Magnetic resonance and computed tomographic imaging characteristics and potential molecular mechanisms of feline meningioma associated calvarial hyperostosis.

Meningiomas are the most common feline primary brain tumours, and calvarial hyperostosis (CH) is frequently documented in association with this neoplastic entity. The clinical significance of and mechanisms driving the formation of CH in cats with meningiomas are poorly understood, although tumour invasion into the skull and tumour production of cytokines and enzymes have been implicated as causes of CH in humans. This retrospective study investigated relationships between signalment, MRI or CT imaging features, histopathologic tumour characteristics, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) isoenzyme concentrations, tumour expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and progression free survival times (PFS) following surgical treatment in 27 cats with meningiomas with (n = 15) or without (n = 12) evidence of CH. No significant differences in breed, age, sex, body weight, tumour grade, tumour volume, peritumoral edema burden, ALP isoenzyme concentrations, tumour Ki-67 labelling indices or MMP-2 or MMP-9 expression and activity, or PFS were noted between cats with or without CH. There was a trend towards higher serum (p = .06) and intratumoral (p = .07) concentrations of IL-6 in cats with CH, but these comparisons were not statistically significant. Histologic evidence of tumour invasion into bone was observed in 5/12 (42%) with CH and in no (0/6) cats without CH, although this was not statistically significant (p = .07). Tumour invasion into bone and tumour production of IL-6 may contribute to the formation of meningioma associated CH in cats, although larger studies are required to further substantiate these findings and determine their clinical relevance.

Comparison of equine paranasal sinus trephination complications and outcome following standing computed tomography, radiography and sinoscopy guided approaches for the treatment of sinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: The recent availability of standing computed tomography (CT) for equine paranasal sinus disease has enhanced diagnosis and enabled more targeted surgery compared to radiography and sinoscopy. To date, there have been no studies which have critically evaluated the benefit of preoperative CT versus radiography and sinoscopy on complications and outcome in horses undergoing sinus trephination. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: A total of 229 equids. METHODS: The medical records of equids (229) presented for sinusitis treated via trephination that had CT, radiography and/or sinoscopy at time of surgery between 2009 and 2022 were reviewed. Outcome and complications were evaluated for six different pre- and intraoperative imaging modalities. RESULTS: The six groups did not differ in demographics or disease category, though equids with less weight (p = .0179) and shorter disease duration (p = .0075) were more likely to have radiography and sinoscopy based surgical planning. Short-term postoperative complications occurred in 30.1% and were higher in groups using preoperative CT imaging (p = .01), with hemorrhage being the most common surgical complication. Following initial trephination surgery, 57.0% (127/223) of cases resolved and there was no difference between the imaging groups. Final resolution after follow-up medical or surgical treatment increased to 94.6% (211/223) and was not different between the imaging groups or between primary or secondary sinusitis. Additional nasal fenestrations to improve sinonasal drainage, maxillary septal bulla fenestrations and trephinations to treat nasal conchal bullae were made in the CT groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: CT provided additional diagnostic information and enabled different surgical approaches but did not improve resolution in this study population.

Echocardiographic values and prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in clinically healthy adult Borzoi dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To develop breed-specific echocardiographic values for normal Borzoi and to report the prevalence of structural cardiac abnormalities. ANIMALS: 146 clinically healthy, adult Borzoi dogs. METHODS: Cardiac auscultation and standard echocardiograms were performed. Longitudinal follow-up was described in a subset of dogs (n = 25). RESULTS: Most Borzoi were structurally normal (119/146, 81.5%), with breed-specific echocardiographic values generated independently for each sex, as females weighed significantly less than males (30.4 ± 3.8 kg vs 38.3 ± 4.1 kg, respectively; P < .001), and a significant impact of sex was found on most measurements. Physiologic heart murmurs were identified in 64/119 (53.8%) normal dogs. Thirty-six (30.2%) structurally normal dogs had trace or mild mitral regurgitation, and 43 (36.1%) had trace or mild tricuspid regurgitation. Structural cardiac disease was identified in 21 dogs (14.4%), including 9 dogs (6.2%) with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), 9 dogs (6.2%) with stage B1 myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), and 3 (2.1%) dogs with congenital abnormalities. Seven dogs (4.8%) had equivocal abnormalities. During follow-up, new dogs were diagnosed with occult DCM (n = 3), equivocal DCM (1), and stage B1 MMVD (2). Two dogs originally diagnosed with DCM (1 occult and 1 equivocal) normalized after diet change. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Borzoi dogs commonly have physiologic heart murmurs and mild atrioventricular valve regurgitation. Both DCM and MMVD were identified at similar frequencies in healthy Borzoi, although dogs with MMVD all had normal heart sizes. Echocardiographic screening for DCM in Borzoi should be considered, with breed-specific echocardiographic values now available for improved diagnostic confidence.

