Endoscopy and rectal enema for fecal collection in wild sea turtles (Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata) in a field setting.

Forty-seven free-ranging sea turtles (46- Chelonia mydas, 1- Eretmochelys imbricata) were examined via novel use of an endoscopy combined with a rectal enema to obtain large fecal sample volumes. The cloaca was insufflated using an endoscope, after which the bladder and rectum separated, allowing access to the colon. Environmental conditions and location influenced the performance of the procedure initially, but after several attempts the procedure was successfully initiated. In all cases, fecal samples were obtained, and the animals were released to their respective locations. Fecal sample collection using this approach enhances the ability to obtain diagnostic information and perform other scientific analyses of sea turtles.

Shear wave elastography evaluation of cats with chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health condition in cats that can lead to poor quality of life and financial implications for therapy. Currently staging and identification of CKD is limited by diagnostic testing such as creatinine and urine-specific gravity, which do not change until late in the disease course. Other methods to evaluate CKD would be valuable in the clinical setting. Shear wave elastography is one novel ultrasound method, which has shown promise in identifying increases in tissue stiffness and identifying CKD in people. As CKD is often histologically characterized by tubulointerstitial fibrosis, shear wave elastography has the potential to identify CKD and differentiate between stages of CKD in cats. This prospective observational case-control study with 78 cats found no difference in shear wave velocities between groups (P = 0.33), a contradictory finding to one prior publication. There was no effect of weight (P = 0.65), nor the presence of mineralization (P = 0.31) or infarction (P = 0.52) on cortical shear wave velocities. There was a significant effect of age on shear wave velocity (P = 0.018) where velocities increased with age. The intraclass correlation coefficient was only moderate (0.62). Possible reasons for the difference in results between our work and that published prior, include differences in methodology and differences in instrumentation. Variability in measurements in our population may be due to the effects of respiratory motion or limitations in shear wave elastography software. As such, shear wave elastography is not currently recommended as a tool to evaluate CKD in cats and further work is necessary.

Agreement between Parallel Canine Blood and Urine Cultures: Is Urine Culture the Poor Man's Blood Culture?

Bloodstream infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill dogs, but due to cost and difficulties in sample acquisition, blood cultures are infrequently obtained. In ill dogs, urine cultures may be recommended as surrogates for blood cultures. In order to determine the outcome agreement between parallel urine and blood cultures, we retrospectively analyzed parallel blood and urine specimens submitted for culture from dogs at the NC State Veterinary Hospital between 2011 and 2016. Positive cultures were reported from 15% of the submitted blood specimens and 23% of the submitted urine specimens. A total of 295 urine and blood samples were submitted in parallel, with positive growth demonstrated in 14 concordant and five discordant pairs. A kappa statistic comparing blood and urine culture outcomes was 0.266 (fair) when all parallel growth was included, including concordant and discordant results, and 0.170 (poor) when restricted to parallel concordant growth. The sensitivity of urine to reflect concordant bloodstream bacterial organisms was 30%, with a specificity of 87%. The positive and negative predictive values were 30% and 88%, respectively. Of dogs with both specimens positive on bacterial culture, 7 of 7 (100%) with suspected urogenital infection sources were concordant. All dogs with discordant bloodstream and urinary infections were immunosuppressed. Urinary coagulase-positive Staphylococcus isolates were most likely to be concordant with bloodstream infections. In conclusion, we found that urine culture is neither a substitute nor a screen for blood culture. Blood cultures should be performed in any potentially septic animal, especially those that are considered immunosuppressed.

