Fluid-responsive hypotensive patients received repeated Ringer's lactate boluses (2 mL/kg) until stable or they were no longer fluid-responsive. Patients that remained hypotensive following fluid boluses received norepinephrine at a starting dose of 0.05 mcg/kg/min, with increases of 0.05 mcg/kg/min. Rescue adrenaline boluses were administered (0.001 mg/kg) if normotension was not achieved within 30 min of starting norepinephrine. The NaCl group received a significantly higher dose of norepinephrine (0.8, 0.4-2 mcg/kg/min) than the DEX group (0.12, 0-0.86 mcg/kg/min). Mortality was statistically lower in the DEX group (1/10) vs. the NaCl group (5/6). Results of this study suggest that a 1 mcg/kg/h CRI of dexmedetomidine decreases the demand for intraoperative vasopressors and may improve survival in septic dogs.

Evaluation of B-lines with 2 point-of-care lung ultrasound protocols in cats with radiographically normal lungs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare 2 point-of-care lung ultrasound (LUS) protocols for quantification of B-lines in cats without evidence of respiratory disease based on history, physical examination, and thoracic radiography. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Single center, veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Fifty-seven cats without respiratory disease based on history, physical examination, and thoracic radiographs. INTERVENTIONS: All cats had 2 point-of-care LUS protocols performed bilaterally: a regional protocol (veterinary bedside lung ultrasound evaluation [VetBLUE]) and a more comprehensive vertical sweeping (VS) protocol. The total number of B-lines per cat, number of sites with B-lines, and maximal number of B-lines at each site were recorded and compared. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Ten cats (18%) had at least 1 B-line identified with VetBLUE, versus 29 (51%) with VS. Comparing protocols, VS had a statistically higher total number of B-lines per cat, higher number of sites with B-lines, and higher maximal number of B-lines per site. B-lines that were too numerous to count were identified at a single location in 1 cat with VetBLUE and 2 cats with VS. A maximum of 3 B-lines were identified at all other positive sites regardless of the protocol used. On average, it took 1.79 times longer to complete VS bilaterally compared to VetBLUE (median [interquartile range]: 140 [33] and 78 [14] s, respectively) (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates it is not uncommon to identify a single or even multiple B-lines in 1 or several sites on LUS in cats deemed to be clinically free of respiratory pathology-essential knowledge when using LUS as a screening test and to monitor intrathoracic lesions. In cats asymptomatic for respiratory disease, VS generally identifies more B-lines than VetBLUE, likely because it assesses a larger lung surface area. The sonographic identification of B-lines should be interpreted considering the LUS protocol used, history, and other diagnostics to determine their clinical significance.

Transport versus on-farm slaughter of bison: physiological stress, animal welfare, and avoidable trim losses.

Ranched bison are typically less acclimated to handling than are domesticated livestock, suggesting that they might be more vulnerable to handling and transportation stressors. Grain-finished bison were slaughtered on-farm (n = 11), or held for 48 h, transported to a research abattoir, held in lairage for 18 h, and then slaughtered (n = 11). An additional group (n = 10) was sampled at a conventional fixed location abattoir. Measures included serum cortisol and corticosterone concentrations during on-farm handling and exsanguination, serum glucose, creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and trim losses. Transport was associated with an increase in trim loss. On-farm, glucose was elevated, CPK was positively associated with handling order over 12 h, and corticosterone concentration, although lower than cortisol concentration, showed a greater response to prolonged disturbance. With appropriate on-farm handling facilities, the use of on-farm slaughter and mobile abattoir could avoid muscle damage and trim losses, and mitigate injuries sustained during handling and transport of bison.