Risk factors associated with development of colitis in horses post-exploratory laparotomy.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of colitis has been shown to impact morbidity and mortality in hospitalised horses. There are no studies to date that describe the incidence of infectious colitis after exploratory laparotomy. OBJECTIVES: To investigate risk factors associated with the development of colitis and infectious colitis post-exploratory laparotomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control. METHODS: Medical records of equids admitted from 2011 to 2020 were reviewed. The primary outcome was a diagnosis of colitis following exploratory laparotomy. Bivariable associations between colitis and risk factors were assessed using the 2-sample t-test and Fisher's exact test. All risk factors were subjected to a backward elimination variable reduction algorithm within a logistic regression framework (p-value set to 0.05). Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed for the final model. RESULTS: A total of 504 equids were included in the study. Forty-two patients (8.3%) were diagnosed with postoperative colitis. Five patients were diagnosed with Salmonella spp. and two with Clostridioides difficile. The odds of postoperative colitis were higher among patients that had pelvic flexure enterotomy (OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.7-7.9, p = 0.001), postoperative leukopenia or leukocytosis (OR = 21.2, 95% CI = 9.7-46.7, p < 0.001), or plasma lactate 2.0-4.0 mmol/L (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.3-6.7, p < 0.008). Patients diagnosed with colitis had a longer median length of hospitalisation (9 days; range 2-21) compared with patients without colitis (7 days; range 2-25). Patients with colitis had a survival to discharge rate similar to patients without colitis (95% compared to 93%). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Risk factors for infectious colitis could not be determined due to variation in testing protocols in this retrospective study and the low number of positive cases. CONCLUSIONS: Colitis as a postoperative complication does not negatively impact survival to discharge but is associated with longer hospitalisation. Pelvic flexure enterotomy, postoperative leukopenia or leukocytosis, and increased plasma lactate were identified as significant risk factors associated with colitis.

INTRODUCTION/CONTEXTE: Il a été démontré qu'un diagnostic de colite a un impact sur la morbidité et la mortalité des chevaux hospitalisés. Il n'y a aucune étude décrivant l'incidence de colites infectieuses suivant une laparotomie exploratrice. OBJECTIFS: Investiguer les facteurs de risque associés au développement de colites et de colites infectieuses en période post-opératoire suivant une laparotomie exploratrice. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Étude de type rétrospective avec cas témoins. MÉTHODES: Les dossiers médicaux de chevaux admis entre 2011 et 2020 ont été utilisés. La résultante primaire était un diagnostic de colite suivant une laparotomie exploratrice. Les analyses bivariées entre colites et facteurs de risque ont été évalués par le biais d'un test de Fisher exact et un test de T à deux échantillons. Tous les facteurs de risque ont été sujet à un algorithme de réduction par élimination régressive des variables dans le cadre d'une régression logistique (valeur de p à 0.05). Les probabilités (odds ratio) et les intervalles de confiance à 95% ont été inclus dans le modèle final. RÉSULTATS: Au total, 504 chevaux ont été inclus dans l'étude. Quarante-deux patients (8.3%) ont reçu un diagnostic de colite post-opératoire. Cinq patients ont reçu un diagnostic de Salmonella spp. et deux, de Clostridioides difficile. Les chances de colites post-opératoires étaient plus élevées chez les patients ayant subi une entérotomie de la courbure pelvienne (OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.7-7.9, p = 0.0008), ayant souffert d'une leucopénie ou leucocytose (OR = 21.2, 95% CI = 9.7-46.7, p < 0.0001), ou ayant eu une valeur de lactate plasmatique de 2.0-4.0 mmol/L (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.3-6.7, p < 0.0084). Les patients diagnostiqués avec une colite ont eu une durée d'hospitalisation médiane supérieure (9 jours; étendu 2-21) comparativement aux patients sans colite (7 jours; étendu 2-25). Il n'y avait pas de différence entre les patients avec et ceux sans colite, en ce qui a trait au taux de survie de congé hospitalier (95% comparé à 93%). LIMITES PRINCIPALES: Les facteurs de risque pour les colites infectieuses n'ont pas pu être identifié en raison de variations des protocoles de tests employés dans cette étude rétrospective et du faible nombre de cas positifs. CONCLUSIONS: Les colites en tant que complication post-opératoire n'ont pas d'impact négatif sur le taux de survie hospitaliser mais sont associées à une période d'hospitalisation de plus longue durée. Une entérotomie de la courbure pelvienne, une leucopénie ou leucocytose post-opératoire et une valeur élevée de plasma sanguin ont été identifiés comme facteurs de risque associés au développement de colite.