Lesser vestibular periurethral gland-like inflammation associated with lower urinary tract signs in a female dog.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 4-year-old female spayed mixed breed dog presented with a 2-year history of painful urination and recurrent hematuria. CLINICAL FINDINGS: The dog had a large sensitive bladder, palpation of which was followed by painful urination. Pollakiuria accompanied by vocalization were noted during observation of voiding. DIAGNOSTICS: Cystoscopy identified a focal, rounded expansion of epithelial tissue in the right lateral aspect of the urethral papilla containing purulent material consistent with an abscess. A sample submitted for culture yielded growth of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Proteus mirabilis. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Purulent material was expelled by manual pressure during cystourethroscopy. Enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg PO q24h for 42 days) and carprofen (4.4 mg/kg PO q24h for 14 days) were initiated. Clinical signs resolved within 2 days. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Inflammation in the region of the lesser vestibular paraurethral glands should be considered as a differential for female dogs presenting with chronic dysuria.

Gastric pH and serum gastrin concentration in age-matched healthy dogs and dogs with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Gastric hyperacidity and hypergastrinemia are purported to cause gastric ulceration in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, no published studies have evaluated gastric pH with serum gastrin concentrations in dogs with CKD. HYPOTHESIS: To compare mean intragastric pH, mean percent pH distribution, and serum gastrin concentrations in dogs with CKD to age-matched, healthy dogs. We hypothesized there would be no difference in mean gastric pH or serum gastrin between groups. ANIMALS: Thirteen dogs with CKD; 10 aged-matched healthy dogs. METHODS: Prospective, case-control study. Serum chemistry, complete blood count, urinalysis, and serum gastrin concentrations were evaluated in all dogs before radiographic-assisted gastric placement of a pH capsule. Forty-eight-hour continuous gastric pH monitoring was performed in all dogs. Serum gastrin concentration, mean pH, and mean percentage time that gastric pH was strongly acidic (pH <1 and pH <2) were compared between groups using a repeated measures mixed-model ANOVA. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between groups for any pH measurements, including mean ± SD gastric pH (CKD, 2.37 ± 0.87; healthy, 2.39 ± 0.99; P > .05). Serum gastrin concentrations were not significantly different between groups (median [range]: CKD, 10.5 ng/dL [<10-17.1]; healthy, 10.9 ng/dL [<10-15]; P > .05). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Our client-owned dogs with CKD did not have lower gastric pH or higher serum gastrin concentrations compared to healthy dogs. Our results suggest that prophylactic gastric acid suppression in dogs with CKD is not warranted unless other clinical indications for use are present.

Dirofilaria immitis Identified in Galapagos Sea Lions (Zalophus wollebaeki): A Wildlife Health and Conservation Concern.

The Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki), an endemic and endangered pinniped, faces an increasing threat due to infectious diseases related to domestic animals. Dirofilaria immitis, the parasite responsible for canine heartworm disease, is one such threat, as canine infections on the archipelago have been documented. We used a canine heartworm antigen test kit to analyze the blood from 25 juvenile Galapagos sea lions for D. immitis. Two (8%) sea lions tested positive for D. immitis antigen. Using morphologic and genetic assessments, we evaluated 20 filarial-like worms collected from within the heart of an adult male Galapagos sea lion during a previous routine postmortem examination. The intracardiac worms were morphologically consistent with adult D. immitis, and sequence analysis of targeted PCR amplicons confirmed their identity. This is the first report of D. immitis infection in Galapagos sea lions, which could become a major health problem for these pinnipeds. Further studies are necessary to confirm the level of threat from this parasite; however, widespread adoption of routine heartworm testing, prevention, and treatment in the canine population, and the control of mosquitos, could potentially reduce the disease impact on this endangered pinniped species.

