Lactate to Albumin Ratio Is Not Predictive of Outcome in Septic Dogs: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

The objective of this study was to investigate the value of the lactate to albumin ratio (L:A) as a prognostic marker for mortality in septic dogs. A single-center retrospective case-control study based on clinical record review was conducted at an academic teaching hospital. All records were extracted for diagnoses of bacterial sepsis, septic peritonitis, septic shock, or septicemia between February 2012 and October 2021. The study included 143 dogs. The most commonly identified sepsis diagnoses in dogs were septic peritonitis (55%; 78/143), unclassified sepsis (20%), and sepsis secondary to wounds or dermatological conditions (10%; 15/143). Median lactate and albumin for all dogs at presentation were 2.80 mmol/L and 2.6 g/dL, respectively; the median L:A ratio was 1.22. No clinically or statistically significant differences in lactate (P = 0.631), albumin (P = 0.695), or L:A (P = 0.908) were found between survivors and nonsurvivors.

Prospective pilot study utilizing changes in quantitative values obtained on serial fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma before and after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and carboplatin chemotherapy to assess for prediction of survival and therapeutic effectiveness.

Serial fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography-CT (PET/CT) is commonly used in human oncology to prognosticate and evaluate for therapeutic effectiveness. In this pilot study, dogs with naturally occurring appendicular osteosarcoma were evaluated with serial 18F-FDG PET/CT in an attempt to assess for response to therapy, prognostic factors, and appropriateness of imaging intervals. Fourteen dogs were enrolled in the trial. All dogs had the initial 18F-FDG PET/CT (PET1), with nine dogs having their end-of-therapy 18F-FDG PET/CT (EoT PET) 3 months after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to the primary tumor. The median percent change from the PET1 to the EoT PET for the standard uptake value maximum (SUVmax%) was -58% (range: -17 to -88%), metabolic tumor volume (MTV%) was -99.8% (range: -65 to -100%), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG%) was -99.8% (range: -75 to -100%), all of which were significant (P < .05, <.05, and <.05, respectively). On evaluation, it was found that volumes of GTV and CTV were significant for survival (P < .05 and <.05), MTV1, TLG1, and SUVmax on the EoT PET (SUVmaxEoT) were predictive of metastasis (P < .05), and the SUVmax% was significantly correlated to the time to first event (P < .05). Based on this data, serial 18F-FDG PET/CT performed 3 months after SBRT can show a significant reduction in avidity, and the quantitative data collected may help predict metastatic disease in canine appendicular osteosarcoma.

Development of a novel scoring system to predict mortality in canine patients with infection.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a novel illness severity scoring system to identify canine patients with infection that are at higher risk of mortality. KEY FINDINGS: Mentation (Modified Glasgow Coma Scale and the Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation mentation score), heart rate, pH, Pvco2, potassium, and total plasma protein were found to be associated with mortality on univariate analysis. Logistic regression found that mentation, heart rate, and Pvco2 combined to form the following score: [(100 × mentation score) + (3 × heart rate) + (10 × Pvco2], which was predictive of mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.88). A cutoff of 900 provided a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 80%. If the cutoff was changed to 800, the sensitivity was 100% and the specificity was 50%. SIGNIFICANCE: A novel scoring system was developed to predict mortality in hospitalized dogs with confirmed or suspected infection. Further prospective evaluation in a larger patient cohort is necessary to validate this score.

Prognosis in meningoencephalitis of unknown origin in dogs: Risk factors associated with survival, clinical relapse, and long-term disability.

BACKGROUND: Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) comprises a group of noninfectious inflammatory diseases affecting the central nervous system of dogs. Previous studies have reported individual risk factors for survival but prognostication for MUO remains challenging. OBJECTIVES: Identify clinical prognostic variables in dogs with MUO. ANIMALS: A retrospective study of 447 dogs presented to 2 UK referral hospitals and diagnosed with MUO. METHODS: Medical records of dogs diagnosed with MUO were retrospectively reviewed. Multivariable logistic regression was used for the identification of risk factors for survival and Cox proportional hazards analysis for the identification of risk factors for clinical relapse. RESULTS: Eighty-two percent (366/447) of dogs with presumptive MUO survived to discharge and 63.5% (284/447) were alive at 6 months; 36% of the latter (103/284) had persistent neurological deficits. Breed (pugs; P = .03), epileptic seizures (P < .001), paresis (P < .001), and higher neurodisability scale (NDS) score (P < .001) at presentation were negatively associated with survival to 6 months. Dogs with persistent deficits had higher NDS scores on presentation (P = .001). Median follow-up time was 11 months (interquartile range [IQR], 1-24) and 50.6% (160/316) relapsed during treatment (median time to relapse, 7 months; IQR, 2-15). Incomplete resolution of the clinical signs during the 6 months after diagnosis (P < .001), higher NDS score (P < .001), and longer duration of the clinical signs (P < .001) were associated with relapse. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Knowledge of risk factors associated with survival, incomplete recovery and clinical relapse in MUO can help guide monitoring and treatment and improve owner communications regarding prognosis for this debilitating disease.

