Evaluation of a smartphone-based electrocardiogram device accuracy in field and in hospital conditions in horses.

BACKGROUND: Due to compactness and cheapness, smartphone ECG (sECG) could be very useful to equine practitioners. However, previous studies have evaluated the accuracy of sECG in hospitalised horses only. Different conditions in the field could influence the accuracy of the device. The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy of sECG in field and in hospital conditions. METHODS: This is a prospective study. Paired standard base-apex ECG (stECG) and sECG were recorded in hospitalised horses and in subjects examined in field conditions. ECGs were analysed for heart rate and rhythm, presence/type of arrhythmias, presence/duration of artefacts, electrocardiographic waves and interval parameters by a blinded clinician. Statistical analysis evaluated the agreement between stECG and sECG and the differences in the prevalence of artefact in field and hospital conditions. RESULTS: Nineteen (hospital) and 40 (field) paired ECGs were analysed. Agreement between stECG and sECG was found for heart rate and rhythm, evaluation of atrioventricular block and premature complexes, P wave and PQ interval duration, and QRS complex duration and polarity. No differences were found between artefacts recorded in hospital and in field conditions. CONCLUSION: sECG is a feasible tool for evaluation of rhythm in horses and is as accurate in field as in ambulatory conditions.

Prevalence of Dal blood type and dog erythrocyte antigens (DEA) 1, 4, and 7 in canine blood donors in Italy and Spain.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Dal, and DEA 1, 4, 7 blood types, in a population of canine blood donors from Italy and Spain. Three hundred and twenty blood donor dogs receiving an annual health evaluation were included in the study. DEA 1 blood type was determined using an immunochromatographic strip technique while Dal, DEA 4 and 7 blood types were determined with polyclonal antisera using agglutination on gel columns. RESULTS: Out of 320 dogs blood typed 7 (2 Cane Corso and 5 Doberman Pinschers) (2.2%) were Dal negative; 137 (42.8%) were positive for DEA 1; 320 (100%) were positive for DEA 4 and 43 (13.4%) were positive for DEA 7. CONCLUSION: This study showed a similar prevalence of DEA 1, 7 and 4 to that reported in previous studies in the same, and in different, geographic areas, and provides new data on the prevalence of the Dal blood group in Italy and Spain. There was no significant difference (P = 0.8409) between prevalence of Dal negative blood types found in our population (2.2%) and the prevalence reported in a canine blood donor population from the USA (2.5%). Our study identified Dal negative dogs in a previously tested breed i.e. Doberman Pinschers, but also the Cane Corso breed was found to have Dal negative dogs.

Indirect Blood Pressure Measurement in Horses: Is There an Influence of Age, Sex, Breed, Bodyweight, and Cardiac Diseases on Pressure Values?

Only few data regarding normal resting blood pressure in horses and the influence of cardiac diseases on arterial blood pressure are available in literature. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible influence of age, sex, breed, bodyweight, and cardiac diseases and their severity on blood pressure values measured in horses with cardiac disease and in a control group. For this case-control study, indirect blood pressure measurement was performed in 60 horses with different types of cardiac disease and in 23 healthy horses (control group), by means of an ultrasonic blood-flow technique. According to the echocardiographic findings, horses with cardiac abnormalities have been divided into two groups (with and without cardiac dimensional modifications). Multivariable linear regression analysis evaluated the influence of age, breed, sex, and cardiac diseases and their severity (regressors) on blood pressure. The results showed a significant influence of age on diastolic pressure in healthy horses. Furthermore, a significant influence of the presence of cardiac dilation in horses with cardiac disease on systolic and diastolic pressures was found. Single-regressor linear analysis showed that horses with cardiac dilation are significantly older than both horses without cardiac dimensional changes and those of control group. Further studies are necessary to better investigate the possible influence of the type of cardiac disease on blood pressure.

Change in haematological and selected biochemical parameters measured in feline blood donors and feline whole blood donated units.