Adeno-associated virus-vectored erythropoietin gene therapy for anemia in cats with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: A treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated anemia in cats is needed. SB-001 is an adeno-associated virus-vectored (AAV)-based gene therapeutic agent that is administered intramuscularly, causing the expression of feline erythropoietin. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that SB-001 injection would lead to a sustained increase in PCV in cats with CKD-associated anemia. ANIMALS: Twenty-three cats with International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) Stage 2 to 4 CKD-associated anemia were enrolled at 4 veterinary clinics. METHODS: In a prospective clinical trial, cats were treated with 1 of 3 regimens of SB-001 (Lo 1.2 × 109 genome copies [GCs] on Day 0; Lo ± Hi [supplemental 2nd dose of 3.65 × 109 GC on Day 42]; Hi 3.65 × 109 GC IM on Day 0) and followed for 70 days. RESULTS: A response to SB-001 at any time between Day 28 and Day 70 was seen in 86% (95% confidence interval 65, 97%) of all cats. There was a significant (P < .003) increase in PCV from Day 0 to Day 28 (mean increase 6 ± 6 percentage points [pp]; n = 21), Day 42 (8 ± 9 pp; n = 21), Day 56 (10 ± 11 pp; n = 17), and Day 70 (13 ± 14 pp, n = 14). Twelve cats were hypertensive at baseline, 4 of which developed encephalopathy during the study. An additional 6 cats became hypertensive during the study. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Results of this study suggest that SB-001 therapy represents a suitable single injection treatment that can address nonregenerative anemia in cats with CKD. It was generally well tolerated; however, hypertension and encephalopathy developed in some cats as previously described in association with erythropoiesis-stimulating agent therapy.

Detection of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. in dogs with polymicrobial urinary tract infections: A 5-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTI) caused by Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp., which are frequently coisolated in polymicrobial UTI, cause morbidity among dogs and warrant antimicrobial therapy. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate clinical features of dogs with polymicrobial E. coli and Enterococcal UTI. ANIMALS: Forty-four client-owned dogs with polymicrobial bacteriuria and groups of 100 client-owned dogs with E. coli and Enterococcal monomicrobial bacteriuria. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of medical records of dogs at a university teaching hospital from 2014 to 2019. Prevalence of recurrent UTI and isolate antimicrobial resistance were determined. Clinical outcomes of dogs with recurrent UTI from groups including cost and hospital visits were compared. RESULTS: Recurrent UTI was more prevalent (P = .05) in dogs with polymicrobial bacteriuria (57%, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 42%-70%) compared to the Enterococcal monomicrobial group (40%, 95% CI: 31%-50%). Escherichia coli from polymicrobial bacteriuria were more frequently resistant to doxycycline (P < .01, 43%, 95% CI: 29%-58%) and gentamicin (P = .03, 17%, 95% CI: 9%-31%) compared to E. coli from monomicrobial bacteriuria (17% and 5%, 95% CI: 11%-26% and 2%-11% for doxycycline and gentamicin, respectively). Dogs with recurrent UTI from the polymicrobial UTI group had significantly (P = .05) more hospital visits (mean = 6 visits, 95% CI: 1.7-9.8) compared to recurrent monomicrobial UTI dogs (mean = 4 and 3 visits, 95% CI: 1.0 to 4.4 and -0.7 to 7.7 for E. coli and Enterococcal monomicrobial UTI, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. polymicrobial UTI had more frequent adverse clinical outcomes for dogs.

Creation of a Continent Urinary Bladder Reservoir Vascularized by Omentum as a Possible Surgical Option for Canine Trigonal/Urethral Urothelial Carcinoma.

Surgical procedures that maintain continence with minimal complication following resection of trigono-urethral urothelial carcinoma (UC) are limited in canines; therefore, palliative options are often pursued. A feasible tumor resection option may improve disease control and survival. The study's objective was to evaluate a continent urine reservoir created from the urinary bladder body and vascularized solely by omentum. We hypothesized that a viable urine reservoir could be created, and staged omentalization would provide improved vascularity. Nine normal female Beagles were randomized to one of three groups. Group A urinary bladders were transected cranial to the ureteral papillae to create a closed bladder vesicle which was concomitantly omentalized. Group B underwent omentalization two weeks prior to vesicle creation. Based on Group A and B results, Group C underwent neoureterocystostomy and omentalization followed by neoreservoir formation and tube cystostomy 2 weeks later. Serial ultrasounds and histopathology confirmed adequate omental neovascularization in Groups B and C with continent Group C neoreservoirs maintained for 2 months. Some pylectasia and ureteral dilation was documented in all Group C dogs at variable timepoints. Progressive hydroureteronephrosis developed in 2/6 kidneys. Transient azotemia was noted in only 1 Group C dog, although all developed treatable urinary tract infections. The sample size is limited, and the efficacy of this technique in providing disease control for UC is unknown. However, this novel option could allow for primary UC resection while providing continence and limiting complications. Postoperative local or systemic adjuvant therapy, ultrasonographic neoreservoir monitoring, and BRAF analysis would be indicated.