Intra-articular bone marrow mononuclear cell therapy improves lameness from naturally occurring equine osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) can be debilitating and is related to impaired resolution of synovial inflammation. Current treatments offer temporary relief of clinical signs, but have potentially deleterious side effects. Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMNC) are a rich source of macrophage progenitors that have the ability to reduce OA symptoms in people and inflammation in experimentally-induced synovitis in horses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of intra-articular BMNC therapy to improve clinical signs of naturally occurring equine OA. Horses presenting with clinical and radiographic evidence of moderate OA in a single joint were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: saline (negative control), triamcinolone (positive control), or BMNC (treatment group). Lameness was evaluated subjectively and objectively, joint circumference measured, and synovial fluid collected for cytology and growth factor/cytokine quantification at 0, 7, and 21 days post-injection. Data were analyzed using General Estimating Equations with significance set at p < 0.05. There were no adverse effects noted in any treatment group. There was a significant increase in synovial fluid total nucleated cell count in the BMNC-treated group on day 7 (median 440; range 20-1920 cells/uL) compared to day 0. Mononuclear cells were the predominant cell type across treatments at all time points. Joint circumference decreased significantly in the BMNC-treated group from days 7 to 21 and was significantly lower at day 21 in the BMNC-treated group compared to the saline-treated group. Median objective lameness improved significantly in the BMNC group between days 7 and 21. GM-CSF, IL-1ra, IGF-1, and TNF-α were below detectable limits and IL-6, IL-1ß, FGF-2 were detectable in a limited number of synovial fluid samples. Inconsistent and limited differences were detected over time and between treatment groups for synovial fluid PGE2, SDF-1, MCP-1 and IL-10. Decreased lameness and joint circumference, coupled with a lack of adverse effects following BMNC treatment, support a larger clinical trial using BMNC therapy to treat OA in horses.

Effects of Bit Chewing on Gastric Emptying, Small Intestinal Transit, and Orocecal Transit Times in Clinically Normal Horses.

Ileus is a common life-threatening problem in horses, and currently available treatments may be ineffective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether bit chewing, a form of sham feeding, decreases the gastric emptying time (GET), small intestinal transit time (SITT), and total orocecal transit time (OCTT) in clinically normal horses in a prospective crossover study. Nine healthy horses were acclimated and fed a standardized diet. Following 24 h of fasting, self-contained video endoscopy capsules and acetaminophen were administered into the stomach via a nasogastric tube. Each horse underwent experimental (bit chewing for 20 min every 6 h) or control (no bit chewing) conditions, with a 3-week minimum washout period between conditions. The horses were enrolled in either part of the study until all video capsules were retrieved and/or 30 days lapsed. The video capsules were recovered from manure, and GET, SITT, and OCTT were determined from a video analysis. Bit chewing significantly decreased OCTT (p = 0.015) compared to the control conditions. Bit chewing decreased GET and SITT, but the differences were not significant. The mean (median) times determined via the video capsule analysis for the bit-chewing conditions were as follows: GET, 2.34 h (2.86 h); SITT, 3.22 h (3.65 h); and OCTT, 5.13 h (6.15 h), and for the control conditions, they were as follows: GET, 3.93 h (5 h); SITT, 3.79 h (4.4 h); and OCTT, 8.02 h (9.92 h). Bit chewing decreased OCTT in healthy horses. Because this segment of the gastrointestinal tract is frequently affected by ileus, bit chewing may be a safe and inexpensive intervention for that condition in horses. Further investigation in clinical patients with ileus is warranted.

Bead size has a greater effect on in vitro elution from antimicrobial-impregnated calcium sulfate beads than drug concentration.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the elution characteristics of amikacin-impregnated calcium sulfate (CaSO4) beads based on different drug concentrations and bead size configurations. SAMPLE: Six groups of amikacin-impregnated CaSO4 beads and one negative control group. PROCEDURES: Amikacin-impregnated CaSO4 beads were formed with either 500 mg (low-concentration) or 1 g (high-concentration) of amikacin per 15 g CaSO4 hemihydrate powder. The number of beads necessary to approximate 150 mg of amikacin for each of the 3 bead sizes (3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm) at both low and high concentrations were placed in 6 mL of phosphate-buffered saline. The saline was sampled at 14 time points over 28 days. Amikacin concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Smaller beads reached higher mean peak concentrations than larger beads (P < .0006). Peak concentrations for the low- and high-concentration groups were 20.5 mg/mL and 27.4 mg/mL, 13.1 mg/mL and 14.0 mg/mL, and 8.85 mg/mL and 6.75 mg/mL for the 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm beads, respectively. Bead size also affected the length of therapeutic duration, lasting 6 days for the 3 mm and 5 mm beads and 9 days for the 7 mm beads. However, this was only statistically evident among the high-concentration beads (P < .044). Antimicrobial concentration within the same bead sizes did not affect elution. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Amikacin-impregnated CaSO4 beads achieved extreme supratherapeutic eluent concentrations. While additional studies are needed, bead size significantly affected elution with smaller beads reaching higher peak concentrations and 7 mm, high-concentration beads demonstrating a longer therapeutic duration than smaller beads.

