The unintended detrimental effects of pursuing a professional vocation: The case of veterinarians.

Pursuing one's life calling can be personally fulfilling and professionally rewarding, but it also requires sacrifice. We provide evidence of a strong vocational drive using veterinary students as a case study and find that they willingly contribute higher monetary donations for helping animals relative to students in other fields. We also find a significant reduction in the cognitive performance of veterinarian students when exposed to an animal-in-need manipulation. The performance of non-veterinary students in the cognitive task is unaffected by the manipulation. Our results highlight the need for programs to address the economic, financial, and mental health well-being of students and professionals to promote sustainable vocational career commitment. "You owe it to all of us to get on with what you're good at." W.H. Auden.

Adopting Learning Analytics in a First-Year Veterinarian Professional Program: What We Could Know in Advance about Student Learning Progress.

Over the past decade, the field of education has seen stark changes in the way that data are collected and leveraged to support high-stakes decision-making. Utilizing big data as a meaningful lens to inform teaching and learning can increase academic success. Data-driven research has been conducted to understand student learning performance, such as predicting at-risk students at an early stage and recommending tailored interventions to support services. However, few studies in veterinary education have adopted Learning Analytics. This article examines the adoption of Learning Analytics by using the retrospective data from the first-year professional Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. The article gives detailed examples of predicting six courses from week 0 (i.e., before the classes started) to week 14 in the semester of Spring 2018. The weekly models for each course showed the change of prediction results as well as the comparison between the prediction results and students' actual performance. From the prediction models, at-risk students were successfully identified at the early stage, which would help inform instructors to pay more attention to them at this point.

Adaptation of a hands-on veterinary surgical training course from a traditionally taught laboratory to a remotely taught laboratory during a global pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate and report details of a remotely taught surgical laboratory. STUDY DESIGN: Observational. SAMPLE POPULATION: Second-year veterinary students (n = 143) enrolled in a surgical laboratory; 9 weeks were taught traditionally, and 6 weeks were taught remotely. METHODS: Because of the global pandemic, remote laboratories were developed and delivered. Students performed surgical procedures in model organs remotely while being observed by and receiving feedback from instructors on an internet-based video platform. Methods for remote surgical teaching were explored, and successes and challenges were detailed. Surveys were administered to the students and faculty to gather perspectives on their experience and subsequent confidence. RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 81 of 143 (57%) students and seven of seven (100%) instructors. The mean overall student satisfaction score (1 not at all satisfied, 10 very satisfied) for in-person instruction was 8.2, and the mean score for remote instruction was 6.2 (P < .001). Overall, the instructors had a mean satisfaction score of 8 for in-person laboratories and a mean satisfaction score of 6 for remotely taught laboratories. Most students had a perception of greater one-on-one instructor attention in remote laboratories. Students reported similar confidence levels for three surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: The described remote teaching method resulted in the perception of greater instructor attention given to students. Student and instructor satisfaction was lower with remote teaching than with in-person teaching. IMPACT: The described method of remote teaching may be applied to teaching surgical students in settings when face-to-face instruction cannot be achieved and may be developed further to create an experience equivalent to face-to-face instruction.

Adopting Learning Analytics in a First-Year Veterinarian Professional Program: What We Could Know in Advance about Student Learning Progress.

Over the past decade, the field of education has seen stark changes in the way that data are collected and leveraged to support high-stakes decision-making. Utilizing big data as a meaningful lens to inform teaching and learning can increase academic success. Data-driven research has been conducted to understand student learning performance, such as predicting at-risk students at an early stage and recommending tailored interventions to support services. However, few studies in veterinary education have adopted Learning Analytics. This article examines the adoption of Learning Analytics by using the retrospective data from the first-year professional Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. The article gives detailed examples of predicting six courses from week 0 (i.e., before the classes started) to week 14 in the semester of Spring 2018. The weekly models for each course showed the change of prediction results as well as the comparison between the prediction results, and students' actual performance. From the prediction models, at-risk students were successfully identified at the early stage, which would help inform instructors to pay more attention to them at this point.