Prevalence of aldosterone breakthrough in dogs receiving renin-angiotensin system inhibitors for proteinuric chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: The influence of aldosterone breakthrough (ABT) on proteinuria reduction during renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibition for spontaneous proteinuric chronic kidney disease (CKDP ) has not been determined in dogs. OBJECTIVES: Determine whether ABT occurs in dogs with CKDP and if it is associated with decreased efficacy in proteinuria reduction during RAS inhibitor treatment. ANIMALS: Fifty-six client-owned dogs with CKDP and 31 healthy client-owned dogs. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, open-label clinical trial. Dogs were treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker alone or in combination at the attending clinician's discretion and evaluated at 5 time points over 6 months. Healthy dogs were used to determine the urine aldosterone-to-creatinine ratio cutoff that defined ABT. The relationship of ABT (present at ≥50% of visits) and proteinuria outcome (≥50% reduction in urine protein-to-creatinine ratio from baseline at ≥50% of subsequent visits) was evaluated. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between clinical variables and outcomes (either successful proteinuria reduction or ABT). RESULTS: Thirty-six percent (20/56) of dogs had successful proteinuria reduction. Between 34% and 59% of dogs had ABT, depending on the definition used. Aldosterone breakthrough was not associated with proteinuria outcome. Longer duration in the study was associated with greater likelihood of successful proteinuria reduction (P = .002; odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-2.2). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Aldosterone breakthrough was common in dogs receiving RAS inhibitors for CKDp but was not associated with proteinuria outcome.

The use of autologous skeletal muscle progenitor cells for adjunctive treatment of presumptive urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in female dogs.

BACKGROUND: Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) is a common problem in female dogs, but some dogs fail to achieve continence with standard treatment. Urethral submucosal injection of autologous skeletal muscle progenitor cells (skMPCs) previously has been shown to restore urethral function in a canine model of USMI. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: To determine if urethral submucosal injection of skMPC alters continence in dogs with USMI that had previously failed standard medical management. We hypothesized that the injections would lead to improved continence. ANIMALS: Fifteen client-owned dogs with USMI that had failed standard medical management. METHODS: Dogs were prospectively enrolled into a single-armed clinical trial. Once enrolled, a triceps muscle of each dog was biopsied; the tissue specimens were digested, cultured, and expanded to 100 million cells before injection into the urethral submucosa using a surgical approach. Continence was assessed at baseline and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-injection using continence scores and urethral pressure profilometry. RESULTS: Median continence scores increased significantly from baseline at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Increases were seen in 14 of 15 dogs with 7, 6 or 1 dog achieving scores of 5, 4 or 3, respectively. Additional medication was required to achieve continence in all but 2 dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Urethral submucosal injection of skMPC can be used adjunctively to improve continence in dogs with difficult to manage USMI. The procedure is labor intensive but well tolerated; most dogs will require continued medication to remain continent.

Three-dimensional bladder ultrasound to measure daily urinary bladder volume in hospitalized dogs.