Pharmacokinetics and efficacy of orally administered acetaminophen (paracetamol) in adult horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia.

BACKGROUND: Acetaminophen has been evaluated in horses for treatment of musculoskeletal pain but not as an antipyretic. OBJECTIVES: To determine the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of acetaminophen compared to placebo and flunixin meglumine in adult horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia. ANIMALS: Eight university owned research horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia. METHODS: Randomized placebo controlled crossover study. Horses were treated with acetaminophen (30 mg/kg PO; APAP), flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg, PO; FLU), and placebo (PO; PLAC) 2 hours after administration of LPS. Plasma APAP was analyzed via LC-MS/MS. Serial CBC, lactate, serum amyloid A, heart rate and rectal temperature were evaluated. Serum IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α were evaluated by an equine-specific multiplex assay. RESULTS: Mean maximum plasma APAP concentration was 13.97 ± 2.74 µg/mL within 0.6 ± 0.3 hour after administration. At 4 and 6 hours after treatment, both APAP (P = <.001, P = .03, respectively) and FLU (P = .0045 and P < .001, respectively) had a significantly greater decrease in rectal temperature compared to placebo. FLU caused greater heart rate reduction than APAP at 4 and 6 hours (P = .004 and P = .04), and PLAC at 4 hours (P = .05) after treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen in endotoxemic horses differ from those reported by previous studies in healthy horses. Acetaminophen is an option for antipyresis in clinical cases, particularly when administration of traditional NSAIDs is contraindicated.

Pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of acetaminophen (paracetamol) in adult horses with mechanically induced lameness.

BACKGROUND: Acetaminophen has been used clinically in horses alone or combined with traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment of musculoskeletal pain in horses. OBJECTIVES: To determine the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of acetaminophen at two doses in horses with mechanically induced lameness compared with phenylbutazone or placebo control. STUDY DESIGN: In vivo experiment. METHODS: Nine healthy mares with mechanical lameness induced via a reversible sole pressure horseshoe model were treated with acetaminophen (20 mg/kg PO; A20), acetaminophen (30 mg/kg PO; A30), phenylbutazone (2.2 mg/kg, PO; PB) and oral placebo (C) in a randomised four-way Latin square model. Plasma concentrations for A20 and A30 were analysed via LC-MS/MS and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis. Heart rate and heart rate variability were measured using a portable telemetry. Lameness was scored by three blinded boarded equine surgeons using the AAEP and 10-point scales. RESULTS: Mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax ) for A20 was 20.01 µg/ml within 0.66 h (Tmax ) after administration; The mean Cmax for A30 was 30.02 µg/ml with a Tmax of 0.43 h. Post-treatment heart rate for A30 was significantly lower than A20 at 1 and 7 h; lower than PB at 2, 3, 4.5 and 7 h; lower than C at 2, 3.5, 4.5, 6, 7 and 8 h. 10-point Lameness scores were significantly improved for A30 than C at 2 and 4 h post-treatment; PB was significantly improved than C at 8 h post treatment. There were no significant differences in lameness between A20, A30 and PB. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Small sample size, lack of objective lameness measurement. CONCLUSIONS: Acetaminophen at 30 mg/kg produced a more rapid improvement in lameness scores and heart rate compared with other treatments in this model. Further evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and safety of repeated oral dosing of acetaminophen at 30 mg/kg is needed to determine clinical utility.