Transport ou abattage des bisons à la ferme : stress physiologique, bien-être animal et pertes de viande évitables. Les bisons élevés dans un ranch sont habituellement moins accoutumés à la manipulation que le bétail domestiqué, ce qui suggère qu'ils sont plus vulnérables aux facteurs de stress liés à la manipulation et au transport. Des bisons engraissés au grain ont été abattus à la ferme (n = 11), ou détenus pendant 48 h, transportés à un abattoir de recherche, mis dans des installations d'attente pendant 18 h, puis abattus (n = 11). Un groupe additionnel (n = 10) a été échantillonné à un abattoir fixe conventionnel. Les mesures incluaient les concentrations de cortisol sérique et de corticostérone durant la manipulation et l'exsanguination à la ferme, le glucose sérique, la créatinine phosphokinase (CPK), l'aspartate aminotransférase (AST) et les pertes de viande. Le transport était associé à une hausse de la perte de viande. À la ferme, le glucose était élevé, la CPK était positivement associée à l'ordre de manipulation pendant 12 heures et la concentration de corticostérone, quoique inférieure à la concentration de cortisol, a montré une réponse plus élevée lors d'une perturbation prolongée. Avec des installations de manipulation à la ferme appropriées, l'utilisation de l'abattage à la ferme et d'un abattoir mobile pourrait éviter les dommages musculaires et les pertes de viande et atténuer les blessures subies durant la manipulation et le transport des bisons.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Markers of tissue perfusion and their relation to mortality in dogs with blunt trauma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate admission Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) score, shock index (SI), and markers of perfusion, including base excess (BE), plasma lactate, and lactate clearance in dogs with blunt trauma. DESIGN: Prospective observational clinical study from 2013 to 2015. SETTING: Private veterinary referral and emergency center. ANIMALS: Forty-four client-owned dogs hospitalized following blunt trauma. INTERVENTION: Within 1 hour of presentation and prior to fluid administration an initial hematocrit, total plasma protein, blood glucose, plasma lactate, blood gas, and electrolytes were obtained for analysis. Plasma lactate concentrations were also measured 4 and 8 hours following initial measurement, and a 4-hour lactate clearance was calculated if patients had an increased admission plasma lactate. ATT score and SI were calculated for each patient based on admission data. Outcome was defined as survival to hospital discharge. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-nine dogs survived, 14 were euthanized, and 1 died. Nonsurviving dogs had a lower mean pH (7.28 ± 0.03 vs 7.36 ± 0.01, P = 0.006), lower median HCO3 (15.7 vs 18.8 mmol/L, P = 0.004), lower median admission BE (-11.0 vs -7.0 mmol/L, P = 0.004), and higher median admission lactate (3.1 vs 2.4 mmol/L, P = 0.036) than those who survived. Median ATT was significantly higher in nonsurvivors (5 vsF 2, P < 0.001). The SI was not significantly different between survivors and nonsurvivors (P = 0.41). There was no difference in median 4-hour lactate (P = 0.34), median 8-hour lactate (P = 0.19), or 4-hour lactate clearance (P = 0.83) in survivors compared to nonsurvivors. No other statistically significant differences were noted between groups. CONCLUSION: Dogs hospitalized following blunt trauma with a lower admission pH, HCO3 , and BE and a higher admission plasma lactate were less likely to survive to hospital discharge. Median ATT score was also significantly higher in nonsurvivors. Although lactate clearance was not predictive of survival, the sample size was small, and additional studies with a larger study population are warranted.

Case report: Application of color Doppler sonography for the assessment of pulmonary consolidations in a dog.

A 1,5-year-old male Maltipoo was presented to the emergency service for dyspnea, weakness, and cough. An echocardiographic examination showed evidence of pulmonary hypertension with a McConnell sign. Lung ultrasound, including color Doppler, was performed and identified two distinct populations of lung consolidation. Color Doppler analysis of the first type of consolidation showed the absence of blood flow within regions of the consolidation and flow amputation. These findings were consistent with the "vascular sign" reported in human medicine and prompted consideration of pulmonary thromboembolism as a differential diagnosis. In the second type of consolidation, color Doppler identified blood flow within the pulmonary vessels of the consolidated lung, forming a "branching tree-like" pattern that followed the anatomical course of the pulmonary vasculature. These findings suggested that blood flow was preserved within the pulmonary vasculature of the consolidated lung and prompted consideration of inflammatory causes of pulmonary pathology. On recheck 6 days later, recanalization of the first type of consolidation was identified with color Doppler. The case was followed serially once a month for 5 months with LUS, which showed continued improvement. Based on a positive fecal Baermann test, a final diagnosis of Angiostrongylus vasorum was made. New or Unique information Provided-this is the first report of color Doppler LUS being used to characterize and help differentiate the cause of lung consolidation in dogs.

Comparison of transrectal and transabdominal transducers for use in fast localized abdominal sonography of horses presenting with colic.