Resource setting impacts neonatal but not maternal survival in bitches treated for dystocia: 243 cases (2015-2020).

OBJECTIVE: To compare maternal and fetal outcomes of dystocia managed surgically and nonsurgically at referral hospitals (RHs) versus community medicine clinics (CMCs), determine the rate of C-section, and evaluate the incidence of hypoglycemia and hypocalcemia in bitches presented with dystocia. ANIMALS: Bitches presented with dystocia at 2 RHs and 2 CMCs. METHODS: Information on signalment, presence of hypoglycemia and/or hypocalcemia, diagnostic imaging performed, nonsurgical and surgical interventions performed, maternal and fetal outcomes, and total cost of care was obtained from the electronic medical records of bitches presenting for dystocia between October 2015 and October 2020. Descriptive statistics were performed and outcome compared between RHs and CMCs using a Fisher exact test, with a P < .05 considered significant. RESULTS: 230 bitches were evaluated with 243 separate episodes of dystocia, with 183 (75%) episodes treated at an RH and 60 (25%) at a CMC. There was a low incidence of hypoglycemia (5% [9/178]) and ionized hypocalcemia (1% [2/164]). Seventy-three percent (177/243) of bitches underwent surgical intervention, 25% (61/243) received nonsurgical management, and 2% (5/243) transferred to their primary veterinarian. There was no difference in survival for bitches operated at an RH compared with a CMC. However, bitches operated at an RH were more likely (P = .04) to be discharged with at least 1 live neonate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In bitches diagnosed with dystocia, hypoglycemia and hypocalcemia were rare. The majority of bitches underwent a C-section. The setting where the C-section was performed did not impact maternal survival.

[Impact of hypothyroidism on bitch fertility and neonatal mortality and morbidity - a review of the literature]. / Einfluss der Hypothyreose auf die Fruchtbarkeit bei der Hündin und die neonatale Mortalität und Morbidität ­ eine Literaturübersicht.

There are a few studies and case reports that postulate a connection between hypothyroidism and reproductive disorders in bitches and an increased neonatal mortality and morbidity in puppies. Other studies, however, cannot demonstrate a connection between hypothyroidism and reproductive disorders in bitches. In this work, the relevant literature is to be checked for its evidence. The connection between hypothyroidism and reproductive disorders in the bitch, puppy mortality and neonatal morbidity to hypothyroidism will be analyzed based on a literature review. For this purpose, the available German and international "English-language" literature from 1986 to January 2023 was analyzed. It turns out that only a small amount of literature contains high levels of scientific evidence, as it mostly consists of case reports and expert opinions. In some case reports a connection between estrous abnormalities, galactorrhoea and infertility and the presence of hypothyroidism could be seen, but in experimental studies and according to the opinion of other authors the connection between hypothyroidism and reproductive disorders does not exist. A negative influence of hypothyroidism on the birth process could not be clearly proven. In an experimental study, although the duration and intensity of uterine contractions were longer and weaker in animals with hypothyroidism, the interval between pup births was not affected. Only in the area of neonatal mortality and morbidity a connection with the hypothyroidism of the dam could be demonstrated. The puppies of affected bitches showed a lower birth weight and were weaker than puppies of euthyroid bitches. The importance of hypothyroidism for fertility in the bitch has not yet been documented in the literature, but this endocrinopathy seems to have an influence on neonatal vitality.

