A SACS deletion variant in Great Pyrenees dogs causes autosomal recessive neuronal degeneration.

ARSACS (autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay) is a human neurological disorder characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia and peripheral neuropathy. A recently recognized disorder in Great Pyrenees dogs is similarly characterized by widespread central nervous system degeneration leading to progressive cerebellar ataxia and spasticity, combined with peripheral neuropathy. Onset of clinical signs occurred in puppies as young as 4 months of age, with slow progression over several years. A multi-generation pedigree suggested an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Histopathology revealed consistent cerebellar Purkinje cell degeneration, neuronal degeneration in brainstem nuclei, widespread spinal cord white matter degeneration, ganglion cell degeneration, inappropriately thin myelin sheaths or fully demyelinated peripheral nerve fibers, and normal or only mild patterns of denervation atrophy in skeletal muscles. Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype data was collected from 6 cases and 26 controls, where homozygosity mapping identified a 3.3 Mb region on CFA25 in which all cases were homozygous and all controls were either heterozygous or homozygous for alternate haplotypes. This region tagged the SACS gene where variants are known to cause ARSACS. Sanger sequencing of SACS in affected dogs identified a 4 bp deletion that causes a frame shift and truncates 343 amino acids from the C terminus of the encoded sacsin protein (p.Val4244AlafsTer32). Our clinical and histopathological descriptions of this canine disorder contribute to the description of human ARSACS and represents the first naturally occurring large animal model of this disorder.

Serological survey of canine vector-borne diseases in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Whole blood samples were collected from 515 dogs in the practice region surrounding Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada between 2008 and 2010 and evaluated for seroprevalence of vector-borne diseases. Of 515 samples, 12 (2.3%) were positive, with 7 (1.4%) positive for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. These prevalences are higher than those previously reported for this region.

Enquête sérologique des maladies canines à transmission vectorielle en Saskatchewan, au Canada. Des échantillons de sang total ont été prélevés auprès de 515 chiens dans des établissements vétérinaires des environs de Saskatoon, en Saskatchewan, au Canada, entre 2008 et 2010, et ont été évalués pour la séroprévalence des maladies à transmission vectorielle. Parmi les 515 échantillons, 12 (2,3 %) étaient positifs et 7 (1,4 %) étaient positifs pour les anticorps contre Borrelia burgdorferi. Ces prévalences sont supérieures à celles précédemment signalées pour cette région.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Effects of alfaxalone, thiopental, or propofol and diazepam on laryngeal motion in healthy dogs.

Laryngeal function is assessed by direct visualization of the larynx under a light plane of anesthesia. This study compared the effects of 3 anesthetic protocols on arytenoid motion in healthy dogs. Eight dogs were randomly assigned to receive alfaxalone, propofol and diazepam, or thiopental. Videolaryngoscopy was performed and still images at maximum inspiration and expiration were used to measure the area and height of the glottal gap. The normalized glottal gap area (NGGA = area in pixels/height2) was calculated. The NGAA change was defined as the difference between NGAA during inspiration and exhalation. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. No significant difference among induction protocols was found when comparing NGGA change after induction or before recovery. Alfaxalone and propofol/diazepam are useful for evaluation of laryngeal function when administered to effect and a light plane of anesthesia is maintained.

Effets de l'alfaxalone, du thiopental ou du propofol et du diazépam sur le mouvement du larynx chez des chiens en santé. La fonction du larynx est évaluée par visualisation directe du larynx sous une légère anesthésie. Cette étude a comparé les effets de trois protocoles anesthésiques sur le mouvement aryténoïde chez des chiens en santé. Huit chiens ont été assignés au hasard pour recevoir de l'alfaxalone, du propofol et du diazépam ou du thiopental. Une vidéo-laryngoscopie a été réalisée et des images fixes à l'inspiration et à l'expiration maximales ont été utilisées pour mesurer la région et la hauteur de l'écart glottal. La région normalisée de l'écart glottal (RNEG = région en pixels/hauteur2) a été calculée. Le changement RNEG a été défini comme la différence entre le RNEG durant l'inspiration et l'expiration. Les données ont été analysées en utilisant les tests de Mann-Whitney et Kruskal-Wallis, les valeurs-P < 0,05 étaient considérées comme étant significatives sur le plan statistique. Aucune différence significative n'a été trouvée parmi les protocoles d'induction lors de la comparaison du changement RNEG après l'induction ou le réveil. L'alfaxalone et le propofol/diazépam sont utiles pour l'évaluation de la fonction du larynx lorsqu'ils sont administrés jusqu'à l'effet et qu'une légère anesthésie est maintenue.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Comparison between core temperatures measured telemetrically using the CorTemp® ingestible temperature sensor and rectal temperature in healthy Labrador retrievers.

