Idiopathic synchronous diaphragmatic flutter in a 2-year-old Jack Russell terrier dog.

A 2-year-old neutered male Jack Russell terrier dog was presented for persistent, involuntary, bilateral contractions of the hypochondriac regions of the abdominal wall that had been present for 1.5 y. Electrocardiography and fluoroscopic evaluation revealed that the contractions were synchronous with the heartbeat, consistent with a synchronous diaphragmatic flutter. Thoracic radiographs, echocardiography, and serum electrolytes did not identify an underlying cause. This case report describes a rare presentation of idiopathic, long-lasting, synchronous diaphragmatic flutter in a dog. Key clinical message: Synchronous diaphragmatic flutter is a rare condition characterized by contractions of the diaphragm that are synchronous with the heartbeat; this condition can mimic a serious cardiac or respiratory condition.

Flottement diaphragmatique synchrone idiopathique chez un chien Jack Russell terrier de 2 ans. Un chien terrier Jack Russell mâle castré de 2 ans a été présenté pour des contractions persistantes, involontaires et bilatérales des régions hypocondriaques de la paroi abdominale qui étaient présentes depuis 1,5 ans. L'électrocardiographie et l'évaluation fluoroscopique ont révélé que les contractions étaient synchrones avec le rythme cardiaque, et compatibles avec un flottement diaphragmatique synchrone. Les radiographies thoraciques, l'échocardiographie et les électrolytes sériques n'ont pas permis d'identifier de cause sous-jacente. Ce rapport de cas décrit une présentation rare de flottement diaphragmatique idiopathique, de longue durée et synchrone chez un chien.Message clinique clé :Le flottement diaphragmatique synchrone est une affection rare caractérisée par des contractions du diaphragme synchrones avec les battements cardiaques; cette condition peut imiter une affection cardiaque ou respiratoire grave.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Recurrence and survival in dogs with excised colorectal polyps: A retrospective study of 58 cases.

BACKGROUND: Compared to humans, colorectal polyps are relatively rare in dogs. Epidemiological and prognostic data remain accordingly sparse, although they could help veterinary clinicians in the management of these cases. OBJECTIVES: To report the epidemiological data of dogs with colorectal polyps and identify factors associated with recurrence and survival. ANIMALS: Fifty-eight client-owned dogs with colorectal polyps admitted to 7 veterinary hospitals (53 dogs from France, 5 dogs from Spain, and 4 dogs from Portugal) were included. METHODS: Retrospective multicentric cohort study. Medical records and long-term outcome of the dogs were reviewed. When available, histological samples were reassessed by 2 board-certified pathologists according to the revised Vienna classification (RVC). RESULTS: The West Highland White Terrier (WHWT) breed was significantly associated with the presence of colorectal polyps (OR: 20; 95% CI: 7.5-52; P < .001). The overall median time to recurrence was not reached after 2000 days. The overall estimated median survival time was 1640 days. WHWT breed and larger polyps were significantly associated with a shorter time of polyp recurrence after surgical removal (respectively, P = .05 and P = .01). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The probability of recurrence of colorectal polyps in dogs is low, but increased in WHWTs and larger polyps, which might benefit from routine screening after removal. No effective predictors of polyp recurrence and survival were identified using the RVC.

Assessment of inter-observer agreement among experienced and inexperienced observers and an automated device for dipstick urinalysis in dogs and cats.

Standard visual urine dipstick analysis (UDA) is performed routinely in veterinary medicine; results can be influenced by both the operator and the method. We evaluated the agreement of results for canine and feline urine samples analyzed using a 10-patch dipstick (Multistix10SG; Siemens), both visually under double-anonymized conditions by students and a laboratory technician, and with an automated device (AD; Clinitek Status, Siemens). The mean concordance for semiquantitative urinalysis results between students and the technician and between students and the AD was fair (κ0.21-0.40) in dogs and cats; concordance was moderate between the technician and the AD (κ0.41-0.60) in dogs and good (κ0.61-0.80) in cats. For pH, the mean concordance between students and the technician and between the technician and the AD was good (ρ0.80-0.92) in dogs and cats; concordance was good between students and the AD (ρ0.80-0.92) in dogs and moderate (ρ0.59-0.79) in cats. Repeatability was higher (p < 0.001) for the technician and the AD than for a student. We found good agreement between UDA performed by an experienced operator and an AD in dogs and cats but found low reproducibility and low repeatability for urinalysis performed by an inexperienced operator.