CONTEXTO: Acetaminofeno tem sido usado rotineiramente em cavalos com dor musculoesquelética, tanto como terapia solo quanto em associação com outros anti-inflamatórios não esteroides tradicionais. OBJETIVOS: Determinar a farmacocinética e eficácia de duas doses de acetaminofeno em cavalos com claudicação mecanicamente induzida, e comparar com fenilbutazona e placebo. DELINEAMENTO DO ESTUDO: Estudo randomizado, cego e controlado utilizando quadrado latino. METODOLOGIA: Nove éguas adultas com claudicação induzida mecanicamente pelo método de aplicação de pressão na sola através de ferradura foram tratadas com acetaminofeno (20 mg/kg VO; A20), acetaminofeno (30 mg/kg VO; A30), fenilbutazona (2.2 mg/kg, VO; PB) e placebo oral (C) em um estudo quadrado latino de forma randômica. Concentração plasmática dos grupos A20 e A30 foram analisadas pelo método LC-MS/MS e análise farmacocinética não compartimentar. Frequência cardíaca e variação da frequência cardíaca foram mensuradas usando telemetria portátil. O grau de claudicação foi avaliado usando a escala de 10 pontos da AAEP por três cirurgiões especialistas (board-certified) que estavam cegos ao tratamento. RESULTADOS: A média máxima da concentração plasmática (Cmax ) do grupo A20 foi 20.01 µg/ml dentro de 0.66 h (Tmax ) da administração. A média Cmax do grupo A30 foi 30.02 µg/ml dentro da Tmax de 0.43 h. A frequência cardíaca do grupo A30 foi significativamente mais baixa do que a do grupo A20 nos momentos 1 e 7 h; mais baixa do que o grupo PB nos momentos 2, 3, 4.5 e 7 h; e mais baixa do que as do grupo C nos momentos 2, 3.5, 4.5, 6, 7 e 8 h. O grau de claudicação diminuiu significativamente no grupo A30 quando comparado com o grupo C nos momentos 2 e 4 h pós tratamento, e no grupo PB quando comparado com o grupo C no momento 8 h pós tratamento. Não houve diferença significativa em grau de claudicação quando os grupos A20, A30 e PB foram comparados. PRINCIPAIS LIMITAÇÕES: Número pequeno de animais, ausência de mensuração de claudicação objetiva. CONCLUSÕES: A dose de 30 mg/kg de acetaminofeno proporcionou uma superior melhora na escala de claudicação e frequência cardíaca quando comparada com os outros tratamentos avaliados neste estudo. Mais informações sobre a farmacocinética e efeitos da repetida dosagem de 30 mg/kg de acetaminofeno precisam ser avaliadas para determinar a sua aplicabilidade clínica.

Association Between Prolonged Shedding of Zika Virus in Human Semen and Male Reproductive Tract Inflammation.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes congenital defects. Sexual transmission of ZIKV was confirmed in a recent epidemic; however, mechanisms behind ZIKV infection and persistence in the male reproductive tract (MRT) are unknown. Previously, we found that approximately 33% of men with symptomatic ZIKV infections shed ZIKV RNA in semen, and some men shed ZIKV RNA for >3 months. Here, we evaluated the semen of 49 ZIKV-infected men to identify immune factors correlating with long-term ZIKV shedding in semen and ZIKV-infected cell types in semen. We found that prolonged ZIKV RNA shedding in semen was associated with MRT inflammation, indicated by higher leukocyte counts and inflammatory cytokine concentrations in semen of long-term versus short-term shedders. In addition, we found ZIKV RNA in seminal leukocytes and epithelial cells. This study of human semen from ZIKV-infected men provides critical insights into the effects of ZIKV on MRT health.

Outcome of thoracolumbar surgical feline intervertebral disc disease.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome and prognosis of thoracolumbar feline intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) treated by surgical decompression. METHODS: This was a multi-institutional retrospective study evaluating the age, breed, sex, body weight, presenting complaint, neuroanatomic diagnosis at presentation, diagnostic imaging results, surgery performed and the overall outcome at discharge and at recheck. Bivariable associations between variables were assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (age and grade of IVDD at presentation) and Fisher's exact test (grade of IVDD at presentation and outcome). RESULTS: A total of 35 cats met the inclusion criteria for the study. The most frequently reported clinical sign was difficulty walking (54.2%). The majority of cats presented with an L4-S3 localization (57%). The most common site of intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) was at L6-L7 (34%). The majority of feline patients that received surgery had a positive outcome at the time of discharge (62.5%; n = 20/32) and at the time of the 2-week recheck (91.3%; n = 21/23). No association was identified between the age of the patient and the grade of IVDD. No association was identified between the presenting grade of IVDD and the clinical outcome at the time of discharge or at the time of recheck evaluation. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Cats undergoing spinal decompressive surgery for thoracolumbar IVDH appear to have a favorable prognosis independent of the initial presenting grade of IVDD. A larger sample size and a longer length of follow-up is necessary to obtain statistical associations between the presenting grade of IVDD and overall clinical outcome.

