Parvovirus enteritis and other risk factors associated with persistent gastrointestinal signs in dogs later in life: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Parvoviral enteritis (PE) is a viral gastrointestinal (GI) infection of dogs. Recovery from PE has been associated with persistent GI signs later in life. The objectives of this study were: (i) To determine whether dogs that have recovered from PE (post-parvo dogs) had an increased risk of persistent GI signs compared to uninfected control dogs. (ii) To investigate the lifestyle and clinicopathologic factors that are associated with persistent GI signs in post-parvo dogs. METHODS: A total of 86 post-parvo dogs and 52 age-matched control dogs were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Many years after hospitalization for PE, the owners were interviewed about the health and habits of their dogs using a questionnaire. We used generalized linear mixed effects models to test whether parvovirus enteritis and other risk factors are associated with owner-recognized general health problems in all dogs and with owner-recognized persistent GI signs in post-parvo dogs. RESULTS: The prevalence of persistent GI signs was significantly higher in post-parvo dogs compared to control dogs (57% vs 25%, P < 0.001). Markers of disease severity at the time of hospital admission such as neutropenia, low body temperature (BT), and treatment with an antiemetic medication (metoclopramide) were significant risk factors for persistent GI signs in post-parvo dogs. For example, PE-affected dogs that were hypothermic at hospital admission (BT of 37.2 °C) were 16.6 × more likely to have GI signs later in life compared to hyperthermic dogs (BT of 40.4 °C). The presence of persistent GI signs in post-parvo dogs was a risk factor for health problems in other organ systems. CONCLUSIONS: Parvovirus enteritis is a significant risk factor for persistent GI signs in dogs highlighting the importance of prevention. The risk factors identified in the present study may guide future investigations on the mechanisms that link parvovirus enteritis to chronic health problems in dogs.

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in a dog that was presented for neck wounds.

A 12-year-old spayed female German shorthaired pointer dog sustained extensive bite wounds around the neck. At presentation, atrial fibrillation was identified with a rapid ventricular response rate of 300 beats per minute (bpm). The ventricular response rate rapidly decreased to 130 bpm following administration of hydromorphone and oxygen. Based on the rate, antiarrhythmic therapy was not initiated. The heart rhythm converted back to sinus rhythm by the time of the first recheck evaluation 2 days later, and the dog remained in sinus rhythm at all subsequent evaluations. With the resolution of the arrhythmia, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was suspected. The underlying etiology of the arrhythmia was not determined; however, imbalances in autonomic tone associated with trauma and/or direct trauma to the heart were hypothesized. Key clinical message: This report indicates a possible role of imbalances in autonomic tone due to trauma in the development of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and suggests that it should be a differential diagnostic consideration in patients with atrial fibrillation following trauma. Primary treatment of atrial fibrillation may not be needed in these cases if the ventricular response rate is not rapid, or if there is spontaneous conversion to sinus rhythm.

Fibrillation atriale paroxysmique chez un chien présenté avec des blessures au cou. Une femelle braque allemand stérilisée âgée de 12 ans a subi des blessures extensives de morsure autour du cou. À la présentation, une fibrillation atriale fut identifiée avec un rythme de réponse ventriculaire rapide de 300 battements par minute (bpm). Le rythme de réponse ventriculaire diminua à 130 bpm à la suite de l'administration d'hydromorphone et d'oxygène. Sur la base du rythme aucune thérapie antiarythmique ne fut initiée. Le rythme cardiaque était retourné au rythme sinusal lors de la première réévaluation 2 jours plus tard, et le chien est demeuré en rythme sinusal à toutes les évaluations subséquentes. Avec la résolution de l'arythmie, une fibrillation atriale paroxysmique fut suspectée. L'étiologie sous-jacente de l'arythmie ne fut pas déterminée; toutefois, des débalancements du tonus autonome associés avec un trauma et/ou un trauma directement au coeur furent émis comme hypothèses.Message clinique clé:Ce rapport mentionne un rôle possible de débalancements du tonus autonome dus à un trauma lors du développement de fibrillation atriale paroxysmique et suggère que cela devrait être un diagnostic différentiel à considérer chez les patients avec fibrillation atriale à la suite d'un trauma. Le traitement initial de la fibrillation atriale pourrait ne pas être nécessaire dans ces cas si le rythme de la réponse ventriculaire n'est pas rapide ou s'il y a une conversion spontanée au rythme sinusal.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Pulsus alternans in a critically ill dog hospitalized for xylitol toxicity.