Objectives The quality of whole blood (WB) units is influenced by many factors, starting with selection of donors and the method of blood collection. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes that occur in haematological and selected biochemical parameters in blood transferred from a feline blood donor to feline WB unit. Methods Data from 27 feline blood donations were used in this study. Cats were anaesthetised with a combination of tiletamine and zolazepam. Blood (10 ml/kg body weight to a maximum of 60 ml/cat) was collected in citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine (CPDA) anticoagulant. Lactated Ringer's solution (10 ml/kg) was administered intravenously starting halfway through the donation. Haematological and selected biochemical parameters (complete blood count, free haemoglobin, % haemolysis, glucose, sodium, potassium, pH) were measured in the blood donor before donation and in the corresponding donated WB unit soon after collection. Results Significant decreases occurred between blood donor and WB unit in red blood cells (mean difference -1.06 × 1012/l; P <0.0001), haemoglobin (mean difference -1.6 g/dl; P <0.0001), haematocrit (mean difference -4.6%; P <0.0001), red cell distribution width (mean difference -0.9%; P = 0.0003), white blood cells (mean difference -2.17 × 109/l; P <0.0001), pH (mean difference -0.5; P <0.0001) and potassium (mean difference -1.4 mmol/l; P <0.0001). Significant increases occurred between blood donor and WB unit in platelets (mean difference +87.00 ×109/l; P = 0.0039), glucose (mean difference +25.42 mmol/l; P <0.0001) and sodium (mean difference +20 mmol/l; P <0.0001). Conclusions and relevance When using a blood collection protocol with intravenous fluid administration midway through the donation and a CPDA:blood ratio of 1:7, there were significant changes in both the haematological and biochemical characteristics between the blood donors and WB units. The majority of these changes may be the result of the anticoagulants used for storage. Understanding these changes may assist selection of blood donors and help prediction of the characteristics of the donated WB unit.

Evaluation of an immunochromatographic test for feline AB system blood typing.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of an immunochromatographic cartridge (IC) test for blood typing feline type A, B, and AB blood samples. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. SAMPLES: Fifty-one nonanemic and 19 anemic feline blood samples. INTERVENTIONS: Samples were blood typed by both card agglutination (CA) and IC techniques. Discordant results were analyzed using a back-typing technique for the presence of alloantibodies. Repeatability and reproducibility of the IC method were evaluated. Accuracy of the IC method was determined for feline whole blood anticoagulated with EDTA and citrate phosphate dextrose adenine (CPDA1), for feline-packed RBCs with CPDA1 and saline adenine glucose-mannitol, and for autoagglutinated and hemolytic samples. Accuracy of IC testing was determined for feline blood after room temperature, 4 ± 2, -20, and -80°C storage following 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours, and after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of storage. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In anemic and nonanemic samples the IC technique had a specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 100% in detecting feline blood types A, B, and AB, outperforming a CA test. Results were repeatable and reproducible. Using IC it was possible to blood type samples anticoagulated with EDTA and CPDA1, packed RBC samples with CPDA1 and saline adenine glucose-mannitol, autoagglutinated and hemolytic samples, and samples stored at 4 ± 2°C and at room temperature for up to 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: The IC technique is an accurate assay for the identification of A, B, and AB blood types in anemic and nonanemic feline blood. It has a higher sensitivity and specificity than the CA test, and can be used in samples stored with common anticoagulants or preservative solutions used in feline transfusion medicine.

Haematological and biochemical reference intervals in adult Maine Coon cat blood donors.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to derive Maine Coon haematological and biochemical reference intervals (RIs) from adult healthy blood donors, to validate (or reject) the use of published RIs for the general feline population in this breed, and to evaluate the effects of age, sex and weight on the haematological and biochemical results. METHODS: Haematological and biochemical data were retrieved retrospectively from a database of 81 healthy adult Maine Coon cat blood donors and were analysed to generate normal RIs. RIs were determined and compared with established non-breed-specific feline RIs according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines and the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines using Reference Value-Advisor (version 2.1) software. RESULTS: The age of the cats ranged from 1-8 years (mean 4.4 years), 42 were female and 39 were male, and weights ranged from 4.9-8.5 kg (mean 6.7 kg). New Maine Coon RIs were proposed for red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, reticulocyte count and percentage. Haematocrit was higher in male cats (mean HCT 42.9% vs 41% in females; P = 0.001) and in heavier cats (P = 0.003; slope 1.0, regression equation HCT = 35.1 + 1.0 × weight). New biochemical RIs were proposed for urea, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase, total protein and albumin in Maine Coons. Females had higher GGT (median GGT value in females 4.0 vs 3.0 in males; P = 0.011) and albumin values (mean albumin value 3.3 in females vs 3.1 in males; P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Currently published RIs for some haematological and biochemical parameters are not appropriate for use in adult Maine Coon cats. A breed-specific variation could be a plausible explanation for the new haematological and serum biochemical analytes proposed in this study. Breed-specific RIs for Maine Coon cats will help prevent misinterpretation of laboratory results in diagnosis and in the selection of ideal blood donors.