Use of feeding tubes in 112 cats in an internal medicine referral service (2015-2020).

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to describe diseases, complications and outcomes associated with the use of feeding tubes in a population of sick cats with appetite disturbance managed at an internal medicine referral service. METHODS: Clinicopathological data from cats receiving nasoenteral (NE) or oesophagostomy (O) tubes were studied. Cats were categorised according to their underlying disease and divided into subgroups (NE or O tube). The following factors associated with survival were analysed: disease category, type of tube and return to appetite. RESULTS: Included in the study were 112 cats, representing 118 cases. Of the 118 cases, 98 (83%) and 20 (17%) received NE or O tubes, respectively. The most common underlying conditions were digestive (13.5%), hepatobiliary (11%) and upper urinary tract (11%) disorders. Hepatobiliary (50%) and upper respiratory tract (30%) conditions were predominant in the O tube group. Digestive (15%) and upper urinary tract (12%) diseases were more common in the NE tube group. Complications following tube placement occurred in 22/118 cases (18.6%). The global survival rate was 73% and did not differ between NE (71.4%) and O tube (80%) groups (P = 1.00) or disease categories (P = 0.61). Return of appetite before feeding tube removal occurred in 56 cases (47%), within a median of 3 days (range 1-30) and was not associated with mirtazapine administration (P = 1.00). Appetite returned earlier for cats with NE tubes (3 days, range 1-17) than for those with O tubes (33 days, range 5-60; P <0.05). Voluntary food intake was positively associated with survival (odds ratio 15.17). After discharge and feeding tube retrieval, return of appetite was observed in 67% of cases. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Feeding tubes were predominantly placed for the management of appetite disturbance in cats with digestive, hepatobiliary and upper urinary tract diseases. While complications were frequent, they were mostly mild, easily managed and did not preclude feeding tube use. Return to appetite occurred in a large proportion of cats during or after assisted enteral feeding and was associated with survival.

Use of serum biomarkers in staging of canine hepatic fibrosis.

Accurate staging of hepatic fibrosis (HF) is important for treatment and prognosis of canine chronic hepatitis. HF scores are used in human medicine to indirectly stage and monitor HF, decreasing the need for liver biopsy. We developed a canine HF score to screen for moderate or greater HF. We included 96 dogs in our study, including 5 healthy dogs. A liver biopsy for histologic examination and a biochemistry profile were performed on all dogs. The dogs were randomly split into a training set of 58 dogs and a validation set of 38 dogs. A HF score that included alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, potassium, and gamma-glutamyl transferase was developed in the training set. Model performance was confirmed using the internal validation set, and was similar to the performance in the training set. The overall sensitivity and specificity for the study group were 80% and 70% respectively, with an area under the curve of 0.80 (0.71-0.90). This HF score could be used for indirect diagnosis of canine HF when biochemistry panels are performed on the Konelab 30i (Thermo Scientific), using reagents as in our study. External validation is required to determine if the score is sufficiently robust to utilize biochemical results measured in other laboratories with different instruments and methodologies.

Prevalence and genetic diversity of the intestinal parasites Blastocystis sp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in household dogs in France and evaluation of zoonotic transmission risk.

Several parasites including the protozoa Blastocystis sp. and Cryptosporidium spp. may be causative agents of gastrointestinal symptoms in domestic dogs, and there may be a potential risk of transmission to owners. While France is one of the largest European countries in terms of its canine population, little data is available about the molecular epidemiology of these two parasites. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in household dogs in France, and to evaluate the zoonotic risk of Blastocystis sp. and Cryptosporidium spp. by genotyping the corresponding isolates. To this end, 116 faecal samples were collected from household dogs regardless of breed, age or gender, living in the Lyons area, France. Various intestinal protozoa and helminths were identified by light microscopy. Screening for Blastocystis sp. and Cryptosporidium spp. were subsequently performed by PCR targeting the small subunit (SSU) rDNA coding region, followed by direct sequencing of the PCR products and analysis of the sequences obtained for genotyping. The overall prevalence of dogs infected with at least one gastrointestinal parasite was 42.2% (49/116). After light microscopy examination of faecal samples, the most common parasites found were the protozoa Giardia sp. (25.0%) and Cystoisospora sp. (19.8%). Using molecular methods, four dogs (3.4%) were shown to be infected by Blastocystis sp. and carried either subtype (ST) 2, commonly identified in various animal groups, or ST10, frequently found in bovids. Three dogs (2.6%) were positive for C. canis, infecting humans episodically. The low prevalence of both parasites, combined with the identification of C. canis and Blastocystis sp. ST2 and ST10 in the canine population, strongly suggests that dogs play a negligible role as zoonotic reservoirs for both parasites and do not seem to be natural hosts of Blastocystis sp.

