A qualitative analysis of the impact of canine hypoadrenocorticism on the quality of life of owners.

BACKGROUND: Canine hypoadrenocorticism is a rare chronic disease, which demands intense dog-owner interaction, as its treatment requires to be individualised. The aim of this study was a qualitative analysis of the challenges owners face when dealing with the disease, especially regarding its management and how this affects quality of life. By promoting an online discussion between owners, we transcribed and summarised their experiential knowledge in dealing with the disease. METHODS: Owners were recruited for the online seminars via social media. After a theoretical introduction, participants were free to share experiences and ask questions. The recorded events were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-four owners of 22 Addisonian dogs took part in four events. Owners felt most "traumatised" when experiencing their dog's acute adrenal crisis. The initial adjustment phase and distinguishing the non-specific symptoms of hypoadrenocorticism from those of other diseases were also challenging. Overall, owners were well informed on the disease and committed to its long-term adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Adrenal crisis and the initial adjustment phase may be more burdening to owners than expected. Understanding what their clients' concerns are, can help veterinarians provide better care and reduce the negative impacts of canine hypoadrenocorticism. Promoting peer to peer support, as well as providing a framework for participative communication might also help.

Factors affecting prognosis in canine subcutaneous mast cell tumors: 45 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of subcutaneous mast cell tumors (SQMCT) and to identify clinical and histological characteristics of more aggressive disease. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Forty-five dogs with 48 SQMCTs. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed (2011-2021) for patient information, clinical, and histopathological data including multinucleation, necrosis, invasion into local muscle, an infiltrative growth pattern, tumor grade (if listed), mitotic index, and surgical margins. The presence of local recurrence, lymph node metastasis, survival time, and other parameters evaluating patient outcome were also recorded. RESULTS: Local recurrence occurred in 17.8% (8/45) of dogs, 11.1% (5/45) developed metastatic recurrence, and 26.7% (12/45) developed lymph node metastasis. Dogs with lymph node metastases had a median disease-free interval (DFI) of 194 days (18-1864), while median DFI was not reached for dogs without lymph node metastasis (p = .0012). Median survival time for dogs with lymph node metastasis was 551 days (110-2050) compared to 1722 days (10-1722) without metastasis (p = .0432). Local recurrence resulted in a significantly shorter median survival time of 551 days (80-2050) compared to 1722 days (10-1722) for dogs without local recurrence (p = .0038). Dogs with infiltrative tumors had a median DFI of 268 days (3-1722) and DFI for dogs without an infiltrative pattern had not reached median at 1864 days (10-1864) (p = .011). CONCLUSION: Lymph node metastasis decreased disease-free interval and survival. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Subcutaneous mast cell tumors may be a more aggressive disease than previously reported.

Urine Residual Volume in Normal Dogs Determined by Direct Measurement and Comparison to Two-Dimensional Ultrasonographic Measurement.

Normal urine residual volume (URV) in dogs has not previously been established by direct measurement. Twenty-two client-owned normal healthy dogs (8 female spayed, 12 male castrated, 2 male intact) without history of urinary abnormalities were included. Dogs were walked outside for 5 min to allow for natural voiding, immediately followed by urinary bladder ultrasound and urinary catheterization. The URV was recorded, and the ultrasound images were used to estimate URV for each dog. There was no significant difference between male and female URV; therefore, all data were pooled. With a 90% confidence interval, URV was 0-0.47 mL/kg with a mean URV of 0.21 mL/kg and a median value of 0.175 mL/kg. There was no significant difference between the measured URV and the ultrasound-determined URV. This case series supports previously established normal URV in the dog; however, a reference interval based on a larger population of dogs with further evaluation of body size/weight, sex, and neuter status is recommended to be established for use in clinical setting to differentiate normal urination from urinary retention in patients.

Developing a framework for a western Canadian companion animal surveillance initiative: Case definitions and the role of the veterinarian.