A 2-year-old spayed female Great Pyrenees cross dog was presented following the consumption of pure xylitol sweetener. Blood tests revealed hepatocellular leakage and cholestasis, hyperlactatemia, thrombocytopenia, and prolonged prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times. Thoracic radiographs on day 2 of hospitalization were consistent with pulmonary hemorrhage. Prior to death, the dog developed pulsus alternans suggestive of myocardial dysfunction secondary to severe systemic inflammation. This is the first report of pulsus alternans in a critically ill dog prior to clinical deterioration and death. This is also the first documentation of pulsus alternans with a high-definition oscillometric device. Key clinical message: Increased recognition of pulsus alternans and its potential implications in veterinary medicine may contribute to the identification of cardiovascular complications associated with systemic disease.

Pouls alternant chez un chien critiquement malade hospitalisé pour toxicité au xylitol. Une chienne Grand Pyrénées croisée stérilisée âgée de 2 ans a été présentée à la suite de la consommation de l'édulcorant xylitol pur. Des tests sanguins ont révélé une fuite hépatocellulaire et une cholestase, une hyperlactatémie, une thrombocytopénie et des temps de prothrombine et de thromboplastine partielle activée allongés. Des radiographies thoraciques au jour 2 de l'hospitalisation étaient conformes avec une hémorragie pulmonaire. Avant le décès, le chien développa un pouls alternant suggestif de dysfonction myocardique secondaire à une inflammation systémique sévère. Ceci constitue le premier rapport de pouls alternant chez un chien critiquement malade antérieur à une détérioration clinique et la mort. Il s'agit également de la première documentation d'un pouls alternant avec un instrument oscillométrique à haute définition.Message clinique clé :Une augmentation de la reconnaissance de pouls alternant et ses implications potentielles en médecine vétérinaire pourraient contribuer à l'identification de complications cardiovasculaires associées à des maladies systémiques.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

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).

The effect of anesthetic drug choice on accuracy of high-definition oscillometry in laterally recumbent horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of high-definition oscillometry (HDO) for arterial pressure measurement during injectable or inhalation anesthesia in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, clinical study. ANIMALS: Twenty-four horses anesthetized for procedures requiring lateral recumbency. METHODS: Horses were premedicated with xylazine, and anesthesia induced with diazepam-ketamine. Anesthesia was maintained with xylazine-ketamine-guaifenesin combination [TripleDrip (TD; n = 12) or isoflurane (ISO; n = 12)]. HDO was used to obtain systolic (SAP), mean (MAP) and diastolic (DAP) arterial pressures, and heart rate (HR) using an 8-cm-wide cuff around the proximal tail. Invasive blood pressure (IBP), SAP, MAP, DAP and HR were recorded during HDO cycling. Bland-Altman analysis for repeated measures was used to compare HDO and IBP for all measurements. The generalized additive model was used to determine if means in the differences between HDO and IBP were similar between anesthetic protocols for all measurements. RESULTS: There were >110 paired samples for each variable. There was no effect of anesthetic choice on HDO performance, but more variability was present in TD compared with ISO. Skewed data required log-transformation for statistical comparison. Using raw data and standard Bland-Altman analysis, HDO overestimated SAP (TD, 3.8 ± 28.3 mmHg; ISO, 3.5 ± 13.6 mmHg), MAP (TD, 4.0 ± 23.3 mmHg; ISO, 6.3 ± 10.0 mmHg) and DAP (TD, 4.0 ± 21.2 mmHg; ISO, 7.8 ± 13.6 mmHg). In TD, 26-40% HDO measurements were within 10 mmHg of IBP, compared with 60-74% in ISO. Differences between HDO and IBP for all measurements were similar between anesthetic protocols. The numerical difference between IBP and HDO measurements for SAP, MAP and DAP significantly decreased as cuff width:tail girth ratio increased toward 40%. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: More variability in HDO occurred during TD. The cuff width:tail girth ratio is important for accuracy of HDO.

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) infection in association with acute gastroenteritis in 7 dogs from Saskatchewan.

Seven dogs diagnosed with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) infection in association with acute gastroenteritis are described. Disease severity ranged from mild in adults to fatal disease in young dogs. Enteropathogenic E. coli infection should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in dogs with diarrhea.

Infection parEscherichia colientéropathogène (ECEP) en association avec une gastroentérite aiguë chez 7 chiens de la Saskatchewan. On décrit sept chiens diagnostiqués avec une infection par Escherichia coli entéropathogène (ECEP) en association avec une gastroentérite aigüe. La gravité de la maladie allait de légère chez les adultes à une maladie mortelle chez les jeunes chiens. E. coli entéropathogène devrait être considéré comme un diagnostic différentiel chez les chiens souffrant de la diarrhée.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Comparison of home blood pressure and office blood pressure measurement in dogs and cats.