Computed tomography or rhinoscopy as the first-line procedure for suspected nasal tumor: a pilot study.

There are no evidence-based guidelines as to whether computed tomography (CT) or endoscopy should be selected as the first-line procedure when a nasal tumor is suspected in a dog or a cat and only one examination can be performed. Computed tomography and rhinoscopic features of 17 dogs and 5 cats with a histopathologically or cytologically confirmed nasal tumor were retrospectively reviewed. The level of suspicion for nasal neoplasia after CT and/or rhinoscopy was compared to the definitive diagnosis. Twelve animals underwent CT, 14 underwent rhinoscopy, and 4 both examinations. Of the 12 CT examinations performed, 11 (92%) resulted in the conclusion that a nasal tumor was the most likely diagnosis compared with 9/14 (64%) for rhinoscopies. Computed tomography appeared to be more reliable than rhinoscopy for detecting nasal tumors and should therefore be considered as the first-line procedure.

Examen de première intention lors de suspicion de tumeur nasale: scanner où rhinoscopie? Une étude pilote. Lors de suspicion de tumeur nasale chez le chien et le chat, il n'existe à ce jour aucun consensus quant à l'examen de première intention à privilégier entre la tomodensitométrie et l'endoscopie lorsqu'un seul examen peut être réalisé. Les caractéristiques tomodensitométriques et endoscopiques de 17 chiens et 5 chats avec un diagnostic de tumeur nasale confirmé histologiquement ou cytologiquement ont été analysées rétrospectivement. Le degré de suspicion de tumeur nasale permis par l'endoscopie et/ou le scanner a été comparé au diagnostic final. Un examen tomodensitométrique a été réalisé chez 12 animaux, une rhinoscopie chez 14 et les deux examens ont été couplés dans quatre cas. L'examen scanner a conclu qu'une tumeur nasale était le diagnostic le plus probable dans 11 cas sur 12 (92 %), et la rhinoscopie dans 9 cas sur 14 (64 %). L'examen scanner apparait plus fiable que la rhinoscopie pour détecter les tumeurs nasales, et de ce fait devrait être considéré comme le meilleur examen de première intention.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Prevalence of Tritrichomonas foetus infections in French catteries.

Recently, Tritrichomonas foetus, the known etiologic agent of bovine trichomonosis was identified in domestic cats in many countries around the world. In felids, this parasite would be a significant cause of large-bowel diarrhoea. Therefore the aim of the present study was to determine for the first time the prevalence of T. foetus infection in French catteries. In this epidemiological survey, rectal swabs from 140 cats participating in three international shows were tested for the presence of motile parasites by microscopy after culturing. The prevalence of T. foetus infection was 14.3% among cats (20/140) and 15.9% among catteries (18/117). These values were similar to those previously obtained in other European countries. Except for the age, no significant associations were found between the presence of T. foetus and various risk factors of infection such as the size of the cattery, the type of food, or the vicinity of a dog. Internal transcribed region of the ribosomal DNA unit was sequenced from the 20 T. foetus isolates identified in this study. They exhibited 100% identity and are homologous with other sequences of strains isolated from domestic cats in other countries.

Occurrence of bacteriuria in 18 catheterised cats with obstructive lower urinary tract disease: a pilot study.

The incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections in cats catheterised for an obstructive lower urinary tract disease (LUTD) has not previously been evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of significant bacteriuria in cats with obstructive LUTD managed for 48 h with a closed urine collection system. Eighteen male cats admitted for a non-infectious obstructive LUTD were evaluated. This was a prospective study. A standard protocol was used for aseptic catheter placement and maintenance. Three urine samples were collected from each animal through the catheter immediately after placement, 24 h after placement and just before removal. All samples underwent complete urinalysis, including bacterial culture. Catheter tips were tested by bacterial culture. Six cats (33.3%) developed significant bacteriuria during catheterisation. The causative bacteria were common feline uropathogens (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus species) in five cases, and Streptococcus bovis in one. One cat developed a fungal infection. The presence of bacteria in urinary sediment was correlated strongly with positive urine culture results. The catheter tips from 10/18 cats (55.5%) were positive for culture. The positive predictive value of a positive culture from the urinary catheter tip was 87.5%. The specificity was 53.8%. The same infectious agents were cultured from both urine and catheter tip in six cases. In summary, one-third of cats developed significant bacteriuria during catheterisation. Silent bacteriuria could not be clearly differentiated from true urinary tract infection. The presence of bacteria in the urinary sediment was strongly indicative of bacteriuria. The specificity of urinary catheter tip culture was low.