BACKGROUND: Urinary bladder volume (UBV) and urine residual volume (URV) provide important information for hospitalized dogs and might allow recognition of urine retention. OBJECTIVE: Using 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound to monitor daily URV is a safe and effective way to recognize urinary retention. ANIMALS: Twenty-five client-owned hospitalized dogs. METHODS: Prospective, observational study. UBV and URV were measured using 3D ultrasound daily at approximately the same time. UBV was measured, the dog was taken for a 5-minute controlled leash walk, then URV was estimated. Concurrent use of opioids, anesthetics, and fluids administered IV were recorded. RESULTS: Daily URVs were >0.4 mL/kg in 22 of 25 dogs on at least 1 day of hospitalization. Seventeen of 25 dogs had an abnormal URV at the time of discharge. Of 18 dogs that were anesthetized while hospitalized, 16 had a URV >0.4 mL/kg with a mean of 4.34 mL/kg (range, 0.5-13.4 mL/kg). No statistical difference in degree of URV was found based on the use of anesthesia, administration of fluids IV, or opioids. Weight was significantly associated with URV; dogs <10 kg had a higher URV per unit mass than dogs >10 kg (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Use of a 3D ultrasound device to measure daily UBV and URV in hospitalized dogs provides a safe estimate of bladder volume in real-time. Monitoring daily URV might help in early identification of patients that are retaining urine, thereby preventing potential adverse effects of urethral catheterization or prolonged urinary retention.

Comparison of urine dipstick, sulfosalicylic acid, urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, and species-specific ELISA methods for detection of albumin in urine samples of cats and dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of dipstick, sulfosalicylic acid (SSA), and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UP:C) methods for use in detection of canine and feline albuminuria. DESIGN: Evaluation study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 599 canine and 347 feline urine samples. PROCEDURES: Urine was analyzed by use of dipstick, SSA, and UP:C methods; results were compared with those for a species-specific ELISA to determine sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value, and positive and negative likelihood ratios. RESULTS: Positive results for dipstick and SSA tests (trace reaction or greater) in canine urine had moderate specificity (dipstick, 81.2%; SSA, 73.3%) and poor PPV (dipstick, 34.0%; SSA, 41.8%). Values improved when stronger positive results (>or= 2+) for the dipstick and SSA tests were compared with ELISA results (specificity, 98.9% and 99.0% for the urine dipstick and SSA tests, respectively; PPV, 90.7% and 90.2% for the dipstick and SSA tests, respectively). Data obtained for cats revealed poor specificity (dipstick, 11.0%; SSA, 25.4%) and PPV (dipstick, 55.6%; SSA, 46.9%). Values improved slightly when stronger positive test results (>or= 2+) were used (specificity, 80.0% and 94.2% for the dipstick and SSA tests, respectively; PPV, 63.5% and 65.2% for the dipstick and SSA tests, respectively). The UP:C had high specificity for albuminuria in dogs and cats (99.7% and 99.2%, respectively) but low sensitivity (28.7% and 2.0%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Caution should be used when interpreting a positive test result of a dipstick or SSA test for canine or feline albuminuria.

A retrospective study of vector-borne disease prevalence in dogs with proteinuria: Southeastern United States.

BACKGROUND: Proteinuria is a risk factor for progressive kidney injury in dogs. Enhanced understanding of potential associations between canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) and proteinuria is needed. OBJECTIVES: To determine the proportion of evaluated proteinuric dogs exposed to ≥1 CVBD, including Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., spotted-fever group Rickettsia, Bartonella spp., Anaplasma spp., hemotropic Mycoplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, and Dirofilaria immitis, and to determine if demographic or clinicopathologic differences exist between proteinuric dogs exposed to CVBD versus proteinuric dogs with no evidence of CVBD exposure. ANIMALS: Two-hundred nine proteinuric dogs, concurrently tested for CVBD, which were examined at a single academic veterinary hospital between January 2008 and December 2015. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Demographic, clinicopathologic, and CVBD test results were extracted from medical records. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess associations between CVBD and selected variables. RESULTS: Based on serology and polymerase chain reaction testing, 34% of proteinuric dogs (72/209) were exposed to ≥1 CVBD. Exposure to Rickettsia spp. (19%), Ehrlichia spp. (12%), and B. burgdorferi (9%) were most common. The CVBD exposure was lower in dogs tested in autumn or spring, higher in intact dogs, and higher in dogs with lower serum albumin and higher serum creatinine concentrations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Exposure to CVBD, particularly exposure to Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., and B. burgdorferi was found in proteinuric dogs from the southeast United States. Additional controlled prospective studies examining a potential causal relationship between CVBD and proteinuria are warranted.

