Thromboelastographic evaluation of 2 dogs with boomslang (Dispholidus typus) envenomation.

OBJECTIVES: To describe 2 cases of boomslang (Dispholidus typus) envenomation in dogs, with thromboelastographic evaluation performed both pre- and postadministration of monovalent antivenom, and to contrast the clinical application of thromboelastography (TEG) with that of conventional coagulation testing in 1 of these cases for monitoring coagulation status in dogs suffering from such envenomation. CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Two dogs, a Weimeraner and a Dachshund, were referred, on separate occasions, for stabilization and treatment following observed boomslang envenomation. Initial physical examination revealed minor bleeding from the bite wound site in both dogs, along with mild swelling of the surrounding tissue. The Weimeraner also demonstrated bleeding from the gingival margin and had pale mucous membranes at time of presentation. Findings consistent with a diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) were noted on conventional coagulation testing. TEG tracings in both dogs revealed a hypocoagulable state preadministration of monovalent antivenom, followed by return to a normocoagulable state immediately postadministration, along with resolution of clinical bleeding. Both dogs were successfully discharged from the hospital, with no adverse reactions, either acute or delayed being noted. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Boomslang envenomation (hemotoxic snake venom) in dogs is rare, with currently only 3 cases in the literature. Herein, we document a further 2 cases and contrast changes on TEG with that noted on a routine hemostatic testing profile in 1 of these cases, to assess overall coagulation status both pre- and postadministration of antivenom.

Haemostatic changes associated with fluid resuscitation in canine parvoviral enteritis.

The haemostatic status of dogs with canine parvovirus (CPV) enteritis, within 24 h of admission after initial fluid administration, has been described previously, but the haemostatic status at admission and after standard fluid resuscitation, as well as after initial fluid redistribution, has not been investigated previously. The objective of this study was to characterise the haemostatic status at admission and describe the effect of crystalloid fluid resuscitation on haemostatic variables in dogs with CPV enteritis. Twenty-seven client-owned, hospitalised dogs with confirmed natural CPV infection and 15 healthy age-matched controls were included in a prospective, observational clinical study. The volume of resuscitation fluid, haematocrit (HCT), platelet count, thromboelastography (TEG) variables, antithrombin (AT) activity, fibrinogen- and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were measured in all dogs at admission, after fluid resuscitation and, in 10 dogs, after receiving an additional 3 hours of maintenance-rate crystalloid fluids. For the CPV group at admission, the median TEG reaction time (R) and maximum amplitude (MA) or clot strength, as well as the median HCT, fibrinogen and CRP concentrations, were significantly increased compared to the controls. After fluid resuscitation, median R was significantly shorter, MA significantly increased and HCT and AT activity significantly decreased compared to admission values. The haemostatic variables remained unchanged after 3 h of maintenance-rate crystalloid therapy. The increased clot strength present in dogs with CPV enteritis at admission was exacerbated after fluid resuscitation and persisted for hours after large-volume crystalloid fluid administration.

Prevalence of Salmonella in juvenile dogs affected with parvoviral enteritis.

Salmonellosis is a disease of major zoonotic importance and canine parvovirus is a potentially fatal cause of canine enteritis with a world-wide distribution. Persistent isolation of Salmonella during routine environmental sampling surveys of a hospital ward, reserved for the treatment of dogs with canine parvovirus infection, prompted investigation into a possible source. We hypothesised that dogs affected by canine parvovirus would have a higher prevalence of faecal salmonellae compared to an apparently healthy cohort. Seventy-four client-owned dogs naturally infected with canine parvovirus and 42 apparently healthy client-owned dogs were included in the study. This prospective, longitudinal, observational study was conducted over an 18-month period. Fresh faecal samples were collected from dogs aged 6 weeks to 9 months diagnosed with canine parvovirus infection and admitted for treatment, and from apparently healthy dogs presented for vaccination or routine hospital procedures. Faeces were submitted for the isolation, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and serotyping of salmonellae. The prevalence of faecal Salmonella shedding was 22% and 31% for the affected and apparently healthy dogs, respectively, which was not statistically different. No significant associations between Salmonella status and possible risk factors or continuous variables such as age, body weight and duration of hospitalisation were identified. All the Salmonella isolates (n = 32) were resistant to penicillin G, lincomycin and tylosin. Salmonellae from nine different serotypes were identified. The prevalence of Salmonella shedding in both groups was higher than that commonly reported, yet similar to those in previous reports on young dogs, shelter dogs or dogs fed a raw meat diet.

Septic pericarditis and pneumopericardium in a dog with an oesophageal foreign body.

A 5-year-old, intact, male Yorkshire Terrier presented with a 6-day history of lethargy and anorexia. Clinical examination revealed dental plaque accumulation, abdominal effort during respiration and muffled heart sounds. Thoracic radiographs revealed an enlarged globoid cardiac silhouette and mild pneumopericardium, transthoracic ultrasonography revealed a pericardial effusion after which pericardiocentesis, cytology and culture diagnosed septic pericarditis. Three multidrug-resistant bacteria were isolated, two of which have been implicated in gas-producing infections before. Medical management failed to resolve the pericarditis and euthanasia was opted for. A chronic osseocartilaginous oesophageal foreign body cranial to the heart base was found on necropsy. Septic pericarditis and pneumopericardium are rare conditions in dogs. This is the first case to describe a multidrug-resistant polybacterial aetiology causing mild pneumopericardium and only the second case to describe septic pericarditis associated with an oesophageal foreign body.