Objective: Surveillance data on companion animals in western Canada are extremely limited. Previous research by the principal investigators established a list of potential canine pathogens of relevance to public health for inclusion in the Western Canadian Companion Animal Surveillance Initiative (CASI). Our objective was to assess veterinary interest in contributing to companion animal surveillance, and to gather baseline data on specific canine pathogens of interest to create surveillance-specific case definitions. Procedure: An invitation to participate in an online survey was disseminated to all clinical veterinarians across the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Results: There was a moderate level of interest (median: 7.5/10) from veterinarians to participate in the surveillance of companion animals. The majority (85%, 51/60) of veterinarians participating in the survey recorded diagnosing at least 1 of the pathogens of interest over a 5-year interval. Based on survey responses, several surveillance case definitions were formulated for pathogen groups of interest, most of which require laboratory testing for confirmation. Conclusion and clinical relevance: This study identified the willingness, practicality, and importance of veterinarians or veterinary clinics participating in companion animal surveillance.

Élaboration d'un cadre pour une initiative de surveillance des animaux de compagnie dans l'Ouest canadien : définitions de cas et r ô le du vétérinaire. Objectif: Les données de surveillance sur les animaux de compagnie dans l'Ouest canadien sont extrêmement limitées. Des recherches antérieures menées par les chercheurs principaux ont établi une liste d'agents pathogènes canins potentiels pertinents pour la santé publique à inclure dans l'Initiative de surveillance des animaux de compagnie de l'Ouest canadien (CASI). Notre objectif était d'évaluer l'intérêt des vétérinaires à contribuer à la surveillance des animaux de compagnie et de recueillir des données de base sur des agents pathogènes canins spécifiques d'intérêt afin de créer des définitions de cas spécifiques à la surveillance. Procédure: Une invitation à participer à un sondage en ligne a été diffusée à tous les vétérinaires cliniques des provinces de l'Alberta, de la Saskatchewan et du Manitoba. Résultats: Il y avait un niveau d'intérêt modéré (médiane : 7,5/10) de la part des vétérinaires pour participer à la surveillance des animaux de compagnie. La majorité (85 %, 51/60) des vétérinaires participant à l'enquête ont déclaré avoir diagnostiqué au moins un des agents pathogènes d'intérêt sur un intervalle de 5 ans. Sur la base des réponses à l'enquête, plusieurs définitions de cas de surveillance ont été formulées pour des groupes d'agents pathogènes d'intérêt, dont la plupart nécessitent des tests de laboratoire pour confirmation. Conclusion et pertinence clinique: Cette étude a identifié la volonté, l'aspect pratique et l'importance des vétérinaires ou des cliniques vétérinaires participant à la surveillance des animaux de compagnie.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Outcomes and Complications Associated With Caudal Thoracic and Abdominal Air Sac Cannulation in 68 Birds.

Air sac cannulation is used both as an emergency procedure in avian patients with severe upper respiratory compromise, as well as a means of routine ventilation for surgery of the head and neck. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe and quantify the complications associated with air sac cannulation in birds. Medical records were retrieved for all patients that underwent caudal thoracic or abdominal air sac cannulation at a single center between August 2004 and October 2020. Patient signalment, indication for air sac cannulation, location of air sac cannula (ASC) placement, occurrence and category of complications encountered, and survival data were recorded. Eighty-four ASCs were placed in 68 birds across 6 orders; 95.2% (80/84) of cases survived general anesthesia for initial ASC placement. The side and position of ASC placement were known in 33.3% (28/84) and 21.4% (18/84) of cases, respectively. Survival to ASC removal was known in 91.3% (73/80) of cases; 43 (58.9%) of these 73 cases survived to ASC removal. Complications were observed in 32.5% (26/80) of cases, and 11.5% (3/26) of cases died as a direct result of the complication. The most common reported ASC complication was loss of patency in 23.8% (19/80) of cases. Increased likelihoods for complications were seen in cases where exercise intolerance (P = 0.04) or abnormal respiratory sounds (P = 0.04) were reported at presentation. Increased likelihoods for survival to ASC removal were seen with intercostal placements (P = 0.049) and peri-interventional antibiotic therapy (P = 0.005). Decreased likelihood for survival to ASC removal was seen in cases where voice change was reported at presentation (P = 0.02). This study demonstrates a moderate risk of ASC complication, with a guarded overall prognosis for survival to ASC removal.

Views of Western Canadian dairy producers on calf rearing: An interview-based study.