High-field MRI using standard pulse sequences has moderate to substantial interobserver agreement and good accuracy for differentiation between intracranial extra-axial histiocytic sarcoma and meningioma in dogs.

Intracranial extra-axial histiocytic sarcoma shares common MRI features with meningioma. As histiocytic sarcoma carries a generally worse prognosis than meningioma, the ability to differentiate between these two neoplasms is of clinical value. The aim of this retrospective diagnostic accuracy and observer agreement study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of high-field MRI to differentiate between these two tumors, using standard pulse sequences and published MRI features. A total of 51 dogs were included (26 meningiomas and 25 histiocytic sarcomas). Magnetic resonance imaging examinations were independently assessed by three experienced board-certified radiologists, evaluating 18 imaging features. They were asked to assign each case to one of three categories (meningioma, histiocytic sarcoma, and undetermined). Agreement for the MRI diagnosis across all three reviewers was moderate (κ 0.54) while paired interobserver agreement ranged from moderate to substantial (κ 0.58-0.74) with percent agreement ranging between 86.1% and 87.7%. Overall, the probability of correctly diagnosing meningioma in a dog with this tumor ranged between 79.2% and 94.4%, and the probability of correctly diagnosing histiocytic sarcoma in a dog with this tumor ranged between 76.0% and 92.3%. The overall probability to diagnose the correct tumor, irrespective of type, ranged between 79.2% and 89.7%. Histiocytic sarcomas tended to have more extensive edema and more often had combined perilesional and distant meningeal enhancement affecting both pachy- and leptomeninges, while for meningiomas, meningeal enhancement tended to more commonly be perilesional and pachymeningeal. Imaging features that seemed more useful to make a correct diagnosis included "location/type of meningeal enhancement," "osseous changes in the adjacent neurocranium," "cystic changes," and "herniation severity."

Effect of food toys on owner-perceived quality of life of cats during a prescribed weight loss plan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a food toy on owner-perceived quality of life (QOL) of overweight cats during a weight loss plan. ANIMALS: 44 adult cats, 1 to 10 years of age with a body condition score (BCS) ≥ 7/9. PROCEDURES: Cats were randomly assigned to the food toy or food bowl group. Cat owners completed an initial questionnaire and received a prescribed weight loss plan, bag of dry veterinary therapeutic cat food formulated for weight loss, measuring cup, and food bowl or ball-type food toy. Body weight and BCS were checked monthly. Owners completed a monthly questionnaire to assess their cat's QOL. Low-calorie vegetables were offered to 32 cats whose owners reported disruptive food-seeking behavior. RESULTS: Of the 44 cats in the final analysis, 29 cats either lost ≥ 2 BCS points or achieved an ideal BCS. Owner-perceived QOL was higher at the final weigh-in, compared with that at the initial weigh-in. An effect of food toy versus food bowl on owner-perceived QOL was not detected. Of the cats offered vegetables, 28 cats would eat the vegetables with a palatability additive; 4 cats ate vegetables plain. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Owner-perceived QOL was higher at the end of the study. Feeding overweight cats by use of a ball-type food toy did not influence owner-perceived QOL. Low-calorie vegetables can successfully be added to the weight loss diet to promote satiety; albeit, a palatability additive is likely needed. Further studies regarding feeding management for cats during a weight loss plan should be explored.

Horses affected by EPM have increased sCD14 compared to healthy horses.

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a debilitating neurologic disease affecting horses across the Americas. Gaps in understanding the inflammatory immune response in EPM-affected horses create difficulties with diagnosis and treatment, subsequently negatively impacting the prognosis of affected horses. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate circulating levels of the inflammatory immune marker soluble CD14 (sCD14), in horses with EPM (n = 7) and determine if they differed from healthy neurologically normal horses (n = 6). Paired sera and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were analyzed for sCD14. Inclusion criteria for EPM horses consisted of the presence of neurologic signs consistent with EPM, Sarcocystis neurona surface antigens 2, 4/3 (SnSAG 2, 4/3) ELISA serum: CSF antibody ratio ≤ 100, and a postmortem diagnosis of EPM. Control horses were neurologically normal, healthy horses with SnSAG 2, 4/3 ELISA serum: CSF antibody ratios of > 100. Serum anti-Sarcocystis neurona antibodies indicate that healthy control horses were exposed to S. neurona but resistant to developing clinical EPM. EPM cases had significantly greater concentrations of sCD14 in CSF samples compared to control horses and increased serum sCD14 concentrations. A positive correlation between sCD14 serum and CSF concentrations was observed in EPM-affected horses but not healthy horses. Soluble CD14 is an inflammatory marker, and the study results suggest it is elevated in EPM patients. When performed in conjunction with clinical evaluation and standard antibody testing, there may be potential for sCD14 to be utilized as a correlate for EPM.