This study evaluated the CorTemp(®) ingestible telemetric core body temperature sensor in dogs, to establish the relationship between rectal temperature and telemetrically measured core body temperature at rest and during exercise, and to examine the effect of sensor location in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract on measured core temperature. CorTemp(®) sensors were administered orally to fasted Labrador retriever dogs and radiographs were taken to document sensor location. Core and rectal temperatures were monitored throughout the day in 6 resting dogs and during a 10-minute strenuous retrieving exercise in 6 dogs. Time required for the sensor to leave the stomach (120 to 610 min) was variable. Measured core temperature was consistently higher than rectal temperature across all GI locations but temperature differences based on GI location were not significant (P = 0.5218). Resting dogs had a core temperature that was on average 0.4°C above their rectal temperature with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) between 1.2°C and -0.5°C. Core temperature in exercising dogs was on average 0.3°C higher than their concurrent rectal temperature, with LoA of +1.6°C and -1.1°C.

Comparaison entre les températures centrales mesurées par télémétrie à l'aide de la sonde de température ingérable CorTempMDet la température rectale chez des chiens Labrador retriever en santé. Cette étude a évalué la télémétrie de la sonde de température centrale ingérable CorTempMD chez les chiens afin d'établir un lien entre la température rectale et la température centrale mesurée par télémétrie au repos et à l'effort et pour examiner l'effet de l'emplacement de la sonde dans le tube digestif sur la mesure de la température centrale. Des sondes CorTempMD ont été administrées oralement à des chiens Labrador retriever à jeun et des radiographies ont été prises pour documenter l'emplacement de la sonde. Les températures centrale et rectale ont été surveillées pendant la journée chez 6 chiens au repos et durant une séance vigoureuse de «rapporter¼ de 10 minutes chez 6 chiens. Le temps requis pour le passage dans l'estomac de la sonde a été variable (de 120 à 610 minutes). La température centrale mesurée a été constamment supérieure à la température rectale dans tous les emplacements du tube digestif, mais les différences de température basées sur l'emplacement dans le tube digestif n'étaient pas significatives (P = 0,5218). Les chiens au repos avaient une température centrale qui était en moyenne de 0,4 °C supérieure à la température rectale avec des limites de concordance de 95 % entre 1,2 °C et −0,5 °C. La température centrale des chiens à l'exercice était en moyenne de 0,3 °C supérieure à leur température concomitante, avec des limites de concordance de +1,6 °C et de −1,1 °C.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

MTM1 mutation associated with X-linked myotubular myopathy in Labrador Retrievers.

Mutations in the MTM1 gene encoding myotubularin cause X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM), a well-defined subtype of human centronuclear myopathy. Seven male Labrador Retrievers, age 14-26 wk, were clinically evaluated for generalized weakness and muscle atrophy. Muscle biopsies showed variability in fiber size, centrally placed nuclei resembling fetal myotubes, and subsarcolemmal ringed and central dense areas highlighted with mitochondrial specific reactions. Ultrastructural studies confirmed the centrally located nuclei, abnormal perinuclear structure, and mitochondrial accumulations. Wild-type triads were infrequent, with most exhibiting an abnormal orientation of T tubules. MTM1 gene sequencing revealed a unique exon 7 variant in all seven affected males, causing a nonconservative missense change, p.N155K, which haplotype data suggest derives from a recent founder in the local population. Analysis of a worldwide panel of 237 unaffected Labrador Retrievers and 59 additional control dogs from 25 other breeds failed to identify this variant, supporting it as the pathogenic mutation. Myotubularin protein levels and localization were abnormal in muscles from affected dogs, and expression of GFP-MTM1 p.N155K in COS-1 cells showed that the mutant protein was sequestered in proteasomes, where it was presumably misfolded and prematurely degraded. These data demonstrate that XLMTM in Labrador Retrievers is a faithful genetic model of the human condition.