Three-dimensional bladder ultrasound for estimation of urine volume in dogs compared with traditional 2-dimensional ultrasound methods.

BACKGROUND: Although point-of-care volumetric assessments of the urinary bladder are not routinely performed in dogs, urine volume quantification can provide important clinical information including noninvasive urine output estimation. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: Use of 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound for determination of urinary bladder volume (UBV) in dogs will be accurate for different bladder volumes and will decrease the need for operator skill in measuring UBV compared to 2-dimensional (2D) ultrasound evaluation. ANIMALS: Ten laboratory-bred Beagle dogs. METHODS: Prospective, experimental study. Urinary bladders were infused with a calculated amount of sterile saline to represent small, medium, and large volumes. Each UBV was estimated and calculated by a board-certified veterinary radiologist using 3 different 2D ultrasound formulas followed by use of a 3D ultrasound device by a novice. Measured UBVs were compared to the instilled UBV for both 2D and 3D ultrasound methods. Time from start to end of examination was recorded for both ultrasound methods in a subset of dogs. RESULTS: The 3D ultrasound device underestimated UBV with a mean difference of -9.8 mL compared with 2D ultrasound that overestimated UBV with a difference of +4.2 to 20.3 mL dependent on the 2D formula used. The 3D ultrasound method took less time to measure UBV (mean of 80 seconds per measurement) compared to the 2D method (165 seconds per measurement; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The tested 3D ultrasound device was found to be an accurate and rapid point-of-care tool for measuring UBV in dogs, providing a noninvasive method to estimate bladder volume in real time.

Evaluation of perinuclear anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic autoantibodies as an early marker of protein-losing enteropathy and protein-losing nephropathy in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perinuclear anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic autoantibody (pANCA) status in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers (SCWTs) and SCWT-Beagle crossbred dogs and to correlate pANCA status of dogs with clinicopathologic variables of protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), protein-losing nephropathy (PLN), or both. ANIMALS: 13 SCWTs and 8 SCWT-Beagle crossbred dogs in a research colony and a control group comprising 7 dogs with X-linked hereditary nephropathy and 12 healthy SCWTs > 9 years old. PROCEDURES: Samples were obtained from dogs in the research colony every 6 months. At each sample-collection time point, serum concentrations of albumin, globulin, creatinine, and urea nitrogen; fecal concentration of alpha-proteinase inhibitor; and urinary protein-to-creatinine ratios were determined and correlated with pANCA status. RESULTS: 20 of 21 dogs in the research colony had positive results for pANCAs at a minimum of 2 time points, and 18 of 21 dogs had definitive evidence of disease. None of the control dogs had positive results for pANCAs. A positive result for pANCAs was significantly associated with hypoalbuminemia, and pANCAs preceded the onset of hypoalbuminemia on an average of 2.4 years. Sensitivity and specificity for use of pANCAs to predict development of PLE or PLN were 0.95 (95% confidence interval, 0.72 to 1.00) and 0.8 (95% confidence interval, 0.51 to 0.95), respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Most dogs in this study affected with PLE, PLN, or both had positive results for pANCAs before clinicopathologic evidence of disease was detected. Thus, pANCAs may be useful as an early noninvasive test of disease in SCWTs.