Abdominal ultrasonography is valuable in the diagnosis of equine colic. Fast localized abdominal sonography of horses (FLASH) enables practitioners with limited experience to perform ultrasonography in emergency settings. However, many practitioners only possess rectal format linear array transducers (RFLT). The hypotheses are: (a) A low frequency curvilinear transducer (LFCT) and RFLT will detect free abdominal fluid and abnormal small intestinal loops with similar frequency during FLASH, and (b) there will be a difference between the transducers for detection of gastric abnormalities and nephrosplenic entrapment. The objective is to compare transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonographic detection of abnormalities in horses presenting with colic using a LFCT and RFLT. Twenty-four horses requiring FLASH for investigation of colic were enrolled. Horses that were too painful to undergo transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonographic examination were excluded. A single investigator performed FLASH on all horses using a RFLT, while one of three other clinicians simultaneously performed FLASH using a LFCT. Comparison of abnormal findings between the two transducers was performed using Chi square, Fisher's exact or Wilcoxon tests. The incidence of identification of abnormal findings was similar between the two transducers for all comparisons except the visibility of the left kidney and stomach (kidney LFCT 81.25% vs. RFLT 22.92%, stomach LFCT 87.5% vs. RFLT 62.5%). While there are limitations to using a RFLT to identify nephrosplenic entrapment of the colon and detection of the stomach, it reliably detects other common abnormalities, including peritoneal effusion, lesions of the small intestine, and changes to the wall of the large colon and cecum.

Retrospective evaluation of potential causes associated with clinically relevant hyperlactatemia in dogs with lymphoma.

The aim of this study was to determine whether or not canine lymphoma could be associated with a clinically relevant type B hyperlactatemia (> 2.5 mmol/L). The medical database from the University of Montreal Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital was searched for confirmed cases of canine lymphoma with a blood lactate measurement. Information retrieved included stage, clinical observations compatible with causes of type A and B hyperlactatemia other than cancer, hepatic involvement, and drugs administered. Twenty (40%) dogs were hyperlactatemic. Five dogs (10%) were classified as having cancer-related hyperlactatemia. Seventy-five percent of hyperlactatemic dogs had clinical evidence of type A hyperlactatemia. In addition to lymphoma, 70% of hyperlactatemic dogs had evidence of an additional cause of type B hyperlactatemia. A significant association (P = 0.01) was identified between corticosteroid administration and hyperlactatemia. Cytological, echographic, and/or biochemical tests revealed hepatic changes in all hyperlactatemic dogs. Lymphoma alone may not be sufficient to explain clinically relevant hyperlactatemia in dogs.

Measurement of vitamin A, vitamin E, selenium, and L-lactate in dogs with and without osteoarthritis secondary to ruptured cranial cruciate ligament.

This study compared vitamin A, vitamin E, selenium (Se), and L-lactate in blood and synovial fluid in 2 groups of 6 dogs; a control group (without OA) and an osteoarthritic group with spontaneous cranial cruciate ligament rupture and OA. Concentrations of vitamin E were significantly higher in serum than in synovial fluid in both OA (P = 0.006) and control (P = 0.0008) groups. Vitamin E concentration in synovial fluid was significantly higher in the OA group than in the control group (P = 0.009). Concentrations of Se were significantly higher in serum than in synovial fluid in both OA (P = 0.003) and control (P = 0.0006) groups. There were no significant differences in levels of Se, vitamin A, and L-lactate between the 2 groups. This is the first study to show an increased concentration of vitamin E in the synovial fluid of dogs with OA compared with dogs that did not have OA.