In-hospital mortality in dogs with protein-losing enteropathy and associated risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors associated with negative outcomes in dogs with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) are well documented. However, mortality before hospital discharge and associated risk factors are not well described. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Report the percentage of dogs with PLE that do not survive to hospital discharge and identify associated risk factors. ANIMALS: One-hundred and seven dogs presented to a referral hospital and diagnosed with PLE caused by inflammatory enteritis, intestinal lymphangiectasia or both. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study assessing hospital records. Data on in-hospital mortality and cause were assessed, and presenting signs, treatments prescribed, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, serum albumin, globulin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, and histopathologic findings were compared between survivors and non-survivors. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was 21.5% with the most common causes including financial limitations, failure to improve and aspiration pneumonia. Factors associated with mortality during hospitalization included longer duration of hospitalization (P = .04), longer duration of clinical signs (P = .02) and an increase in serum CRP concentration after 1-3 days of in-hospital treatment (P = .02). Higher mortality was identified in Pugs (odds ratio [OR], 4.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41-17.2; P = .01) and was a result of presumptive aspiration pneumonia in 5/6 of these dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Protein-losing enteropathy in dogs has substantial mortality during hospitalization. Monitoring for improvement in CRP concentration after treatment during hospitalization may help predict survival to discharge. Pugs have increased in-hospital mortality because of aspiration pneumonia; measures to prevent, recognize, and promptly treat this complication may improve outcomes in this breed.

Prognostic role of the updated Kiel classification in canine high-grade T-cell lymphomas.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine and describe the prognostic role of the morphological subtype determined according to the updated Kiel classification in dogs with high-grade T-cell lymphomas (HGTCLs) depending on the treatment applied. OBJECTIVES: The HGTCLs were classified into three subtypes according to the updated Kiel classification: pleomorphic mixed (PM), lymphoblastic lymphoma/acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and plasmacytoid (P). The treatment was divided into a palliative therapy (PlT) group and a chemotherapy (ChT) group. METHODS: The study was conducted between 2009 and 2017, and it enrolled 58 dogs in which cytomorphological and immunocytochemistry diagnoses were HGTCL. RESULTS: Overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in the ChT group (median OS-4 months, interquartile range [IQR] from 2 to 8 months) than in the PlT group (median OS-6 weeks, IQR from 1 week to 3 months). In the PlT group, PM subtype and glucocorticosteroids (GCSs) treatment proved significantly and independently linked to longer OS and approximately three-fold lower risk of death during the study period (adjusted hazard ratio [HRadj] = 0.26, confidence interval [CI] 95%: 0.08-0.81; p = 0.020 and HRadj = 0.30, CI 95%: 0.11-0.77; p = 0.013, respectively), although due to small group size, precision of estimations was poor (wide CI 95%). In the ChT group, >7 days elapsing between diagnosis and the beginning of chemotherapy and GCS treatment prior to chemotherapy were significantly associated with lower chance of complete remission (CR; p = 0.034 for both); GCS treatment prior to chemotherapy was significantly associated with shorter OS (p = 0.016); chemotherapy based on the modified CHOP protocol was significantly associated with higher chance of CR (p = 0.034) and longer OS (p = 0.039); and CR was significantly linked to longer OS (p = 0.001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The morphological subtype of HGTCL has some prognostic value in dogs treated palliatively (with PM subtype associated with longer OS than P subtype); however, this effect is no longer visible when a dog is treated with chemotherapy.

Potential prognostic indicators in dogs with advanced heart failure secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease.

BACKGROUND: Advanced heart failure (AHF) secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs has unclear predictive variables and survival time. METHODS: This retrospective study included 38 dogs with AHF and 38 with stable congestive heart failure (CHF), both due to MMVD. Predictive variables for AHF were analysed, and survival times were calculated using logistic regression and the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Left atrium to aortic root ratio, normalised left ventricular dimension at the end-diastole and end-systole, isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and early transmitral inflow velocity to IVRT ratio were associated with AHF progression. The median survival times were significantly longer in the stable group than in the AHF group. After AHF diagnosis, the median survival times for all-cause and cardiogenic mortality were 194 and 354 days, respectively. LIMITATIONS: This was a single-centre retrospective observational study. The study population was small, with breed bias (overrepresentation of Maltese dogs). Additionally, the treatment plans depended on clinical experience. CONCLUSIONS: AHF in dogs with CHF secondary to MMVD is linked to left heart chamber enlargement and increased left ventricular dimensions, significantly reducing survival time to around six months post-diagnosis. Early recognition and appropriate management may improve outcomes, highlighting the importance of advanced treatment strategies.

[Factors influencing inflammatory diseases in the bitch and the survival of her offsprings]. / Einflussfaktoren auf entzündliche Erkrankungen der Mutterhündin und das Überleben ihrer Nachkommen.