Characteristics of Dogs with Biofilm-Forming Escherichia Coli Urinary Tract Infections.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in companion animals. Increasing awareness of biofilm-forming bacteria raises concern regarding the appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of UTIs associated with these organisms. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To (1) describe the population of dogs with UTIs associated with biofilm-forming Escherichia coli and (2) determine whether or not clinical differences exist between dogs with biofilm-forming E. coli UTIs and dogs with nonbiofilm-forming E. coli UTIs. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in the population characteristics, but that biofilm-formation would be more prevalent in dogs with chronic, complicated, and asymptomatic UTIs. ANIMALS: Seventy-six client-owned dogs with E. coli UTIs, divided into 2 groups based on the biofilm-forming capability of stored bacterial isolates as assessed by the crystal violet assay. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Medical records of the affected dogs were reviewed and their population and infection characteristics were compared. RESULTS: Most (52.6%) E. coli isolates were capable of forming biofilms. Biofilm-forming E. coli had a lower likelihood (P < .001) of multidrug resistance than did nonbiofilm-forming E. coli. No statistically significant differences were identified between the population or infection characteristics of the 2 groups of dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Escherichia coli isolated from canine urinary tracts are frequently capable of forming biofilms. Because no reliable clinical features allowed exclusion of biofilm formation, the potential for biofilm formation should be considered whenever E. coli UTI is diagnosed. The association of antibiotic resistance and biofilm potential may affect treatment of UTIs, but additional investigation is warranted.

Clinical Response and Side Effects Associated with Testosterone Cypionate for Urinary Incontinence in Male Dogs.

Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) is reported much more seldom in male dogs than in female dogs. The few existing reports evaluating the efficacy of medical therapy in controlling USMI in males have demonstrated limited success. In this case series, we report the effect of testosterone cypionate, given at a median dose of 1.5 mg/kg intramuscularly every 4 wk, in eight male dogs with USMI. Response was evaluated through the review of medical records and telephone interviews with the clients. Based on owners' assessments, a good to excellent response was reported in three of eight dogs (38%), a slight response was reported in one of eight dogs (12%), and a poor response was reported in four of eight dogs (50%). Adverse effects were not reported, and benefit was judged sufficient to continue therapy in two cases. The results reported in this case series suggest that testosterone cypionate might be an effective and safe treatment option for male dogs with USMI.

Management of Proteinuria in Dogs and Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Proteinuria is a negative prognostic indicator for dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease. A normal dog or cat should excrete very little protein and have a urine protein:creatinine ratio that is less than 0.4 or less than 0.2, respectively; persistent proteinuria above this magnitude warrants attention. Administration of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers, blood pressure control and nutritional modification are considered a standard of care for renal proteinuria. Renal biopsy and administration of immunosuppressive agents should be considered in animals with glomerular proteinuria that have not responded to standard therapy. Targeted patient monitoring is essential when instituting management of proteinuria.

Assessment and management of proteinuria in dogs and cats: 2004 ACVIM Forum Consensus Statement (small animal).

Emerging data indicate that more attention should be given to the detection, evaluation, monitoring, and treatment of dogs and cats with proteinuria. The purposes of this consensus statement are to describe an appropriate approach for accomplishing these tasks and to provide specific recommendations for assessing and managing dogs and cats with proteinuria based on data that are currently available. Because proteinuria and albuminuria have numerous possible causes, they must be assessed appropriately to determine their implications for the patient. This assessment involves localization of the origin of the proteinuria as well as determination of its persistence and magnitude. Because persistent renal proteinuria usually indicates presence of chronic kidney disease, which sometimes is a progressive disorder, its detection identifies dogs and cats that have increased risk for adverse health outcomes. Thus, urine testing that will detect proteinuria should be a component of the clinical evaluations of dogs and cats under all circumstances that prompt their veterinarians to also perform comprehensive hematologic and serum biochemical evaluations. At a minimum, this testing should consist of a complete urinalysis that includes a satisfactorily accurate semiquantitative test for protein, and positive reactions should be properly followed with further testing. The appropriate response to persistent renal proteinuria depends on the magnitude of proteinuria and the status of the patient. The recommended response generally involves continued monitoring, further investigation, and therapeutic intervention, which should be implemented as an escalating series of inclusive, stepwise responses.