The MARS PETCARE BIOBANK protocol: establishing a longitudinal study of health and disease in dogs and cats.

BACKGROUND: The veterinary care of cats and dogs is increasingly embracing innovations first applied to human health, including an increased emphasis on preventative care and precision medicine. Large scale human population biobanks have advanced research in these areas; however, few have been established in veterinary medicine. The MARS PETCARE BIOBANK™ (MPB) is a prospective study that aims to build a longitudinal bank of biological samples, with paired medical and lifestyle data, from 20,000 initially healthy cats and dogs (10,000 / species), recruited through veterinary hospitals over a ten-year period. Here, we describe the MPB protocol and discuss its potential as a platform to increase understanding of why and how diseases develop and how to advance personalised veterinary healthcare. METHODS: At regular intervals, extensive diet, health and lifestyle information, electronic medical records, clinicopathology and activity data are collected, genotypes, whole genome sequences and faecal metagenomes analysed, and blood, plasma, serum, and faecal samples stored for future research. DISCUSSION: Proposed areas for research include the early detection and progression of age-related disease, risk factors for common conditions, the influence of the microbiome on health and disease and, through genome wide association studies, the identification of candidate loci for disease associated genetic variants. Genomic data will be open access and research proposals for access to data and samples will be considered. Over the coming years, the MPB will provide the longitudinal data and systematically collected biological samples required to generate important insights into companion animal health, identifying biomarkers of disease, supporting earlier identification of risk, and enabling individually tailored interventions to manage disease.

Novel Nonsurgical Approach to Stabilization of Bilateral Pathologic Femoral Fractures in an Egg-laying Maroon-bellied Conure (Pyrrhura frontalis).

A 2-year-old, egg-laying maroon-bellied conure (Pyrrhura frontalis) was referred for treatment of bilateral femoral fractures believed to be secondary to recent egg laying and nutritional and husbandry deficiencies. On radiographs, all skeletal components were diffusely osteopenic, precluding surgical fixation. A novel device to stabilize the bilateral femoral fractures was manufactured with polyvinyl chloride piping, which braced the bird's feet at the level of the perch and supported its upper body weight via a breast plate, thus maintaining the bird in a physiologically appropriate perching position. The conure was ambulatory and returned to normal function after 3 weeks of external coaptation with this device. After 6 weeks, callus formation was palpable over both fracture sites even though minimal bone remodeling was visible radiographically. This body splint device may present a viable alternative to euthanasia in select cases of bilateral femoral fractures in companion birds.

Lyophilized platelets versus cryopreserved platelets for management of bleeding in thrombocytopenic dogs: A multicenter randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia in dogs is common in critical care medicine, but availability of fresh platelet concentrates in veterinary medicine can be limiting. Lyophilized platelets have long shelf-lives and can be easily transported, stored, and administered in various settings. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel trehalose-stabilized canine lyophilized platelet product in thrombocytopenic dogs with clinically-evident bleeding. ANIMALS: Eighty-eight dogs with platelet counts <50 × 103 /µL and a standardized bleeding assessment tool (DOGiBAT) score ≥2. METHODS: Multicenter, randomized, non-blinded, non-inferiority clinical trial comparing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-stabilized cryopreserved platelet concentrates (CPP) with trehalose-stabilized lyophilized platelets (LP) for control of bleeding in thrombocytopenic dogs. Dogs were randomized to receive 3 × 109 platelets/kg of LP or CPP. Primary outcome measures were change in DOGiBAT score, platelet count, need for additional red cell transfusion and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Fifty dogs received LP and 38 received CPP. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics of both groups were comparable. At 1-hour post-transfusion, LP were superior for change in DOGiBAT score, and non-inferior at 24-hours post-transfusion. The LP were non-inferior to CPP for change in platelet count, need for additional red blood cell units, and survival to discharge. The LP were superior for change in hematocrit at 1-hour post-transfusion, and non-inferior at 24-hours. No adverse effects were noted in either group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: A novel trehalose-stabilized canine LP product appears to be logistically superior and is clinically non-inferior to DMSO-stabilized canine CPP for management of bleeding in thrombocytopenic dogs.

Pet bird toxicity and related environmental concerns.

Birds may be exposed to toxins through various sources in their everyday environment. Toxicity may occur through inhalation or oral or dermal exposures. Clinicians diagnose and treat these toxicities in an effort to correct the disease of the individual patient. Recognition of toxicity in the avian patient has further significance as it relates to the patient's environment, including the health of other animals, humans, and the ecosystem. While some toxicities, such as lead and zinc toxicosis, are well-documented in avian species, others are limited to anecdotal reports and extrapolation from other species. Continued research is needed in this area of avian medicine to expand our knowledge and improve our ability to diagnose and treat toxic conditions in birds.

Small exotic mammal orthopedics.

The basic principles of orthopedic repair are the same for small exotic mammals as for the canine or feline patient. This article assists the clinician in determining the most appropriate method of fixation and maximizes the probability of a favorable outcome.

Feather loss and feather destructive behavior in pet birds.

Feather loss in psittacine birds is a common and frustrating clinical presentation. Causes include medical and nonmedical causes of feather loss with and without overt feather destructive behavior. Underlying causes include inappropriate husbandry and housing; parasitic, viral and bacterial infections; metabolic and allergic diseases; and behavioral disorders. Prior to a diagnosis of a behavioral disorder, medical causes of feather loss must be excluded through a complete medical work-up including history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing. This article focuses on common medical and nonmedical causes of feather loss and feather destructive behavior and approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Geriatric psittacine medicine.

This article investigates geriatric psittacine medicine; it identifies how to recognize and treat pain, and describes disease conditions by system, administration of medicine, and examination techniques.