INTRODUCTION: Feeding raw meat is becoming increasingly common among dog owners. This feeding practice can pose a hygienic risk and can lead to health risks for dogs and their owners. Hygienically sound food rations, that are balanced in terms of all nutrients and energy, must be feed to breeding dogs. The aim of this study was to record the influence of raw feeding on the occurrence of mastitis, metritis and the survival of puppies. An online questionnaire was sent to kennel club registered dog breeders in Germany and Switzerland. A total of 531 litters were recorded and evaluated. Mastitis and/or metritis were present in 9,2 % and 2,8 % (n = 49 and n = 15, respectively) of the breeding bitches. 29 % (n = 154) of the breeders reported loss of puppies in the litter. The most common cause were stillbirths (n = 105 litters with 187 stillborn puppies), and/or early mortality (n = 50 litters with 73 puppies that died in the first 48 hours). The occurrence of puppy losses in the litter and/or a higher proportion of puppy losses in the litter was favored by increased body weight of the bitch in larger dog breeds, existing previous illnesses, previously reported gestation or postpartum problems, increasing length of the parturition phase and/or a cesarean section. A higher total number of surviving puppies was associated with increased weight and anamnestic reported health of the bitch and the use of milk powder instead of other milk substitutes. A relationship between raw feeding and the occurrence of mastitis, metritis, the total number of surviving puppies and/or the occurrence or proportion of pup losses in the litter and was not found in this study. However very few breeders in this cohort fed their bitches raw, which in turn was due to the random selection of breeders. Many years of breeding experience and the increasing parity of the bitch had a clearly positive influence on the health of the bitch.

INTRODUCTION: L'alimentation à base de viande crue est de plus en plus répandue parmi les propriétaires de chiens. Cette pratique alimentaire peut présenter un risque hygiénique et entraîner des dangers pour la santé des chiens et de leurs propriétaires. Des rations alimentaires hygiéniques et équilibrées en termes de nutriments et d'énergie doivent en particulier être données aux chiens reproducteurs. L'objectif de cette étude était d'enregistrer l'influence de l'alimentation crue sur l'apparition de mammites, de métrites et sur la survie des chiots. Un questionnaire en ligne a été envoyé aux éleveurs de chiens enregistrés auprès d'un club d'élevage en Allemagne et en Suisse. Au total, 531 portées ont été enregistrées et évaluées. Une mammite et/ou une métrite étaient présentes chez 9,2 % et 2,8 % (n = 49 et n = 15, respectivement) des chiennes reproductrices. 29 % (n = 154) des éleveurs ont signalé la perte de chiots dans la portée. La cause la plus fréquente était la mortinatalité (n = 105 portées avec 187 chiots mort-nés) et/ou la mortalité précoce (n = 50 portées avec 73 chiots morts dans les 48 premières heures). Les pertes de chiots dans la portée et/ou une proportion plus élevée de pertes de chiots dans la portée était favorisée par un poids corporel plus élevé de la chienne dans les grandes races de chiens, des maladies antérieures existantes, des problèmes de gestation ou de post-partum déjà signalés, une durée plus longue de la phase de parturition et/ou une césarienne. Un nombre total plus élevé de chiots survivants a été associé à un poids plus élevé et à un état de santé anamnestique de la chienne, ainsi qu'à l'utilisation de lait en poudre plutôt que d'autres substituts du lait. Cette étude n'a pas mis en évidence de lien entre l'alimentation crue et l'apparition de mammites, de métrites, le nombre total de chiots survivants et/ou l'apparition ou la proportion de pertes de chiots dans la portée. Cependant, très peu d'éleveurs de cette cohorte ont nourri leurs chiennes avec des aliments crus, ce qui est dû à la sélection aléatoire des éleveurs. Une longue expérience de l'élevage et l'augmentation de la parité de la chienne ont eu une influence clairement positive sur la santé de la chienne.