Survey of Dermatophytes in Stray Cats with and without Skin Lesions in Northern Italy.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dermatophytes in stray cats with and without clinical lesions from different colonies in rural and urban areas of Milan and surroundings in northern Italy. Stray cats (273) were caught during a trap-neuter-release (TNR) program conducted in different colonies of northern Italy in both rural and urban areas. Each cat was examined in dark environment with a Wood's lamp prior to sample collection. Hair or scales exhibiting typical fluorescence were removed with a pair of sterile hemostats and cultured. The hair of all cats was then sampled by Mackenzie modified brush technique regardless of the presence or absence of skin lesions attributable to dermatophytosis. All the hair samples were subjected to fungal culture. 15 cats were positive (5.5%). Microsporum canis was the most common dermatophyte isolated (13/15). The only other isolated dermatophyte was Trichophyton mentagrophytes (2/15). Our estimated prevalence of dermatophytes in stray cats was much lower than other Italian studies on the same population.

Signalment and blood types in cats being evaluated as blood donors at two italian university blood banks.

Data from potential feline blood donors presented at two university blood banks in Italy were recorded. Blood typing was performed using an immunochromatographic method. Over the three years of the study 357 cats representing 15 breeds, 45.3% female and 54.7% male, with a mean age of 3.8 years were evaluated. Of these 90.5% were blood type A, 5.6% type B, and 3.9% type AB. The majority of the cats (54.6%) were European DSH (92.3% were type A, 5.1% type B, and 2.6% type AB), and 21% were Maine Coon (MCO) cats (100% blood type A). The estimated frequencies of transfusion reactions following an unmatched transfusion between DSH (donors and recipients), MCO (donor and recipients), DSH donors and MCO recipients, and MCO donors and DSH recipients were 4.8%, 0%, 0%, and 5.1% for major reactions and 7.2%, 0%, 7.7%, and 0% for minor transfusions reactions, respectively. In a population of blood donors that includes DSH and MCO the risk of transfusion reaction is between 5% and 8% if typing is not performed on donor and recipient blood. Blood typing should therefore be performed before transfusion to remove the risk of transfusion reactions due to blood type incompatibilities.

Prevalence of haemoplasma infections in stray cats in northern Italy.

This study investigated the prevalence of feline haemoplasma infections in a number of stray cat colonies in Milan, Northern Italy. Blood samples from 260 stray cats were evaluated, with conventional PCR, for the presence of DNA associated with Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" (CMhm). Odd ratios (OR) were calculated to identify risk factors for haemoplasma infections. PCR was positive in 86 out of 260 subjects (33.1%), with a prevalence of 10.8% (28/260 cats) for Mhf and 22.3% (58/260 cats) for CMhm. No coinfections were registered. There were significant associations between infections and season of sampling, that is, a negative association between winter sampling and a haemoplasma positive status (OR = 0.29, P = 0.001), or CMhm positive status (OR = 0.29, P = 0.01). Haemoplasma infections are common in stray cats in Milan. Thus, domestic cats with outdoor access should be routinely monitored and treated for ectoparasites to minimize risks of disease acquisition. Moreover, as these infections are transmitted via blood, feline blood donors from this area should be screened by PCR and preferably be drawn from a population of indoor cats regularly treated for fleas.

Molecular study on selected vector-borne infections in urban stray colony cats in northern Italy.

Feline vector-borne diseases can be caused by a range of pathogens transmitted by arthropods. Many of these infections have zoonotic implications, and stray cats are potential sentinels for human and pet health. This study investigated the prevalence of selected vector-borne infections in stray colony cats in Milan. Blood samples from 260 stray cats were evaluated, using conventional polymerase chain reaction tests (cPCRs), for the presence of DNA associated with Rickettsia species, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia species. Positive cPCR results occurred in 127/260 subjects (48.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 40.7-58.1), with a prevalence of 31.9% (83/260, 95% CI = 25.4-39.6) for Rickettsia species, 17.7% (46/260, 95% CI= 13.0-23.6) for A phagocytophilum, and 5.4% (14/260, 95% CI = 2.9-9.0) for Ehrlichia species. There was no statistical association between a positive PCR test for vector-borne infections surveyed and colony location, age, gender, body condition score or complete blood count abnormalities, nor feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukaemia virus or Toxoplasma gondii status. The only variable linked to positive PCR results was detection of signs of ocular infection and PCR positivity for Rickettsia species (P = 0.04, odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.1-4.4, P = 0.02). There is a significant prevalence of vector-borne infections with zoonotic potential in urban stray cats in Milan. Thus, dogs and pet cats with outdoor access should be monitored and treated for ectoparasites on a regular basis to minimise risks of disease and the potential transmission of zoonotic agents to people.