Calf rearing practices differ among farms, including feeding and weaning methods. These differences may relate to how dairy producers view these practices and evaluate their own success. The aim of this study was to investigate perspectives of dairy producers on calf rearing, focusing on calf weaning and how they characterized weaning success. We interviewed dairy producers from 16 farms in Western Canada in the following provinces: British Columbia (n = 12), Manitoba (n = 2), and Alberta (n = 2). Participants were asked to describe their heifer calf weaning and rearing practices, and what they viewed as successes and challenges in weaning and rearing calves. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and subjected to qualitative analysis from which we identified the following 4 major themes: (1) reliance on calf-based measures (e.g., health, growth, and behavior), (2) management factors and personal experiences (e.g., ease, consistency, and habit), (3) environmental factors (e.g., facilities and equipment), and (4) external support (e.g., advice and educational opportunities). These results provided insight into how dairy producers view calf weaning and rearing, and may help inform the design of future research and knowledge transfer projects aimed at improving management practices on dairy farms.

Veterinary herd health management-Experiences and perceptions among Swedish dairy cattle veterinarians.

Cattle veterinarians have long been encouraged to take on a role as proactive health consultants. However, the process so far has been slow in Sweden and elsewhere, and only a rather small proportion of cattle work conducted by veterinarians involves veterinary herd health management (VHHM). The aims of this exploratory study were to explore Swedish cattle veterinarians' interpretation of VHHM services and to understand the factors that might affect the extent to which cattle veterinarians perform VHHM. Six focus group discussions with cattle veterinarians complemented with 5 individual telephone interviews with clinic managers were conducted in 2020. In total, 33 cattle veterinarians participated, all employed by the largest employer of Swedish cattle veterinarians: Distriktsveterinärerna (Swedish Board of Agriculture). Participants were chosen from 6 geographical regions with the aim to present variations in gender, age, country of education, proportion of dairy cattle work at the clinic, experience in the veterinary profession, and experience in work with dairy herds and in VHHM. The focus group discussions and interviews were recorded and these recordings were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Participants interpreted VHHM as work associated with the process of advising and included both ad hoc advising and more strategic forms of services. Prebooked visits per se were not seen as VHHM. We identified 4 different themes among the factors affecting the extent of VHHM services: (1) farmer trust and demand; (2) veterinary competence; (3) time available for VHHM; and (4) the individual veterinarian's commitment and motivation. To gain farmers' trust and to create a demand for VHHM services, the results of VHHM work and the veterinarian's competence were deemed central by the participants. The veterinarians' skills in communication and relation building were considered especially important. Some farmers were perceived as having little interest in, or lacking deeper knowledge about, VHHM services. The promotion of VHHM services was mentioned as an important factor to increase farmer demand. Participants described VHHM as work demanding high skills and continuous capacity development. Veterinarians' personal commitment and motivation were also described as important for the extent to which VHHM services were performed. This was in turn affected by the psychosocial work environment (e.g., workload, interest and recognition from farmers and managers, and acceptance, priority, and support by colleagues and managers). Clinic managers had a central role in the extent to which VHHM services are offered by an individual veterinarian due to their responsibility for staff scheduling, which highly affects the conditions for capacity development, intercollegiate networking, and cooperation. Lack of time was a major barrier for VHHM. On-call duty time and subsequent compensatory leave affected the total time available, and participants described time conflicts between VHHM and emergency services; moreover, it was perceived as challenging to find sufficient time for capacity development in several different species for veterinarians working in mixed practice. The slow development toward more proactive approaches for cattle veterinarians can be explained by the numerous different factors that together constrain the veterinarian to the traditional role of diagnosing and treating sick animals.