Identification and characterization of the FMO2 gene in Rattus norvegicus: a good model to study metabolic and toxicological consequences of the FMO2 polymorphism.

BACKGROUND: In lung of many animal species flavin-containing monooxygenase 2 (FMO2) is a 535-amino acid residues drug-metabolizing enzyme. In humans FMO2 exhibits a genetic polymorphism. The major allele encodes a truncated FMO2, the minor allele a full-length FMO2. In laboratory rats we previously reported a FMO2 gene encoding a truncated FMO2 (432-AA residues). In these strains, a double deletion leads to the appearance of a premature stop codon. All laboratory rat strains were derived from the same wild ancestor, Rattus norvegicus. METHODS: A PCR-based method able to specifically recognize either the wild-type or the mutant allele was developed to investigate a putative FMO2 polymorphism in a population of wild rats. The FMO2 gene was analyzed in 42 wild rats. RESULTS: A genetic FMO2 polymorphism similar to that described in humans was found in R. norvegicus. We observed three different genotypes: homozygotes for the wild-type FMO2 (33.3%), homozygotes for the mutant FMO2 (38.1%) and heterozygotes (28.6%). Comparative FMO2 mRNA and protein expressions in lungs were studied by reverse transcription-PCR and western blotting. FMO2 mRNA expression was identical between the three groups. In contrast, major differences in the expression of FMO2 protein were detected. FMO2 was strongly expressed in lungs of homozygotes for the wild-type FMO2, faintly expressed in lungs of heterozygotes and non-expressed in lungs of homozygotes for the mutant FMO2. Comparative catalytic properties of lung microsomes were studied by the determination of the oxygenation of methimazole. FMO2 genetic polymorphism was associated with major differences in the S-oxidative metabolism.

Attitudes and concerns of French veterinarians towards pain and analgesia in dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the attitudes of French veterinarians to pain, and their provision of analgesia to animals, with that reported from other countries. STUDY DESIGN: Epidemiological study. METHODS: In June 1999, 379 French veterinarians were surveyed to ascertain their views on pain evaluation and control in dogs and cats, and their use of analgesics in daily practice. Survey results are expressed as a percentage of responses. RESULTS: The questionnaire was returned by 189 veterinarians (49.9%). The response rate was influenced by age (younger veterinarians were more likely to respond) but not gender. A majority (99.5%) expressed moderate to extreme concern over pain in their patients. Pain evaluation was based on the animal's attitude (88.3% dogs, 82.5% cats), interaction with the caregiver, response to palpation of the painful area (66.5% dogs, 62.7% cats) and inappetence (29.3% dogs, 46.3% cats, p < 0.001). Only 14.3% of respondents considered their knowledge of pain recognition to be inadequate. Many (58.8%) considered their methods of pain quantification and control (47% dogs, 59% cats) to be inadequate. Difficulties in recognizing pain (58.3%), a lack of knowledge in the appropriate use of analgesics (41.7%) and fear of drug side effects (30%) were used to explain inadequate provision of analgesia. Only 16.1 and 8.1% used opioids in dogs and cats, respectively. This low level of use resulted from the imposition of French narcotic legislation (79.9%) and lack of knowledge of opioid pharmacology (73.7%). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticoids were the most commonly used analgesics in both species (100% (dogs) and 96.7% (cats)). The most popular NSAID used in France was tolfenamic acid, followed by meloxicam (dogs), ketoprofen, nimesulide (cats) and carprofen (dogs). The type of surgery performed influenced the use of analgesics, from 17.2% for castration to 83.7% for orthopaedic procedures. Nonsurgical conditions believed to warrant analgesia included osteoarthritis (97.8%), trauma (97.3%) and bone neoplasia (93.4%). Female veterinarians were more likely than males to evaluate pain and provide analgesia. CONCLUSION: French practitioners demonstrate a level of interest in analgesia, which appears to be at least equivalent to that reported from English-speaking countries. The signs used to indicate the presence of pain do not, in general, appear to differ. Excessive confidence in their ability to recognize pain (despite a general ignorance of the subject), the minor role of animal health technicians in pain management and misconceptions about analgesics (mainly opioids) are French pecularities.