Evaluation of perfusion index as a noninvasive tool to determine epidural anesthesia effectiveness in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perfusion index (PI) as a noninvasive tool to determine effectiveness and onset of epidural anesthesia in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: A total of 21 adult dogs, aged 6.5 ± 3 years and weighing 34.9 ± 6.4 kg, undergoing a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. METHODS: Dogs were premedicated intramuscularly with acepromazine (0.03 mg kg-1) and hydromorphone (0.1 mg kg-1) and anesthetized with intravenous propofol (to effect) and isoflurane in oxygen. A surface transflectance probe was secured to the tail base to monitor PI and a dorsal pedal artery catheter was placed for invasive blood pressure monitoring. A lumbosacral epidural was performed with the dog in sternal recumbency. Dogs were randomly assigned for inclusion of epidural morphine (0.1 mg kg-1) or morphine (0.1 mg kg-1) and lidocaine (4 mg kg-1). PI was recorded following instrumentation of each dog just prior to the epidural (baseline), at 10 minute intervals for 30 minutes, before and after the surgical skin incision and before and after completion of the osteotomy. Physiological variables and end-tidal isoflurane were recorded at the same time points. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in PI between the groups at any time point. There was a significant change in end-tidal isoflurane before and after the skin incision in the epidural morphine and epidural morphine-lidocaine groups (p = 0.04, p = 0.05, respectively) and before and after the osteotomy in each group for heart rate (p = 0.001, p = 0.04), diastolic (p = 0.01, p = 0.01) and mean arterial blood pressure (p = 0.03, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PI did not provide an objective means for determining the onset or effectiveness of epidural anesthesia in anesthetized dogs and alternate methods of noninvasive assessment should be investigated.

The Immediate Effect of Routine Hoof Trimming and Shoeing on Horses' Gait.

Evaluation of the effect of changes in the horses' feet after routine trimming and shoeing on gait at the trot is needed improve routine foot care. Evaluate changes in foot conformation and gait after routine farriery. Correlate alterations in a horse's gait before and after routine hoof trimming and shoe application. Fifteen horses received routine hoof trimming and horseshoe application. Dorsal and lateral photographs of the right and left front feet and inertial gait analysis at the trot were completed before and after trimming and shoeing. Measurements were made of hoof photos using a calibrated system. Gait and hoof measurements before and after farrier intervention were compared. Hoof measurement changes in relation to gait changes before and after farrier intervention were analyzed for significant associations. Mean medial to lateral coronary band length (P = .02), lateral (P = .01) and medial (P = .03) coronary band height, dorsal hoof wall length (P = .0004), heel length (P = .0002), heel overhang length (P < .0001), palmar coronary band height (P = .01), and hoof angle (P = .03) in each foot were significantly different pre- and post- farrier intervention. There was no statistical difference in the total head and pelvis movement before and after farrier intervention. The difference in the pooled mean of heel length before and after intervention was correlated with difference in maximum head movement (P = .03.) Pooled mean differences for dorsal hoof wall length (P = .04), heel length and heel overhang length (P = .006) before and after trimming were correlated with differences in maximum pelvis movement. Pooled mean differences for heel length (P = .005) and hoof angle (P = .04) before and after trimming were correlated with difference in minimum pelvis movement. Change in hoof conformation due to routine hoof trimming and shoeing does not change the gait in non-lame horses; however, some hoof characteristics measurements are correlated with immediate change in stride parameters. Use of hoof measurements may assist farriers and veterinarians in applying routine hoof care. Further studies could help determine what hoof conformation changes may be helpful to treat lame horses.

AgSecure Africa ProgrammeTM: A Blended Training Approach for Africa.

An innovative training program entitled "AgSecure Africa ProgrammeTM" was developed in partnership with the South African Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR) to train veterinarians, animal health technicians, researchers and laboratory personnel. Three blended courses consisting of both virtual and in-person delivery were provided with the intent of contributing to the better prevention, detection and control of infectious diseases of livestock and poultry of significant importance for the region with a strong emphasis on transboundary animal diseases. A "train the trainer" model of instruction was employed to equip participants with the ability to train and share knowledge with colleagues and small-holder farmers in their various communities and regions. The design of this program was to increase the capacity of veterinarians and veterinary diagnosticians to safely and accurately diagnose infectious livestock diseases and to also empower small-holder farmers with the knowledge needed to safely and securely manage their livestock and be a first line defense in the prevention and control of infectious livestock diseases. Quantitative and qualitative evaluations were used to measure the impact of the trainings which revealed significant increases in knowledge gains. Course materials were submitted and approved for accreditation by the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) becoming the first international training program to achieve this. Approval of these courses led to licensed veterinarians and animal health technicians being awarded continuing professional development credits upon their successful completion of courses. A larger goal was to build training capacity, not only for South Africa, but also for the region.