The diagnostic yield of advanced imaging in dogs with Horner's syndrome presenting with and without additional clinical signs: A retrospective study of 120 cases (2000-2018).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic yield of advanced imaging in dogs with Horner's syndrome (HS) both with and without additional clinical signs. METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical records from a UK referral hospital (2000-2018). Cases were excluded if HS was trauma- or surgery-related and if no advanced imaging with MRI or CT was performed. Imaging findings were assessed as well as any additional investigations performed. RESULTS: One hundred twenty cases met the inclusion criteria; 88 with additional clinical signs and 32 with isolated HS. MRI or CT of head and neck was performed in 115 cases and/or thoracic CT in eight cases. Causative lesions were identified in 98% (86/88) of cases with additional clinical signs and 3% (1/32) of cases with isolated HS. This was statistically significant (p < .001). Pharmacological localization using phenylephrine (0.1%-10%) was accurate in predicting the site of a causative lesion in 79% (19/24) of tested cases. Overall, 28% (33/120) of cases were idiopathic, of which 49% (16/33) were golden retrievers. When compared to the overall hospital population, and UK Kennel Club records, this confirmed a significant predisposition in this breed (p < .001). No associations between idiopathic HS and concurrent systemic disease were identified. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to evaluate the diagnostic yield of advanced imaging in dogs with HS. Isolated HS is significantly more likely to be idiopathic than cases presenting with additional clinical signs; this could guide decision-making regarding further investigations performed in a clinical setting. Idiopathic HS is over-represented in the golden retriever.

Enhancing the value of meat inspection records for broiler health and welfare surveillance: longitudinal detection of relational patterns.

BACKGROUND: Abattoir data are under-used for surveillance. Nationwide surveillance could benefit from using data on meat inspection findings, but several limitations need to be overcome. At the producer level, interpretation of meat inspection findings is a notable opportunity for surveillance with relevance to animal health and welfare. In this study, we propose that discovery and monitoring of relational patterns between condemnation conditions co-present in broiler batches at meat inspection can provide valuable information for surveillance of farmed animal health and welfare. RESULTS: Great Britain (GB)-based integrator meat inspection records for 14,045 broiler batches slaughtered in nine, four monthly intervals were assessed for the presence of surveillance indicators relevant to broiler health and welfare. K-means and correlation-based hierarchical clustering, and association rules analyses were performed to identify relational patterns in the data. Incidence of condemnation showed seasonal and temporal variation, which was detected by association rules analysis. Syndrome-related and non-specific relational patterns were detected in some months of meat inspection records. A potentially syndromic cluster was identified in May 2016 consisting of infection-related conditions: pericarditis, perihepatitis, peritonitis, and abnormal colour. Non-specific trends were identified in some months as an unusual combination of condemnation reasons in broiler batches. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the detection of relational patterns in meat inspection records could provide producer-level surveillance indicators with relevance to broiler chicken health and welfare.

Application of the PRECEDE -PROCEED model in prevention of brucellosis focused on livestock vaccination process.

BACKGROUND: This article reports the steps of an educational intervention, which is designed to change livestock breeders' preventive behavior in terms of vaccinating their livestock against brucellosis. The study has been conducted in a rural area in a country with the second highest brucellosis prevalence in the world. METHODS: In a quasi-experimental study and applying PRECEDE-PROCEED model, 45 livestock breeders were trained through basket method, accompanied with constructive feedback from researchers and peers and a brief interactive lecture at the end. The livestock breeders' awareness, attitude and practice level in the intervention group was compared with those of other 45 livestock breeders in a control group, 1 and 6 months after the intervention. According to the results of the Rose Bengal tests (RBTs), as a rapid and simple screening test, the presence or absence of Brucella antibodies in the animals' serum was investigated. RESULTS: Immediately and 1 month after the intervention, the mean scores of knowledge, awareness and practice of livestock breeders in the intervention group were significantly higher. Six months after the intervention, the results of the RBTs were positive in more livestock in the intervention group compared to the animals in the control group. The positive result of RBT after educational intervention, in livestock whose test results were negative immediately before intervention, accompanying the results of observation indicating a good general condition of livestock was considered as a probable evidence of the success of the educational intervention. CONCLUSION: The model-driven educational intervention could significantly increase livestock breeders' awareness, attitude and practice regarding prevention of brucellosis and vaccination of their livestock against brucellosis; however, a period of non-continuous reinforcement and gradual reduction of the number of the reinforcements by health educator workers is recommended in order to increase the maintenance of the learnt behavior. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Conducting this study was registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials ( IRCT20180304038945N1 ). Registered 24 December 2018. The proposal was registered before enrollment of the first participant.