Investigation of the effects of a practice-level communication training program on veterinary health-care team members' communication confidence, client satisfaction, and practice financial metrics.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of an intensive 2-day practice-level communication skills training program (CSTP) with a 3-month follow-up communication in practice program (CIPP) on veterinary health-care team members' communication confidence, client satisfaction, and practice financial metrics. SAMPLE: 5 US companion animal veterinary practices. PROCEDURES: Following pilot testing at 1 veterinary practice, communication skills training was performed on-site at 4 practices. The 2-day CSTP focused on veterinary communication-specific content. The CIPP included in-practice training sessions every other week to reinforce and build upon communication skills. Team members' communication skills confidence (before and after the CSTP and after the CIPP) and client satisfaction with veterinary visits (2 months before and 3 months after the CSTP) were assessed with surveys. Practice-level financial metrics were collected for 18 months. Variables of interest were compared among time points. RESULTS: Measures of team member communication skills confidence and initiation of client conversations regarding the value of goods and services were significantly greater after the CIPP than before the CSTP. Composite communication skills confidence scores 3 months after the CSTP were positively correlated with the mean practice transaction charge and percentage change in the number of heartworm tests performed in the 3 months after the CSTP, compared with results for the same 3 months in the previous year. Measurements of client satisfaction were high before and after the CSTP. There was no significant change in financial metrics in the 3 months after CSTP, compared with the same 3 months in the previous year. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study highlighted opportunities to increase veterinary health-care team members' communication confidence and identified future considerations for communication training in veterinary workplaces.

Measurement of leadership skills development among veterinary students and veterinary professionals participating in an experiential leadership program (the Veterinary Leadership Experience).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes associated with an experiential leadership program (the Veterinary Leadership Experience [VLE]) among participants 1 year after program completion. SAMPLE: 157 veterinary students and 61 veterinary professionals who participated in the 2015 or 2016 VLE. PROCEDURES: Participants completed various instruments to assess emotional intelligence, psychological flexibility, resilience, and client-communication skills prior to (pretest) and 1 year after (posttest) attending the VLE; pretest and posttest findings were compared for all but client-communication skills, for which only posttest responses were analyzed. An additional posttest instrument assessed the impact that the VLE had on key knowledge areas (ie, self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relational competence, communication skills, and conflict management skills) and overall impact. RESULTS: 1 year after completing the VLE, participants reported that the program had a high impact on all key knowledge areas; the impact on social awareness and overall impact was significantly higher for veterinary students than for veterinary professionals. Veterinary professionals reported a greater increase in emotional intelligence after program completion than did veterinary students. For each assessed client-communication skill, the percentage of veterinary professionals who reported increased confidence in that skill after program completion was lower than the corresponding percentage of veterinary students. Resilience and psychological flexibility scores did not increase after program completion. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Assessment of the effectiveness and long-term outcomes of experiential leadership programs is important to understanding whether such programs are having the intended effect. Veterinary students and veterinary professionals who were assessed 1 year after completing the VLE reported improvements in leadership skills foundational to the program.

Long-term outcome and risk factors associated with death or the need for revision surgery in dogs with permanent tracheostomies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term outcomes and identify factors associated with death or the need for revision surgery in dogs with permanent tracheostomies (PTs). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS: 69 client-owned dogs that received a PT between January 2002 and June 2016 at 1 of 4 veterinary teaching hospitals. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed, and data extracted included signalment, history, clinical signs, radiographic and laryngeal examination findings, presence of esophageal abnormalities, date and reason for receiving a PT, postoperative complications, cause of death, and survival time. Dogs surviving < 2 weeks after receiving a PT were excluded. RESULTS: Major complications occurred in 42 of 69 (61%) dogs, with aspiration pneumonia (13 [19%]), skinfold occlusion (13 [19%]), and stoma stenosis (12 [17%]) being most common. Revision surgery was performed in 24 of 69 (35%) dogs, most commonly because of stoma stenosis or skinfold occlusion (9/24 [38%] each). Brachycephalic dogs were more likely (OR, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 10.2) to require revision surgery than were nonbrachycephalic dogs. The overall median survival time was 1,825 days, and dogs that received corticosteroids before receiving a PT, had tracheal collapse, or were older had shorter survival times. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of the present study indicated that creation of a PT was a viable treatment option for obstructive upper airway diseases in dogs and that long-term survival after receiving a PT was possible; however, a PT may not reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia in dogs.