Heritability and Genomic Architecture of Episodic Exercise-Induced Collapse in Border Collies.

An episodic nervous system disorder triggered by strenuous exercise, termed border collie collapse (BCC), exists in border collies and related breeds. The genetic basis of BCC is unknown but is believed to be a complex genetic disorder. Our goal was to estimate the heritability (h2SNP) of BCC, define its underlying genetic architecture, and identify associated genomic loci using dense whole-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping data. Genotype data were obtained for ~440,000 SNPs from 343 border collies (168 BCC cases and 175 controls). h2SNP was calculated to be 49-61% depending on the estimated BCC prevalence. A total of 2407 SNPs across the genome accounted for nearly all the h2SNP of BCC, with an estimated 2003 SNPs of small effect, 349 SNPs of moderate effect, and 56 SNPs of large effect. Genome-wide association analyses identified significantly associated loci on chromosomes 1, 6, 11, 20, and 28, which accounted for ~5% of the total BCC h2SNP. We conclude that BCC is a moderately- to highly-heritable complex polygenetic disease resulting from contributions from hundreds to thousands of genetic variants with variable effect sizes. Understanding how much the BCC phenotype is determined by genetics and whether major gene mutations are likely to exist inform veterinarians and working/stock dog communities of the true nature of this condition.

Accidental entrapment of cats in front-loading washing machines.

Two clinical cases of accidental entrapment of cats in front-loading washing machines are described. One cat died the day after presentation as a result of aspiration pneumonia and head trauma, despite supportive care. The second cat survived with supportive treatment, but developed dermatologic complications 10 d later.

Naturally acquired feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in cats from western Canada: Prevalence, disease associations, and survival analysis.

This retrospective study evaluated epidemiologic features and disease associations of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in client owned cats from western Canada. Among 1205 cats that were tested 66 (5.5%) were positive for FIV antibody (FIV(+)) with a higher prevalence in males than females. FIV(+) cats were older than the overall population. Epidemiologic features and disease associations were compared between 58 FIV(+), but feline leukemia virus negative (FeLV(-)) cats and 58 age and sex matched FIV-negative (FIV(-)), FeLV(-) cats. FIV positivity was associated with a history of bite wounds, increasing age, and male gender. Lethargy and oral diseases were significantly associated with FIV positivity. Although several FIV(+) cats were euthanized, the survival time of FIV(+) cats after diagnosis was not significantly different from that of FIV(-) cats. In summary, FIV prevalence was low in cats from western Canada, clinical signs/diseases were mild, and lifespan was not different in FIV(+) cats.

A quick and versatile one step metal-organic chemical deposition method for supported Pt and Pt-alloy catalysts.

A simple, modified Metal-Organic Chemical Deposition (MOCD) method for Pt, PtRu and PtCo nanoparticle deposition onto a variety of support materials, including C, SiC, B4C, LaB6, TiB2, TiN and a ceramic/carbon nanofiber, is described. Pt deposition using Pt(acac)2 as a precursor is shown to occur via a mixed solid/liquid/vapour precursor phase which results in a high Pt yield of 90-92% on the support material. Pt and Pt alloy nanoparticles range 1.5-6.2 nm, and are well dispersed on all support materials, in a one-step method, with a total catalyst preparation time of ∼10 hours (2.4-4× quicker than conventional methods). The MOCD preparation method includes moderate temperatures of 350 °C in a tubular furnace with an inert gas supply at 2 bar, a high pressure (2-4 bar) compared to typical MOCVD methods (∼0.02-10 mbar). Pt/C catalysts with Pt loadings of 20, 40 and 60 wt% were synthesised, physically characterised, electrochemically characterised and compared to commercial Pt/C catalysts. TEM, XRD and ex situ EXAFS show similar Pt particle sizes and Pt particle shape identifiers, namely the ratio of the third to first Pt coordination numbers modelled from ex situ EXAFS, between the MOCD prepared catalysts and commercial catalysts. Moreover, electrochemical characterisation of the Pt/C MOCD catalysts obtained ORR mass activities with a maximum of 428 A gPt -1 at 0.9 V, which has similar mass activities to the commercial catalysts (80-160% compared to the commercial Pt/C catalysts).