Stationary brush use in naive dairy heifers.

Weaned dairy heifers are often housed in environments with few appropriate outlets for grooming or oral manipulation. Our objective was to characterize brush use by naive heifers, including patterns over time. In phase 1, groups of 4 heifers (n = 13 groups, 146.4 ± 9.1 d old, mean ± standard deviation; SD) were introduced to a bedded pack pen with 4 wall-mounted brushes (25.4 × 6.0 cm with 3.8-cm-long bristles). On d 1, 2, and 6 of exposure, continuous video recordings were used to observe 2 focal heifers per group for brush use (oral manipulation, grooming, and the sum of total brush use; all averaged at the group level). Latency to use a brush upon entering the pen was 3.4 ± 4.9 min (mean ± SD; range: 0.1 to 17.8 min among individuals). Heifers used the brushes for oral manipulation (39.7 ± 17.5% of brush use, mean ± SD) and grooming (60.3 ± 17.5%), primarily of their heads (89.9 ± 5.4% of grooming). In phase 2, heifers were moved in pairs (n = 13 pairs/treatment) to freestall pens either with (brush treatment) or without (control) brushes mounted inside the stalls for the first 5 d of phase 2 (d 8-12 of the study); on the last day (d 13 of the study), brushes were provided in both treatments. On d 8 (brush treatment) and 13 (both treatments), one focal heifer/pen was recorded for the same behaviors as in phase 1. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate brush use patterns across days (phase 1: d 1, 2, and 6; phase 2 brush treatment: d 8 vs. 13) and between treatments on d 13. In phase 1, brush use was greatest on d 1 [45.9 min; 95% confidence interval (CI): 33.2-63.3 min, back-transformed from natural-log values], decreased on d 2 (25.0 min, 95% CI: 18.4-34.0 min), but then remained steady until d 6 (21.0 min, 95% CI: 15.4-28.5 min); the initial reduction in total brush use was due to changes in grooming, but oral manipulation remained relatively static. In phase 2, heifers in the brush treatment showed similar usage on d 8 versus d 13 (3.8 vs. 3.7 min, 95% CI: 1.9-6.8 vs. 1.9-6.5 min). Compared with heifers with continuous brush access on d 8-12, those in the control treatment showed more brush use on d 13, both for oral manipulation (6.6 vs. 2.5 min, 95% CI: 3.8-11.1 vs. 1.3-4.5 min) and grooming (3.5 vs. 1.2 min, 95% CI: 1.9-5.7 vs. 0.5-2.3 min). Our study is the first to characterize stationary brush use in weaned dairy heifers. We conclude that, despite lacking previous experience, heifers use brushes for both grooming and oral manipulation.

Canine ocular onchocerciasis in New Mexico: Risk factors for disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dogs are at variable risk of developing canine ocular onchocerciasis based on coat color or size, factors that may influence feeding behavior of the putative vectors of Onchocerca lupi¸ the filarial nematode parasite causing this disease. ANIMALS STUDIED: One hundred twenty-five client-owned dogs diagnosed with confirmed or suspected onchocerciasis. 1255 dogs without signs of this disease were utilized for comparison. PROCEDURES: Dogs lacking signs of canine onchocerciasis were assessed for coat color and weight. Proportions of dogs with these characteristics were used to predict signalment in a group of dogs with this disease, if the investigated characteristics were unrelated to disease risk. Predicted values were compared statistically with observed values in the diseased dog population. Black fly color preference was assessed utilizing black, brown, and white traps and statistically assessing any differences in trapping based on trap color. RESULTS: Results suggest that large, black dogs are more likely to develop canine ocular onchocerciasis than was predicted by chance alone (p = 0.012). Results for smaller dogs with other coat colors were not significant. An increased risk for black dogs was supported by trapping data, as black flies were trapped significantly more often in black traps (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: While factors other than size and color probably also influence the likelihood of O. lupi infection and disease development, our results may assist clinicians in their diagnosis of canine ocular onchocerciasis and provide them with a tool to help educate their clients as to their dogs' risk of developing this disease.

Cataracts and phacoemulsification in the Siberian Husky: A retrospective and multicentric study (2008-2018).