Prevalence of faecal-borne parasites in colony stray cats in northern Italy.

Endoparasitic infections are common in stray cats. Many of these parasites are responsible for zoonoses, and stray cats can be a source of environmental contamination. The prevalence of parasites in 139 stray colony cats in the city of Milan, northern Italy, was investigated by faecal examination. The overall prevalence of endoparasites was 50.4%, with 11 different parasites found. Parasites with zoonotic potential were detected in 49.6% of cats. Concurrent infections with two or more zoonotic parasites were recorded in 14.3% of cats. Among the parasites found, the most common was Toxocara cati (33.1%; P <0.0001). The other species found by coproscopic examination were: Ancylostoma tubaeformae (7.2%), Isospora species (4.3%), Trichuris vulpis (2.9%), Dipylidium caninum (2.9%), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (2.9%), Eucoleus aerophilus (syn Capillaria aerophila) (1.4%), Spirometra species (1.4%), Taenia pisiformis (0.7%) and Hymenolepis nana (0.7%). Coproantigen specific for Giardia duodenalis was detected in 2.9% of the samples. Pseudoparasites (eggs of mites) were found in 4.3% of the samples. No sample contained Toxoplasma gondii oocysts, despite the fact that 70 cats tested positive for T gondii-specific IgG antibodies, and none of the diarrhoetic samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium species oocysts. Variables linked to infection were body condition score (BCS), the presence of diarrhoea and infection with G duodenalis. Cats infected with G duodenalis were more likely to have a low BCS (odds ratio (OR) = 11.5, P = 0.02) and diarrhoea (OR = 30.7, P = 0.0007). The results of the present study confirm that endoparasitic infections, most of which have zoonotic potential, are distributed in stray colony cats of Milan.

Seroprevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukaemia virus and Toxoplasma gondii in stray cat colonies in northern Italy and correlation with clinical and laboratory data.

Stray cat colonies in urban and rural areas of Lombardy, northern Italy, were surveyed for seroprevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies, feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) antigen and Toxoplasma gondii IgG. Of 316 cats tested, 6.6% were positive for FIV and 3.8% were positive for FeLV infection; 203 cats were tested for T gondii IgG antibodies and a prevalence of 30.5% was detected. Statistical analysis tested the influence of provenience, age, gender, health status and laboratory results on seroprevalence and found male gender and adult age were risk factors for FIV infection. FIV-infected cats were more likely to have a decreased red blood cell count than FIV seronegative cats. No predictors were significantly associated with FeLV and T gondii seropositivity. Colony cats in this study posed a limited risk for retrovirus infection to pet cats allowed outdoors, whereas toxoplasmosis exposure was comparable with the worldwide data.

Potential variant of multiple endocrine neoplasia in a dog.

This report describes multiple endocrine neoplasia in a dog, which is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by the presence of two or more neoplasms of different endocrine tissues within a patient. A 14 yr old dog was evaluated for polyuria/polydipsia, polyphagia, and abdominal enlargement. Adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism with concomitant left thyroid enlargement and a presumed abdominal metastatic lesion were diagnosed by an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test, ultrasonography, and computed tomography. Trilostane therapy was initiated and resolved the clinical signs for 2 yr at which time the dog presented with left testicular enlargement. The dog was euthanized and was diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, an abdominal mass compatible with a metastatic lymph node, and bilateral interstitial cell testicular adenomas. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report to describe the concomitant association of these types of endocrine neoplasms in a dog. The concomitant presence of these neoplasms could represent a potential variant of multiple endocrine neoplasia; however, the presence of the interstitial cell testicular adenomas may have only been an incidental finding. If any of these tumors are diagnosed, veterinarians should perform a thorough clinical assessment to evaluate for the presence of additional endocrine neoplasms or hyperplasia.

Comparison of gel column agglutination with monoclonal antibodies and card agglutination methods for assessing the feline AB group system and a frequency study of feline blood types in northern Italy.