Mesure de la vitamine A, de la vitamine E, du sélénium et de L-lactate chez les chiens avec ou sans ostéo-arthrite causée par la rupture d'un ligament croisé crânial. Cette étude a comparé lesmesures de vitamine A, de vitamine E, de sélénium (Se) et de L-lactate dans le sang et le liquide synovial chez 2 groupes de 6 chiens; un groupe témoin (sans ostéo-arthrite) et un groupe atteint d'ostéo-arthrite présentant une rupture spontanée du ligament croisé crânial et de l'ostéo-arthrite. Les concentrations de vitamine E étaient significativement plus élevées dans le sérum que dans le liquide synovial du groupe atteint d'ostéo-arthrite OA (P = 0,006) et du groupe témoin (P = 0,0008). La concentration de vitamine E dans le liquide synovial était significativement supérieure dans le groupe atteint d'ostéo-arthrite que dans le groupe témoin (P = 0,009). Les concentrations de Se étaient significativement plus élevées dans le sérum que dans le liquide synovial du groupe atteint d'ostéo-arthrite (P = 0,003) et du groupe témoin (P = 0,0006). Il n'y avait pas de différences significatives dans les niveaux de Se, de vitamine A et de L-lactate entre les deux groupes. Il s'agit de la première étude pour démontrer une concentration accrue de vitamine E dans le liquide synovial des chiens atteints d'ostéo-arthrite comparativement à des chiens qui n'avaient pas l'ostéo-arthrite.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Ultrasonographically derived caudal vena cava parameters acquired in a standing position and lateral recumbency in healthy, lightly sedated cats: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of ultrasonographically measuring the caudal vena cava (CVC) at the subxiphoid view of healthy, lightly sedated cats in a standing position and lateral recumbency. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, experimental single-centre study. Twenty healthy research-purposed cats were enrolled. Two trained operators scanned each cat in two positions - standing and lateral recumbency - in a randomised order. CVC diameter was measured at the narrowest diameter during inspiration and at the widest diameter during expiration, at two anatomical locations along the CVC - where the CVC crosses the diaphragm (base) and 2 mm caudal to the diaphragm. The CVC collapsibility index (CVC-CI) was calculated for each site. Normalcy was assessed with a Shapiro-Wilk test. A one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey's test was used to compare inspiratory with expiratory values within and between groups. A paired t-test compared the CVC-CI between groups (P ⩽0.05 indicated statistical significance). Spearman's correlation and Bland-Altman analysis assessed inter-operator variability. RESULTS: All ultrasonographic data passed normalcy and were reported as mean ± SD. When compared with each other, inspiratory and expiratory values were statistically different for position, location and operator (all P <0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference between lateral recumbency or standing position for inspiratory, expiratory and CVC-CI values. Inter-operator variability was substantial, with operator 2 consistently obtaining smaller measurements than operator 1. The mean CVC-CI in lateral recumbency at the base was 24% for operator 1 and 37% for operator 2. For the same site in standing position, CVC-CI was 27% and 41% for operators 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This pilot study demonstrates that it is possible to ultrasonographically measure the CVC diameter in both lateral recumbency and a standing position in healthy, lightly sedated cats. However, measurements obtained are operator dependent with variability between individuals. Further studies are needed to determine if ultrasonographic CVC assessment will prove helpful in estimating intravascular volume status in cats.

Comparison of four different hematocrit assays and the effect of albumin on their measurements.

Clinical decisions are influenced by hematocrit values. Centrifugation (reference standard), conductivity, optical and impedance methods are often used interchangeably to measure hematocrit. The effects of albumin, which are known to affect conductivity methods, have not been evaluated for limits of agreement (LOA) between hematocrit assays in small animals. Canine venous blood was collected from 74 clinical cases and measured by centrifugation (n = 72), conductivity (n = 73), impedance (n = 24) and optical (n = 50) methods. Bland-Altman analysis determined bias (± SD) and 95% LOA between methods. There was a statistically significant difference between centrifugation hematocrit values and values obtained via conductivity (p < 0.0001), optical (p < 0.0001), and impedance (p = 0.0082) methods. The conductivity method underestimated hematocrit by 2.1 ± 2.9% (95% LOA -3.54 to 7.88), the optical method by 3.1 ± 3.6% (95% LOA -4.0 to 10.2), and the impedance method by 2.3 ± 3.7% (95% LOA -5 to 9.6) when compared to centrifuged hematocrit values. The hematocrit difference between conductivity and centrifugation methods was statistically different for low (4%, 0-5%), within reference limits (3%, -5 to 8%), and high (2%, -2 to 5%) albumin values, respectively (p = 0.02), with post-hoc analysis demonstrating that the difference occurred between the low and high albumin groups. This study confirms that albumin values outside reference limits can affect the conductivity method and that hematocrit values obtained via conductivity, optical and impedance methods underestimate values obtained via centrifugation. Therefore, the hematocrit methods cannot be used interchangeably. The wide limits of agreement also demonstrates that care must be taken when making clinical decisions with different hematocrit methodologies.