PURPOSE: To compare cataract characteristics and complications related to cataracts and phacoemulsification in the Siberian Husky (Huskies) versus other canine breeds (non-Huskies). ANIMALS: A total of 50 Huskies (92 eyes) and 96 non-Huskies (182 eyes) were evaluated. METHODS: Medical records of Huskies (at four university veterinary hospitals, 2008-2018) and non-Huskies (Colorado State University, 2017-2018) diagnosed with cataracts were reviewed. Age of dog, cataract stage at presentation, and pre- and post-operative complications were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Mean (±standard deviation) age at presentation was significantly lower in Huskies (3.5 ± 3.3 years) compared to non-Huskies (9.5 ± 2.9 years) (p < .0001). Huskies more commonly presented with hereditary cataracts than non-Huskies (84% versus 52%) and a significantly higher percentage of non-Huskies presented with diabetic cataracts than Huskies (48% versus 16%; p = .0001). Cataract stage at presentation did not differ between Huskies and non-Huskies. Phacoemulsification was performed in 40% (20 out of 50 dogs, 39 out of 92 eyes) of Huskies and 42% (40 out of 96 dogs, 74 out of 182 eyes) of non-Huskies. Pre-operative and post-operative retinal detachment were more common in Huskies than non-Huskies (13% versus 2% and 10% versus 1%, respectively) but the difference was not significant. Other post-operative complications occurred with similar frequency in both groups (p ≥ .17). CONCLUSIONS: Huskies evaluated for cataracts were younger and less likely to present with diabetic cataracts than other canine breeds and, although not statistically significant, had a clinically important increased risk of retinal detachment pre- and post-phacoemulsification.

Retrospective analysis of ocular disease in a population of captive pteropodid bats, 2003-2020.

OBJECTIVE: To perform retrospective analysis of captive pteropodid bats presented to the University of Florida for ocular or adnexal disease from 2003-2020. ANIMALS STUDIED: Twenty-four individuals from seven species were included. PROCEDURES: Records were analyzed for disease process, methods of treatment, and surgical techniques and complications. RESULTS: The most frequently reported abnormality was corneal disease (79%), followed by cataracts (54%), and uveitis (42%). Corneal disease was primarily attributed to either trauma or exposure keratitis secondary to buphthalmia. The majority of uveitis appeared to be lens-induced. Five cases (21%) of glaucoma were reported, all of which accompanied lens luxation. Of the seven enucleations performed, six had post-operative complications (85.7%), including swelling at the surgical site, seroma formation, and bacterial infection. There was no significant relationship between age and trauma, age and cataract formation, sex and trauma, or species and cataract formation. CONCLUSIONS: The most common underlying cause of ocular pathology in these cases was trauma. While the bats tolerated topical and systemic treatment well, individual temperament must be taken into account when developing treatment plans, and prevention of injury is the most effective management strategy.

Efficacy and safety of suprachoroidal triamcinolone injection in horses with poorly responsive equine recurrent uveitis.

OBJECTIVE: Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), a chronic, immune-mediated intraocular inflammatory disease, is a common cause of blindness in horses. The severity and recurrent nature of ERU makes it difficult to treat with current therapeutics leading to a poor visual prognosis. The suprachoroidal space (SCS), a potential space between the choroid and sclera surrounding the ocular posterior segment, offers a promising alternative site for drug application to the eye. Corticosteroid administration within this space is hypothesized to be safe and effective at controlling intraocular inflammation, especially in horses with poorly responsive ERU. ANIMAL STUDIED: Horses with active, poorly responsive ERU. PROCEDURE(S): A retrospective study was performed with 29 horses (36 total eyes) that received SCS injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) with ERU not well controlled with standard uveitis treatment. A standardized ocular inflammation score (OIS) was used to assess inflammation at the time of injection and at follow-ups. RESULTS: Standardized OIS revealed a significant decrease in ocular inflammation over time after SCS TA administration (p < .004). Adverse effects after injections occurred in <20% of the horses at follow-up, but some of these effects were attributed to chronic inflammation prior to effective treatment, long-term topical corticosteroid use, or complications from hospitalization rather than the SCS injections. Most horses (86.7%) in this study remained visual greater than 3 months after SCS injection. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, SCS TA injections appear to be a safe and possible effective treatment modality for managing poorly responsive ERU; further clinical study is warranted.