Retrospective evaluation of shock index and mortality in dogs with head trauma (2015-2020): 86 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between shock index (SI) and mortality in dogs with head trauma (HT). A secondary objective was to compare SI with the animal trauma triage (ATT) score and Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MCGS) score in HT cases. A tertiary aim was to assess if SI is predictive of survival to discharge or improvement in presenting neurologic signs. DESIGN: Retrospective study from January 2015 to December 2020. SETTING: Tertiary referral level II veterinary trauma center. ANIMALS: Eighty-six dogs with evidence of HT presenting through emergency for various traumas compared to 60 healthy control dogs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: SI was calculated using the quotient of heart rate over systolic blood pressure measured on presentation. SI was significantly higher in HT patients than healthy controls (P = 0.0019). SI was not significantly different between traumatic brain injury dogs that died or were euthanized and HT dogs that lived until the time of discharge (P = 0.98). SI was not significantly different between HT dogs that were neurologically normal at the time of discharge and HT dogs that were static or improved but not normal neurologically at the time of discharge (P = 0.84). In HT dogs, SI did not correlate with ATT score (P = 0.16) or MGCS score (P = 0.75). There was no significant difference in SI and length of hospitalization until death or discharge (P = 0.78). CONCLUSIONS: SI was significantly higher in HT patients compared to control patients. Interestingly, SI was not correlated with ATT score or MGCS score. The use of SI in HT patients warrants further investigation to assess the efficacy in predicting mortality.

Prognostic value of tumour-related factors associated with canine retroperitoneal hemangiosarcoma in comparison with other anatomic presentations: A retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Dogs with retroperitoneal hemangiosarcoma (HSA) exhibit variable postoperative median survival times (MST). OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the prognostic value of selected tumour-related factors, such as tumour size, rupture, invasion into adjacent tissue, involvement of lymph node and distant metastasis, they were analysed in dogs with retroperitoneal HSA. METHODS: Ten dogs with retroperitoneal HSA managed solely with surgical excision were reviewed and compared with spleen (71) and liver (9) HSA. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank analysis were used compare MSTs between factors. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazard analysis was used to compare differences between arising sites. RESULTS: Retroperitoneal HSA showed comparatively longer postoperative MST compared with that of spleen and liver HSA and demonstrated significantly longer MST (p = 0.003) for tumours ≥5 cm (195 days) than <5 cm (70 days). Spleen HSA revealed significantly shorter MSTs in involvement of distant lymph nodes (23 days) and distant metastasis (39 days) than those in negative (83 days, p = 0.002 and 110 days, p < 0.001, respectively). Liver HSA also revealed significantly shorter MST (16.5 days compared with 98 days, p = 0.003) for distant metastasis. Additionally, hazard ratios (HRs) and their forest plot for overall HSA revealed as poor prognostic factors, arising sites (spleen; HR 2.78, p = 0.016 and liver; HR 3.62, p = 0.019), involvement of distant lymph nodes (HR 2.43, p = 0.014), and distant metastasis (HR 2.86, p < 0.001), and as better prognostic factor of tumour size ≥5 cm (HR 0.53, p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: In combination with overall HSA, retroperitoneal HSA shows comparatively longer postoperative MST compared to spleen and liver HSA, associated with tumour size ≥5 cm suggesting better prognostic factor.

Treatment of retroperitoneal sarcoma results in improved outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes in a cohort of dogs with histologically confirmed retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) and to identify potential variables of prognostic significance. ANIMALS: 46 client-owned dogs from 10 clinics with histopathologic diagnosis of a sarcoma originating from the retroperitoneal space. METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to obtain information regarding clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes. Recorded variables were analyzed to report descriptive data for all cases and overall survival time. Multivariate analysis was utilized to evaluate prognostic factors for overall survival. RESULTS: Hemangiosarcoma was the most common histologic subtype diagnosed (76.1%). Cytoreductive and curative intent surgical excision of the RPS was attempted in 12 and 22 dogs, respectively; 12 dogs underwent no surgery or had an exploratory laparotomy with incisional biopsy only. Nineteen dogs received adjuvant chemotherapy, either injectable or metronomic, and 1 dog received adjuvant radiation therapy. Fourteen of the 34 (41.2%) surgically treated dogs developed evidence of local recurrence, but there was no difference in local recurrence when comparing dogs categorized as curative intent versus cytoreductive surgery. The median overall survival time was 238 days. On multivariable analysis, treatment approach was associated with survival with surgical excision (vs palliative treatment) and adjuvant chemotherapy following surgery being protective against death. A diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma was associated with a greater hazard of death. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study demonstrates a substantially greater survival time than previously published and suggests a survival benefit from surgical excision and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Prognostic factors and survival following radiation therapy for canine nasal tumors: A single-institution retrospective study of 166 cases.