Evaluations of labrador retrievers with exercise-induced collapse, including response to a standardized strenuous exercise protocol.

Clinical and metabolic variables were evaluated in 14 Labrador retrievers with exercise-induced collapse (EIC) before, during, and following completion of a standardized strenuous exercise protocol. Findings were compared with previously reported variables from 14 normal Labrador retrievers that participated in the same protocol. Ten of 14 dogs with EIC developed an abnormal gait during evaluation, and these dogs were significantly more tachycardic and had a more severe respiratory alkalosis after exercise compared to the normal dogs. Muscle biopsy characteristics and sequential lactate and pyruvate concentrations were normal. Genetic testing and linkage analysis excluded malignant hyperthermia as the cause of EIC. Common causes of exercise intolerance were eliminated, but the cause of collapse in EIC was not determined.

Central nervous system blastomycosis in a dog.

An adult golden retriever was presented for progressive neurologic dysfunction. Clinical examination suggested brainstem disease. Blastomycosis was diagnosed based on fine-needle aspiration cytology of a normal sized lymph node and a positive blastomycosis urine antigen test. Systemic blastomycosis with neurologic involvement was confirmed at necropsy.

Anemia in cats with hemotropic mycoplasma infection: retrospective evaluation of 23 cases (1996-2005).

This study summarizes the diagnostic findings from all anemic cats diagnosed with hemotropic mycoplasma (HM) infections at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine-Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 1996 and 2005. The objectives were to determine the frequency of HM-induced anemia among all cats presented with anemia during this period, the clinical findings and risk factors associated with clinical HM infection, and factors affecting or predicting survival. Medical records were examined from 23 cats with HM-induced anemia from the total of 170 cats diagnosed with anemia during this period. The frequency of HM-induced anemia was 14% (23/170) among all anemic cats. Cats with HM-induced anemia were less likely to be purebred (P = 0.04) than other cats with anemia. Of the cats with HM-induced anemia, those with positive retroviral status (P = 0.01), concurrent illness (P < 0.01), or lack of erythroid regeneration (P = 0.01) were most likely to die. The 1-year survival of HM-infected cats was 65% (13/20).

Granulocytic anaplasmosis in three dogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Three dogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan were diagnosed with acute granulocytic anaplasmosis. Fever, lethargy, inappetence, vomiting, diarrhea, and lameness were reported. Lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and splenomegaly were identified in all dogs. Inclusions were identified within the cytoplasm of blood neutrophils, and infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction.

Successful management and recovery following severe prolonged starvation in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the successful management of a dog following a period of prolonged food deprivation. CASE SUMMARY: A 7-year-old, intact male Labrador Retriever presented with profound weakness and loss of nearly 50% of his body weight due to severe prolonged starvation after being trapped in a well for 27 days. Electrolyte concentrations were managed with intensive intravenous supplementation during refeeding. The dog's electrolyte abnormalities resolved, wounds healed, and strength returned during the first 3 weeks of treatment. During the next 3 months, body condition score normalized and muscle mass improved. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This report describes the management of a severely malnourished dog during refeeding, and highlights treatment considerations that may be important in the prevention of refeeding syndrome in such cases.

Pharmacokinetics of intravenous tramadol in dogs.

The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of tramadol and the active metabolite mono-O-desmethyltramadol (M1) in 6 healthy male mixed breed dogs following intravenous injection of tramadol at 3 different dose levels. Verification of the metabolism to the active metabolite M1, to which most of the analgesic activity of this agent is attributed to, was a primary goal. Quantification of the parent compound and the M1 metabolite was performed using gas chromatography. Pharmacodynamic evaluations were performed at the time of patient sampling and included assessment of sedation, and evaluation for depression of heart and respiratory rates. This study confirmed that while these dogs were able to produce the active M1 metabolite following intravenous administration of tramadol, the M1 concentrations were lower than previously reported in research beagles. Adverse effects were minimal, with mild dose-related sedation in all dogs and nausea in 1 dog. Analgesia was not documented with the method of assessment used in this study. Tramadol may be useful in canine patients, but additional studies in the canine population are required to more accurately determine the effective clinical use of the drug in dogs and quantification of M1 concentrations in a wider population of patients.