Melting corneal ulcers (keratomalacia) in dogs: A 5-year clinical and microbiological study (2014-2018).

OBJECTIVES: To identify bacterial microorganisms associated with canine keratomalacia, review their antimicrobial sensitivity, and evaluate clinical outcomes compared to results of microbial culture. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of clinical records of dogs diagnosed with a melting corneal ulcer presented to a referral hospital in Hertfordshire, UK between 2014 and 2018. RESULTS: One hundred and ten melting corneal ulcers were sampled in 106 dogs. The most common pure bacterial isolate was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 26) followed by ß-hemolytic Streptococcus (n = 12). Melting corneal ulcers that cultured coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, coliform bacteria, Pasteurella multocida, Enterococcus, and Streptococcus viridans presented in smaller numbers and were analyzed together (n = 16). Multiple cultures were identified in nine cases (n = 9). Forty-seven cultures yielded no bacterial growth (n = 47). The susceptibility to fluoroquinolones remained high with the exception of ß-hemolytic Streptococci. There was no significant difference in the ulcer severity at presentation in regard to the cultured bacteria. Overall, 63 eyes (57%) received surgical grafting in addition to medical treatment. In 14 cases (13%), the progression of corneal melting despite medical ± surgical treatment resulted in enucleation. Fifty-seven percent (8/14) of the enucleated eyes cultured pure Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. In contrast, all ß-hemolytic Streptococcus-associated ulcers healed. CONCLUSIONS: The most common bacterial species associated with canine keratomalacia were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and ß-hemolytic Streptococcus. Because of the variation in antibacterial sensitivity between these two species, bacterial culture and sensitivity testing should be performed in all dogs presenting with keratomalacia. Melting corneal ulcers associated with pure Pseudomonas infection were significantly more likely to result in globe loss than melting corneal ulcers associated with other cultures.

Gorilla Glue Ingestion in Dogs: 22 Cases (2005-2019).

Gorilla Glue contains methylene diphenyl diisocyanate that expands significantly and hardens once exposed to moisture. Case reports of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate glue ingestion in dogs document gastrointestinal foreign body formation and mechanical obstruction. Medical record queries from four veterinary hospitals identified 22 dogs with Gorilla Glue ingestion. Records were evaluated retrospectively to characterize clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment, and patient outcome. Vomiting was the most common clinical sign (n = 11), with a median time from ingestion to presentation of 42 hr. Abnormal abdominal palpation (e.g., pain) was the most reported examination finding (n = 13). Radiographs were performed in 18/22 dogs, with Gorilla Glue expansion described as granular or mottled soft tissue with gas in the stomach. In 73% (11/15) of dogs requiring surgery, history, clinical findings, and survey abdominal radiographs sufficed to proceed with celiotomy. Surgical removal of the Gorilla Glue foreign body was performed via gastrotomy (n = 14) or gastrotomy and duodenotomy (n = 1). Endoscopic removal was performed in one dog. One dog with suspected mechanical obstruction was euthanized owing to financial constraints. Remaining cases were managed conservatively (n = 5). Short-term prognosis following appropriate fluid therapy and surgical or endoscopic removal was very good.

Nasal Rhinosporidiosis: Clinical Presentation, Clinical Findings, and Outcome in Dogs.

The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and outcome in 10 dogs diagnosed with Rhinosporidium seeberi infections. Histopathology and cytology records were searched at a veterinary teaching hospital and a veterinary diagnostic laboratory to identify dogs with rhinosporidiosis. Medical records were reviewed for clinical, imaging, endoscopic, and surgical findings. Outcome was determined via evaluation of records and, where possible, telephone conversation with the primary care veterinarian and/or owner. Young to middle-aged large-breed dogs with an approximately equal sex distribution were represented. Unilateral signs predominated. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology in 9 cases, and cytology was diagnostic in only 1 of 3 cases. Histopathology was superior to cytology. Masses were soft tissue and contrast enhancing with no evidence of bony lysis on computed tomography (2 dogs). Direct or rhinoscopic (2 dogs) visualization revealed white to yellow pinpoint foci. Surgical resection (4 dogs) can result in long-term disease-free periods (up to 2659 days), although repeat surgery can be required. Dapsone was well tolerated in 1 dog, and relapse was not noted despite incomplete surgical resection (follow-up 749 days). Visualization of pale foci on a rostral intranasal mass in an endemic region should prompt consideration of rhinosporidiosis.