BACKGROUND: A new commercial gel column agglutination system is reported to have high sensitivity in detecting cats with blood type AB. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to compare gel column agglutination and card agglutination methods for feline blood-typing and to determine the frequency distribution of feline blood types in northern Italy. METHODS: Blood-typing was performed on 120 cats using both a commercial gel column containing monoclonal antibodies (ID Gel-Test Micro Typing System) and a card agglutination method (RapidVet-H Feline). Results were confirmed with back-typing. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for the 2 methods. A second group of 140 Domestic Shorthair (DSH) cats was blood-typed using the gel column technique to determine the frequency distribution of feline blood types in northern Italy. RESULTS: The card agglutination method demonstrated poor sensitivity in identification of type-AB cats (61%) and was only 95% specific when identifying type-B cats. The gel column agglutination technique demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity for typing all 3 blood types (A, B, and AB). The frequency distribution study of 140 cats demonstrated that 127 (90.7%) cats were type A, 10 (7.1%) were type B, and 3 (2.1%) were type AB. CONCLUSION: When blood-typing cats of breeds with a relatively high frequency of blood types B and AB, methods that use monoclonal antibodies for detection of blood types B and AB are recommended. Alternatively, blood type can be confirmed by more sensitive supplemental testing, such as back-typing. The high frequency of blood type A in DSH cats in northern Italy was comparable to previously reported frequencies in Italy and world-wide.

First report of the use of meglumine antimoniate for treatment of canine leishmaniasis in a pregnant dog.

Canine leishmaniasis during pregnancy is rarely reported, even in countries where the infection in dogs is endemic. The authors report a case of a 4 yr old bitch with leishmaniasis treated with meglumine antimoniate during pregnancy. The pregnancy and delivery were normal and the bitch presented improvement of the infection during treatment. Three puppies died within 2 days of birth and tested negative via real-time PCR for L. infantum. The two surviving puppies were followed clinically, serologically, and by real-time PCR until 1 yr of age with no evidence of congenital leishmaniasis. L. infantum DNA was detected with real-time PCR analysis of uterine tissue from the bitch at the time of ovariohysterectomy. PCR analysis was performed after an ovariohysterectomy of the bitch that was performed two months after parturition. Meglumine antimoniate use in the pregnant bitch may have prevented vertical transmission of leishmaniasis.

The prevalence of cardiac murmurs among standardbred racehorses presented with poor performance.

Seven hundreds fifty-two Standardbreds, with poor performance, underwent a thorough diagnostic protocol. In 157 out of 233 horses, with cardiac murmurs, echocardiography and color flow Doppler (CFD) mapping were performed. Murmur of tricuspid valve regurgitation was identified in 185 horses, while murmurs of mitral (23), aortic (9) and pulmonary (3) valve regurgitations were detected less frequently. Functional systolic, functional pre-systolic, and functional early diastolic murmurs were identified in 10, 11 and 2 horses. Two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography showed no abnormality in 145 horses and by CFD the presence of one or more jets of valve regurgitation were observed in 149 patients. The results obtained suggest that cardiac murmurs are a common finding in Standardbreds presented with poor performance.

Echocardiographic measurements of cardiac dimensions in normal Standardbred racehorses.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to obtain echocardiographic measurements and establish reference ranges for 14 parameters in Standardbred racehorses in training. BACKGROUND: Several studies have been published about cardiac measurements in Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, National Hunt horses, Warmbloods and ponies; however, not all parameters have been published for the Standardbred trotter in training. ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty normal Standardbred racehorses in training were assessed by two-dimensional echocardiography (2-D) and M-mode echocardiography using standardized imaging planes. Mean values, standard deviations, 95% confidence interval for the means and 95% confidence interval for the cardiac parameters measured in the population were calculated. Furthermore, a general linear model was constructed using sex, age and body weight (bwt) of the horses as independent variables and the echocardiographic measurements as dependent variables. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed with the level of significance at p<0.05 for all the null hypotheses. RESULTS: Reference ranges were established for 14 echocardiographic parameters in Standardbred racehorses. Weak linear relationships between echocardiographic measurements and body weight were observed for LVIDd, LVIDs, LVFWs, and AOD. Linear regressions on these parameters were used to calculate the 95% confidence intervals for the predicted values. CONCLUSIONS: The data collected in this study provide reference values for the evaluation of Standardbred racehorses in training. Body weight has a negligible affect on most echocardiographic parameters in this homogeneous population, but did mildly influence the results of left ventricular and aortic measurements.