Background: Prognostic factors in dogs with nasal tumors include several variables. However, factors that can measure prognosis have not yet been identified due to considerable divergence among reports. Aim: To describe the computed tomography (CT) imaging, treatment, and outcomes of dogs with nasal tumors, as well as detect negative prognostic factors through the analysis of a substantial number of cases from a single institution. Furthermore, based on CT findings, this study aimed to identify independent prognostic factors for nasal tumors in dogs. Methods: A total of 166 client-owned dogs were diagnosed with nasal tumors at Gifu University Veterinary Hospital between 2015 and 2019. Data were retrospectively collected from the electronic medical records. Results: Univariate analysis revealed a significant difference in survival time between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in 166 canine nasal tumors treated with megavoltage (MeV) radiation therapy at a single institution (p = .015). There was a significant difference in survival time between carcinoma and sarcoma (p = .04). Regarding CT imaging findings, significant differences in survival time were observed for frontal sinus invasion (p = .007), cribriform plate destruction (p < .001), and lymph node metastasis (p = .003). Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to assess frontal sinus invasion, cribriform plate destruction, histopathologic subtypes, and lymph node metastasis as negative prognostic factors; however, only cribriform plate destruction was a significant negative prognostic factor for survival time (p = .004). Conclusion: Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that cribriform plate destruction was the main factor in predicting a negative prognosis among 166 canine nasal tumors treated with MeV radiation therapy at a single institution. Therefore, we propose a new 2-tier staging classification for canine nasal tumors with the presence or absence of cribriform plate destruction based on CT examination as the only evaluation factor.

DR-70 (fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products) as a prognostic biomarker in dogs with neoplasms.

Fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products (DR-70) are derived from tumor cells or metastases. Our previous study reported the diagnostic values in dogs with tumors, but no research has yet to be conducted to establish DR-70 as a prognostic marker. Herein, we investigated changes in DR-70 concentrations and disease courses in dogs with tumors. Overall survival time (OST) analysis was performed in 195 dogs with tumors, stratified with a recommended cut-off (1.514 µg/mL). Continual DR-70 measurements were performed during the medical interventions of 27 dogs with neoplasms. Clinical conditions and medical records were retrospectively reviewed. According to a cut-off value, dogs with plasma DR-70 concentrations above 1.514 µg/mL had shorter survival rates than those with concentrations below this threshold. In cases with complete or partial remission in response to treatment, the DR-70 concentration was decreased compared with that at the first visit, whereas it was increased in patients with disease progression. Our study suggested that changes in DR-70 concentration can be used as a prognostic biomarker for canine neoplasms. Furthermore, increased plasma DR-70 levels might be associated with shorter survival, and DR-70 concentrations may reflect responses to medical intervention.

Quality of Life Score as a Predictor of Death in Dogs with Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease / Escore de Qualidade de Vida como Preditor de Mortalidade em Cães com Doença Degenerativa da Valva Mitral

Abstract Background: The knowledge of the variables predicting mortality is important in clinical practice and for therapeutic monitoring in mitral valve disease. Objectives: To determine whether a quality of life score evaluated with the Functional Evaluation of Cardiac Health questionnaire would predict mortality in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD). Methods: Thirty-six client-owned dogs with mitral valve disease underwent clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic evaluations at baseline and were monitored for 6 months. Cardiovascular death was the primary outcome. Results: The 36 dogs were classified as survivors or nonsurvivors. Higher values of the following variables were obtained at baseline in the nonsurviving group (12 dogs): amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, plasma norepinephrine, heart rate, quality of life score, diastolic left ventricular internal dimension to aortic root ratio, systolic left ventricular internal dimension to aortic root ratio, and left atrium to aortic root ratio. NT-proBNP levels and quality life score were independently associated with death in the multivariable analysis. Conclusion: The quality life score was an independent variable for cardiac death in dogs with DMVD. This result is encouraging, as this score is easy to apply and does not require any technology, only a veterinarian and an observant owner.