Risk Factors for the Acquisition of a blaNDM-5 Carbapenem-Resistant Escherichia coli in a Veterinary Hospital.

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are an urgent antibiotic resistant threat. Only sporadic reports of CRE in companion animals have been described. Our objective was to identify risk factors associated with the acquisition of a blaNDM-5 CR-Escherichia coli strain as part of an outbreak investigation at a tertiary veterinary hospital in the United States. A matched case-control study was conducted among companion animals admitted during July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019. The 15 identified blaNDM-5 CR-E coli cases were matched 1:2 with controls (culture negative for blaNDM-5 CR-E coli) based on species and number of days of hospitalization before bacterial culture sample collection. The association between exposure to various procedures and hospital services and the acquisition of blaNDM-5 CR-E. coli was assessed through conditional logistic regression. Case patients had significantly higher odds of exposure to the anesthesia service (odds ratio [OR] = 12.8, P = .017), the surgical service (OR = 4.0, P = .046), and to endotracheal intubation (OR = 10.0, P = .03). Veterinary hospitals should be aware of the potential for transmission of CRE via anesthetic and surgical procedures, especially those that require the placement of endotracheal tubes.

Caudal thigh intermuscular lipomas in dogs: Anatomic review and approach to surgical excision.

The surgical approach for excision of caudal thigh intermuscular lipomas (IML) in dogs is described with relevant anatomy and short-term outcomes reported. Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs that underwent IML excision between 2015 to 2019. Signalment, location of the lipoma, pre-operative diagnostic tests, histopathology results, use of a closed-suction drain, and follow-up information including drain and suture removal were recorded. Mean age of patients in this study was 8.7 years. Multiple breeds were affected and there was no predilection for either left or right hind limb. Pre-operative diagnostic tests included fine-needle aspirate, radiography, peripheral ultrasonography, and/or computed tomography scan. In 45% (5/11) of the cases, a closed suction drain was placed. All masses removed were deemed grossly consistent with a lipoma by the attending clinician and 5 were confirmed by histopathology. No complications were noted in any case. Removal of caudal thigh IML requires careful identification of and dissection around the sciatic nerve, which is easily achieved with appropriate knowledge of the relevant anatomy and surgical approach.

Lipomes intermusculaires de la cuisse caudale chez le chien : revue anatomique et approche de l'exérèse chirurgicale. L'approche chirurgicale pour l'excision des lipomes intermusculaires (IML) de la cuisse caudale chez le chien est décrite avec l'anatomie pertinente et les résultats à court terme rapportés. Les dossiers médicaux ont été examinés pour identifier les chiens qui ont subi une excision IML entre 2015 et 2019. Le signalement, l'emplacement du lipome, les tests de diagnostic préopératoire, les résultats histopathologiques, l'utilisation d'un drain à aspiration fermé et les informations de suivi, y compris le retrait du drain et des sutures, ont été enregistrés. L'âge moyen des patients de cette étude était de 8,7 ans. Plusieurs races ont été affectées et il n'y avait aucune préférence pour la latéralité gauche ou droite. Les tests diagnostiques préopératoires comprenaient une aspiration à l'aiguille fine, une radiographie, une échographie périphérique et/ou une tomodensitométrie. Dans 45 % (5/11) des cas, un drain aspirant fermé a été mis en place. Toutes les masses enlevées ont été jugées grossièrement compatibles avec un lipome par le clinicien traitant et cinq ont été confirmées par histopathologie. Aucune complication n'a été notée dans tous les cas. L'ablation d'IML de la cuisse caudale nécessite une identification précise et une dissection autour du nerf sciatique, ce qui est facilement réalisé avec une connaissance appropriée de l'anatomie et de l'approche chirurgicale.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).