Surfactant protein D concentrations in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from young healthy horses on pasture and in a barn environment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate surfactant protein D (SP-D) concentrations in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from young healthy horses on pasture or housed in a typical barn. ANIMALS: 20 young healthy horses. PROCEDURES: Horses were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups (pasture, n = 10; barn, 10), and serum and BALF samples were collected for SP-D determination at baseline (all horses on pasture) and 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the barn group of horses was relocated from the pasture to the barn. Other evaluations included physical and tracheoscopic examinations. Findings were compared within and between groups. RESULTS: Physical and tracheoscopic examinations, CBC, and serum biochemical analysis did not reveal evidence of respiratory disease, and no significant differences were present within and between groups. Serum SP-D concentrations did not significantly differ within and between groups, but BALF SP-D concentrations were significantly lower for the barn group at 2 weeks but not at 4 weeks, compared with baseline. The BALF SP-D concentration-to-BALF total protein concentration ratio was < 1.5 and did not significantly differ within and between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A mild decrease was evident in the concentration of SP-D in the BALF collected from young healthy horses after 2 weeks of exposure to a barn environment. The clinical importance of this finding remains to be determined.

Bench to Shop™: An Interdisciplinary Training Program for Transitioning of Transboundary Animal Disease Research to Commercialization.

Transboundary animal diseases (TADs) are livestock diseases characterized as highly contagious, fast-spreading, and capable of producing high morbidity and mortality. Accidental or intentional introduction of these diseases into the United States could devastate the economy, food security, and public health. Training of researchers, scientists and animal health workers is often limited to prevention and diagnosis with little emphasis on the importance of translating knowledge to the development of new products for the prevention, detection and control of outbreaks. The Bench to Shop™ training program was developed to fill this gap and applied an innovative blended-learning method through the use of an online platform, a 3-week experiential training, and a 1-month follow-up project. The program specifically targeted next-generation researchers, including PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, and early-career faculty. A total of 17 trainees, in two cohorts, were selected through a national and international recruitment process. Program evaluation consisted of focus groups, follow-up interviews, and pre- and post-tests of didactic material, revealing statistically significant gains in knowledge. Participants expanded their professional networks with leaders in industry and regulatory agencies related to production and/or commercialization of TAD products and deepened their commitment toward keeping our country safe from TADs. Post-program impacts on trainees included advancing products toward commercialization, partnering with connections made through the program, and demonstrating dedication to homeland security by pursuing product development related educational and career opportunities. Overall, results suggest this program provides an added value and should be readily available to the current and future workforce.

Incisional complications after skin closure with n-butyl cyanoacrylate or stainless-steel skin staples in horses undergoing colic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of incisional complications after skin closure with n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBC) or stainless-steel skin staples (SS) after ventral midline celiotomy for colic surgery in the horse. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study (2014-2018). ANIMALS: Two hundred eighteen horses. METHODS: Medical records of horses that underwent exploratory celiotomy for colic were included when the skin was closed with NBC or SS and the horse survived ≥15 days after surgery. Records and a follow-up questionnaire were used to determine in-hospital and posthospital discharge incisional complications. Associations between variables were assessed by using bivariable and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: The cutaneous incision was closed with SS in 113 of 218 (51.8%) horses and with NBC in 105 of 218 (48.2%) horses. Follow-up information was available in 166 of 218 horses. Five horses with incisional complications prior to discharge but without follow-up were included in the overall analysis. Incisional complications were recorded in 17.5% (30/171) of horses, including 19.1% (17/89) of closures with SS and 15.9% (12/82) of closures with NBC (P = .54). Complications occurred before discharge in 14 of 218 (6.4%) horses and after discharge in 16 of 166 (9.6%) horses. Four horses with in-hospital incisional complications (surgical site infection) developed a second complication after discharge (hernia). Packed cell volume was a risk factor for in-hospital incisional complications (P = .04), and in-hospital incisional complications were associated with posthospital discharge incisional complications (P = .01). CONCLUSION: Occurrence of incisional complications did not differ between NBC and SS. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: N-butyl cyanoacrylate is a suitable alternative to SS to close the cutaneous incision for ventral midline celiotomy for colic surgery in the horse.