The objectives of this study were to retrospectively compare blood pressure measurements obtained in clinic with those obtained at home from cats and dogs seen at our hospital and to investigate the potential for white-coat effect (WCE) and white-coat hypertension (WCH) in this population of 10 cats and 7 dogs. Medical records from Western College of Veterinary Medicine were searched to identify patients with paired home and in-clinic blood pressure measurements taken within 14 d. The results were compared with matched-pair analysis to determine the agreement and bias. Significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured in the clinic compared with those from home measurements. A mean difference of +27.7 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI): 17.1 to 38.3 mmHg, P < 0.001] and +12.9 mmHg (95% CI: 6.4 to 19.5 mmHg, P = 0.0007) was found for systolic and diastolic pressure, respectively. The prevalence of WCH in this population was 41%. A total of 39% of home blood pressure measurements by owners were free of artefacts as evaluated by waveforms on high-definition oscillometry (HDO) devices. The results of this study showed that blood pressure measurements taken at home and at a clinic varied significantly, which was attributed to a high prevalence of white-coat effect and white-coat hypertension in this clinical population.

Les objectifs de cette étude étaient de comparer rétrospectivement les mesures de pression sanguine obtenues en clinique avec celles obtenues à la maison pour des chats et des chiens vus en consultation à notre hôpital et d'examiner le potentiel pour l'effet pelage blanc (WCE) et l'hypertension pelage blanc (WCH) dans cette population de dix chats et sept chiens. Les dossiers médicaux du Western College of Veterinary Medicine ont été consultés afin d'identifier des patients avec mesures pairées de la pression sanguine en clinique et à la maison prises dans un délai de 14 jours. Les résultats furent comparés par analyse par paires appariées pour déterminer l'accord et le biais. Des pressions sanguines systoliques et diastoliques significativement plus élevées ont été mesurées en clinique comparativement à celles mesurées à la maison. Une différence moyenne de + 27,7 mmHg [intervalle de confiance 95 % (CI) : 17,1 à 38,3 mmHg, P < 0,001] et + 12,9 mmHg (CI 95 % : 6,4 à 19,5 mmHg, P = 0,0007) a été trouvée pour la pression systolique et diastolique, respectivement. La prévalence de WCH dans cette population était de 41 %. Un total de 39 % des mesures de pression sanguine à la maison par les propriétaires était exempt d'artéfact, tel qu'évalué par la forme des ondes sur des équipements d'oscillométrie à haute définition (HDO). Les résultats de cette étude ont montré que les mesures de pression sanguine prises à la maison et à une clinique variaient de manière significative, ce qui a été attribué à une prévalence élevée de l'effet pelage blanc et d'hypertension pelage blanc dans cette population clinique.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

A survey of intestinal parasites in dogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Fresh fecal samples from 124 apparently healthy dogs and 333 random source canine fecal samples from dog walking areas were analyzed by centrifuged flotation in Sheather's solution to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Fecal flotation was positive in 4.4% of samples. Roundworm species were found in 1.5% of samples, hookworm species were found in 0.4% of samples, whipworm species were found in 0.7%, Strongyloides spp. were found in 0.6%, Giardia spp., Cystoisospora spp., and Alaria spp. were found in 0.4% of samples.

Chronic mesenteric volvulus in a dog.

A chronic, partial mesenteric volvulus was found on laparotomy of an adult Bernese mountain dog with a 4-month history of intermittent vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. The dog had elevated cholestatic and hepatocellular leakage enzymes, increased bile acids, azotemia, isosthenuria, and a hypokalemic, hypochloremic, metabolic alkalosis. The dog recovered fully following reduction of the volvulus.

Characterization and quantification of feline fecal microbiota using cpn60 sequence-based methods and investigation of animal-to-animal variation in microbial population structure.

The complex microbial community of the intestine plays a major role in animal health and diseases. Despite its significance to feline health and the significance of intestinal and fecal populations to the public health, little is known about the actual composition of the normal microbiota of the cat. To create a sequence-based inventory of feline fecal microbiota, we applied established methods exploiting the gene encoding the universal 60kDa chaperonin (cpn60) to create libraries of cloned cpn60 sequences from pooled fecal samples from five exclusively indoor and four outdoor, known predatory cats. Sequencing of 1248 clones from each library revealed diverse populations dominated by Actinobacteria (particularly bifidobacteria) and Firmicutes (particularly lactobacilli). To investigate the degree of animal-to-animal variation in species abundance, ten targets were selected from the libraries for analysis by quantitative real-time PCR. Quantitative PCR results showed substantial animal-to-animal variation in target abundance although most targets were detected in all cats. This study lays the foundation for future work aimed at understanding the dynamics of intestinal microbial communities and their role in feline health.