Exercise-induced collapse of Labrador retrievers: survey results and preliminary investigation of heritability.

Completed surveys were obtained from owners of 225 Labrador retrievers affected by the syndrome of exercise-induced collapse. Questions addressed signalment, age of onset, description of collapse episodes, and owner perception of activities and factors associated with collapse. Most dogs were young (mean 12 months) when collapse episodes began. Retrieving was the activity most commonly associated with collapse. Owners felt that excitement (187/225; 83%) and high environmental temperatures (71/225; 31%) increased the likelihood of collapse. Analysis of pedigrees collected from 169 affected dogs was most consistent with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.

Transtracheal aspiration in the diagnosis of pulmonary blastomycosis (17 cases: 2000-2005).

Blastomyces dermatitidis is a common etiologic agent of fungal pneumonia in dogs. Definitive diagnosis is based on cytologic demonstration of the organism in affected tissues. Fluid obtained through transtracheal aspiration has previously been reported to have a low diagnostic yield for B. dermatitidis organisms. This retrospective study identified B. dermatitidis organisms in 76% of samples when transtracheal aspiration was performed in 17 nonsedated dogs with pulmonary blastomycosis. Transtracheal aspiration is a noninvasive and simple procedure that should be considered as an early diagnostic test whenever blastomycosis is a differential diagnosis in dogs with pulmonary disease.

A possible new inherited myopathy in a young Labrador retriever.

A 5-month-old, male, Labrador retriever was evaluated for progressive weakness and muscle atrophy. Histologic evaluation of fresh frozen muscle revealed distinct cytoarchitectural changes and central mitochondrial accumulations indistinguishable from those found in the inherited myopathy described in Great Danes. Multiple male littermates and half-siblings were similarly affected.

Recurrent seizures in cats: Treatment - which antiepileptic drugs are recommended?

Practical relevance: Seizures are one of the most common neurological problems recognized in cats, affecting approximately 1-3% of the general population. Treatment options and prognosis are closely related to the underlying cause, so it is important that veterinarians are familiar with the diagnostic approach to cats with seizures and options for medical management. Series outline: This is the second of a two-part article series that reviews the diagnosis and treatment of seizures in cats. Part 2 describes chronic medical treatment options and prognosis for cats with recurrent seizures, and acute treatment of status epilepticus. AUDIENCE: This review of recurrent seizures in cats is intended for all veterinarians who are facing the challenges of seizure diagnosis and management in the feline patient. Evidence base: Recommendations for diagnosis and management of feline seizure disorders have historically been extrapolated from the canine and human literature. The information and guidance provided in this two-part series is based on a review of the recent published literature addressing seizure disorders and antiepileptic treatment in cats, as well as the authors' clinical experience.

Recurrent seizures in cats: Diagnostic approach - when is it idiopathic epilepsy?

Practical relevance: Seizures are one of the most common neurologic problems recognized in cats, affecting approximately 1-3% of the general population. Treatment options and prognosis are closely related to the underlying cause, so it is important that veterinarians are familiar with the diagnostic approach to cats with seizures and options for medical management. Series outline: This is the first of a two-part article series that reviews the diagnosis and treatment of seizures in cats. Part 1 outlines the classification and terminology used to describe epilepsy and epileptic seizures in cats, and discusses some of the most common and unique causes of recurrent seizures in cats. The diagnostic approach to cats with recurrent seizures is addressed, as are criteria for the diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy. AUDIENCE: This review of recurrent seizures in cats is intended for all veterinarians who are facing the challenges of seizure diagnosis and management in the feline patient. Evidence base: Recommendations for diagnosis and management of feline seizure disorders have historically been extrapolated from the canine and human literature. The information and guidance provided in this two-part series is based on a review of the recent published literature addressing seizure disorders and antiepileptic treatment in cats, as well as the authors' clinical experience.