Resumo Fundamento: O conhecimento das variáveis preditoras de mortalidade é importante para a prática clínica e para o acompanhamento terapêutico na doença da valva mitral. Objetivos: Determinar se um escore de qualidade de vida avaliado com o Functional Evaluation of Cardiac Health poderia auxiliar na predição de mortalidade em cães com doença degenerativa da valva mitral (DDVM). Métodos: Trinta e seis cães de estimação com doença valvar mitral foram submetidos a avaliação clínica, laboratorial e ecocardiográfica no início do estudo e monitorizados durante 6 meses. A morte cardiovascular foi o desfecho primário. Resultados: Os 36 cães foram classificados como sobreviventes ou não sobreviventes. Os valores mais elevados das seguintes variáveis foram obtidos no início do estudo no grupo de não sobreviventes (12 cães): fragmento N-terminal do peptídeo natriurético tipo B (NT-proBNP), norepinefrina plasmática, frequência cardíaca, escore de qualidade de vida, razão da dimensão interna diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo e raiz aórtica, razão da dimensão interna sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo e raiz aórtica e a relação da dimensão do átrio esquerdo e a raiz aórtica. Concentrações de NT-proBNP e o escore de qualidade de vida foram independentemente associados com morte na análise multivariada. Conclusão: O escore de qualidade de vida foi uma variável independente para a morte por doença cardíaca em cães com DDVM. Este resultado é encorajador, pois este escore é de fácil aplicação e não requer o emprego de tecnologia, necessitando apenas de um veterinário e um dono observador.

Age structure of owned dogs under compulsory culling in a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area / A estrutura etária de cães com donos numa área endêmica de leishmaniose visceral / Estructura etaria de la población canina domiciliada en un área endémica con leishmaniasis visceral canina

Abstract: The age structure of the dog population is essential for planning and evaluating control programs for zoonotic diseases. We analyzed data of an owned-dog census in order to characterize, for the first time, the structure of a dog population under compulsory culling in a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area (Panorama, São Paulo State, Brazil) that recorded a dog-culling rate of 28% in the year of the study. Data on 1,329 households and 1,671 owned dogs revealed an owned dog:human ratio of 1:7. The mean age of dogs was estimated at 1.73 years; the age pyramid indicated high birth and mortality rates at the first year of age with an estimated cumulative mortality of 78% at the third year of age and expected life span of 2.75 years. In spite of the high mortality, a growth projection simulation suggested that the population has potential to grow in a logarithmic scale over the years. The estimated parameters can be further applied in models to maximize the impact and minimize financial inputs of visceral leishmaniasis control measures.

Resumo: É importante conhecer a estrutura etária da população canina para melhor planejar e avaliar os programas de controle de zoonoses. Os autores analisaram os dados de um censo de cães com donos para caracterizar, pela primeira vez, a estrutura etária de uma população canina sujeita à eliminação compulsória numa área endêmica de leishmaniose visceral (Panorama, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil) que registrou uma taxa de eliminação canina de 28% no ano do estudo. Os dados para 1.329 domicílios e 1.671 cães com donos mostraram uma razão de cães para humanos de 1:7. A média de idade dos cães foi estimada em 1,73 anos; a pirâmide etária indicou altas taxas de natalidade e de mortalidade no primeiro ano de vida, com uma estimativa de mortalidade cumulativa de 78% aos três anos de idade, e uma expectativa de vida de 2,75 anos. Apesar da alta mortalidade, uma simulação de projeção de crescimento sugeriu que a população tem o potencial de crescer numa escala logarítmica ao longo dos anos. Os parâmetros estimados podem ser aplicados também a modelos para maximizar o impacto e minimizar os insumos financeiros de medidas de controle da leishmaniose visceral.

Resumen: El conocimiento de la estructura etaria de una población de perros es esencial para la planificación de programas de control de zoonosis. Se analizaron datos de un censo de población canina domiciliada, con el objetivo de caracterizar, por primera vez, la estructura de una población de perros domiciliados en un área donde la eutanasia de perros positivos en leishmaniasis visceral es obligatoria (Panorama, São Paulo, Brasil), y que registró un 28% de casos de eutanasia en el año en que el censo fue realizado. Los datos de 1.329 domicilios y 1.671 perros resultaron en una razón perro:hombre de 1:7. La edad media de los perros fue estimada en 1,73 años; la pirámide de edad indica altas tasas de nacimiento y mortalidad hasta 1 año de vida, con tasa de mortalidad acumulada de un 78% en el tercer año de vida, y expectativa de vida de 2,75 años. A pesar de la alta tasa de mortalidad, la simulación de crecimiento poblacional sugiere que esta población tiene potencial de crecimiento en escala logarítmica a lo largo de los años. Los parámetros estimados pueden ser utilizados en modelos para maximizar el impacto y minimizar los costes de las medidas de control de la enfermedad.