Effect of three resuscitative fluid therapy strategies on NT-proBNP concentration in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if 3 resuscitative fluid therapy strategies increase N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT proBNP) levels in healthy dogs. DESIGN: Randomized crossover trial. SETTING: Veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Plasma NT proBNP concentrations were measured in 6 healthy purpose-bred dogs that received 3 resuscitative fluid therapy protocols. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Crystalloid, synthetic colloid, or hypertonic saline fluids were administered at resuscitative doses. Blood samples were collected via an indwelling catheter before, and at set time points between 0.5 and 36 h after fluid therapy and analyzed for NT-proBNP. A general linear mixed model was used to estimate the differences in NT-proBNP over time and among treatments. None of the resuscitative fluid therapy protocols caused increases of serum NT-proBNP beyond the previously reported cutoff concentration used to differentiate cardiac versus noncardiac causes of respiratory signs. Dogs receiving crystalloid fluid therapy had the most significant and prolonged increase in serum NT-proBNP concentration above baseline compared to dogs receiving either resuscitative doses of colloids or hypertonic saline. CONCLUSIONS: Serum NT-proBNP concentration in normal dogs was not increased beyond concentrations previously established to equate to cardiac disease after receiving resuscitative fluid therapy with either a balanced crystalloid solution, hypertonic saline, or a synthetic colloid solution in this study.

Canine immune-mediated polyarthritis: clinical and laboratory findings in 83 cases in western Canada (1991-2001).

A hospital-based, case-control study was used to describe clinical and laboratory findings in 83 dogs diagnosed with noninfectious, nonerosive, immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) in western Canada. Case medical records were reviewed. Cases were analyzed as total IMPA cases and as subgroups [breed, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), reactive, and idiopathic] and compared with the general canine hospital population. Dogs with IMPA differed in age (P = 0.004) and weight (P = 0.01) from other hospital admissions. Idiopathic IMPA cases were older (4-10 y; P < 0.05), compared with the general canine hospital population, and their common laboratory abnormalities included the following: leukocytosis, nonregenerative anemia, increased alkaline phosphatase, and hypoalbuminemia. The SLE cases were seen more often in summer and fall (P = 0.04), raising concern of an undiagnosed etiologic agent. The hock joint appeared to be the most reliable for diagnosis of IMPA, and arthrocentesis of both hock joints may aid in case identification.

A dog with squamous cell carcinoma in the middle ear.

An 8-year-old, castrated male golden retriever was referred for lethargy and inappetance. Severe pain was elicited on palpation of the left temporomandibular joint region. Computed tomography revealed aggressive bone destruction of the left bulla. Squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed. Malignant tumor in the canine middle ear is rare.

Effect of serum storage, anti-inflammatory oral doses of prednisone, and spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism on serum glutamate dehydrogenase activity in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) is a mitochondrial enzyme with highest activity in periacinar hepatocytes. It is reported to be a sensitive indicator of hepatic injury; however, results of studies regarding tissue specificity are contradictory. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study reported here was to examine the effect of 3 factors on serum GLDH activity in dogs: serum storage, anti-inflammatory oral doses of prednisone, and spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism (HAC). METHODS: Stability of enzyme activity was determined by comparing serum samples stored at approximately 20 degrees C, 4 degrees C, and 20 degrees C for 4, 24, 48, and 72 hours, 1 week, and 6 months. To determine whether orally administered prednisone affected GLDH activity, the median difference in serum GLDH activity was compared between 5 untreated control dogs and 8 dogs that had received a tapering oral dose of prednisone. Lastly, GLDH enzyme activity was compared between 17 dogs with HAC and 16 age-matched controls. RESULTS: GLDH activity remained stable for 48 hours, 1 week, and 6 months, in serum stored at approximately 20 degrees C, 4 degrees C, and 20 degrees C, respectively. The median change in GLDH activity was not significantly different between dogs receiving prednisone and controls; however, dogs with HAC had significantly higher values than those of age-matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: Serum samples should be maintained at 4 degrees C if analysis of GLDH activity will be delayed by >48 hours; serum stored at 20 degrees C yields reliable results for up to 6 months. Serum GLDH activity was not increased in most dogs receiving short-term, anti-inflammatory oral doses of prednisone, in contrast to its increased activity in dogs with HAC.

Eosinophilic cystitis in a female German wire-haired pointer.

A 7-month-old, intact female, German wire-haired pointer presented with a 3-week history of stranguria, pollakiuria, and dysuria that was nonresponsive to antibiotics. Two prior episodes of dysuria-stranguria appeared to respond to antibiotic therapy. Bladder wall biopsies revealed eosinophilic cystitis and the dog responded well to medical management.

Small animal deworming protocols, client education, and veterinarian perception of zoonotic parasites in western Canada.

Questionnaires were mailed to veterinarians in western Canada to determine dog and cat deworming protocols and the association between perceived zoonotic risk and perceived prevalence of endoparasites and deworming protocols. Of the responding veterinarians (545), 13% and 39% recommended deworming protocols consistent with established guidelines for puppies and kittens, respectively. Mixed animal practitioners and high-perceived prevalence of Toxocara cati were associated with increased appropriate kitten deworming (P < 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively). High-perceived zoonotic concern of Toxocara canis was associated with increased appropriate puppy deworming (P = 0.01). Sixty-eight percent of veterinarians noted an established hospital deworming protocol, although only 78% followed the protocol. Forty-four percent of veterinarians stated they discussed with all clients the zoonotic risk of animal-derived endoparasites, whereas the remainder discussed it only under particular circumstances or not at all. Most small animal deworming protocols recommended in western Canada begin too late to inhibit endoparasite shedding. Increased educational efforts directed at veterinarians are warranted.

Prevalence of perioperative arrhythmias in 50 young, healthy dogs.

The objective of this study was to assess the type and frequency of cardiac dysrhythmias occurring after routine ovariohysterectomy or orchidectomy in young, healthy dogs by using 2 anesthetic protocols (group I: propofol and isoflurane; group II: thiopental and halothane). Fifty dogs under 2 years of age, judged to be clinically normal by physical examination and standard electrocardiography, were evaluated by using 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiography. The most common dysrhythmias in the postoperative period were 2nd degree atrioventricular block (44%), ventricular premature complexes (44%), and atrial premature complexes (32%). For study purposes, more than 100 ventricular or atrial premature complexes per 24 hours, or any occurrence of R-on-T phenomenon, ventricular or atrial tachycardia were classified as clinically significant arrhythmias. Significant arrhythmias were observed in 9 dogs in the postoperative period, 5 of which were in group I and 4 in group II. All of these dogs were under 1 year of age. The R-on-T phenomenon occurred in 4 dogs in group II and 1 dog in group I. Results from this study show that significant arrhythmias, including R-on-T phenomenon, can occur in the perioperative period in young, healthy dogs undergoing routine surgeries with both protocols used.

Prognostic factors for mortality and thromboembolism in canine immune-mediated hemolytic anemia: a retrospective study of 72 dogs.

Medical records of 72 dogs diagnosed with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) were reviewed to find risk factors for the disease, for mortality, and for thromboembolism. Coagulation data of 32 patients were evaluated for mortality or thromboembolism risk factors. Cocker Spaniels were at increased risk for IMHA (P = .012). Timing of vaccination was not associated with development of IMHA. PCV ranged from 5 to 33%, with a mean of 16 +/- 5%. Autoagglutination was present in 42% of the dogs. Platelet counts (n = 60) varied from 3,000 to 793,000/microL (mean, 160,117 +/- 133,571; median, 144,000). Thrombocytopenia (platelet count, <200,000/microL) was present in 70% of the dogs, with severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count, <50,000/microL) being present in 22%. One-step prothrombin time (OSPT) was prolonged in 28% of the dogs tested, and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was prolonged in 47% of the dogs tested. Fibrin(ogen) degradation products (FDPs) were detected in 16 of 28 dogs tested (57%). Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was diagnosed in 10 of 31 (32%) dogs and was suspected in 8 dogs. Thromboemboli were found in 20 of 25 dogs given postmortem examinations. Mortality rate was 58%. Thrombocytopenia (P = .008) and serum bilirubin concentration of >5 mg/dL (P = .015) were risk factors for mortality, and hypoalbuminemia approached significance (P = .053). Severe thrombocytopenia (P = .046), serum bilirubin concentration of >5 mg/dL (P = .038), and hypoalbuminemia (P = .016) were risk factors for thromboembolism. On evaluation of continuous data, decreased platelet count (P = .057), increased bilirubin (P = .062), and decreased albumin (P = .054) approached significance for decreased survival. A higher risk for thrombosis was found with increased alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) (P = .042), increased bilirubin (P = .047), and decreased albumin (P = .012).