Owner Perception of Outcome Following Permanent Tracheostomy in Dogs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate owner perception of outcome following permanent tracheostomy (PT) in dogs. Medical records of dogs who received PT from 2002 to 2016 were reviewed. A questionnaire was given to owners verbally or by e-mail to ascertain their perception of their dog's outcome after PT. Median time to questionnaire administration from PT surgery was 608 days (64-3,708). Owner satisfaction after PT was high (89.7%), with the majority stating they would have the procedure performed again (79.5%). Owners reported an improvement in their dog's personality (30.8%) and increased activity (41%). Median survival time was 1,825 days (64-2,663), with 6 of 39 dogs (15.4%) alive at study end. Of the 33 dogs who died, 11 (33.3%) died from underlying respiratory conditions suspected to be related to the PT. The overall complication rate was 82.1%, with mucus secretion being the most common. Revision surgery was required in 30.8% of dogs (most commonly due to skin occlusion), and aspiration pneumonia occurred in 17.9% of dogs. Overall, owner satisfaction after PT in dogs is high despite intensive postoperative management, and long survival times can be achieved.

Evaluation of a point-of-care blood glucose monitor in healthy goats.

OBJECTIVE: To assess agreement between a point-of-care glucometer (POCG) and a laboratory chemistry analyzer for blood glucose measurements in goats. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Eighteen healthy adult goats. INVESTIGATIONS: Whole blood samples were obtained via jugular venipuncture prior to premedication with xylazine and butorphanol (T0), following premedication (T20), and after 1 hour of inhalant anesthesia (T60). Each sample was tested with a POCG and a laboratory analyzer (HITA). Agreement was assessed using concordance correlation coefficients and calculation of bias and 95% limits of agreement. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Mean blood glucose concentration at T0 was 3.9 ± 0.6 mmol/L (70 ± 10 mg/dL; POCG) and 2.9 ± 0.4 mmol/dL (53 ± 8 mg/dL; HITA). Glucose concentrations at T20 were 6.7 ± 2.4 mmol/L (121 ± 43 mg/dL) and 5.4 ± 2.1 mmol/L (97 ± 37 mg/dL) and at T60 were 5.7 ± 1.7 mmol/L (102 ± 31 mg/dL) and 4.7 ± 1.3 mmol/L (85 ± 24 mg/dL) when measured with the POCG and HITA, respectively. The POCG overestimated blood glucose compared to the HITA. The bias ± SD was 1.08 ± 0.53 mmol/L (19.4 ± 9.5 mg/dL) (95% LOA 0.04 to 2.11 mmol/L [0.7 to 38.0 mg/dL]) and the concordance correlation coefficient was 0.82. After correcting the results of the POCG using a mixed-effects linear model, the bias was 0.0 ± 0.38 mmol/L (0.0 ± 6.8 mg/dL) (95% LOA ± 0.74 mmol/L [± 13.4 mg/dL]) and the concordance correlation coefficient was 0.98. CONCLUSIONS: The POCG overestimated blood glucose concentrations in goats, compared to the HITA, but when the POCG concentrations were corrected, the agreement was excellent.

Pharmacokinetic comparison of two buprenorphine formulations after buccal administration in healthy male cats.

Objectives The objective of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of compounded and commercially available aqueous formulations of buprenorphine after a single buccal dose to healthy cats and to evaluate the concentrations of a compounded buprenorphine solution over 21 days when stored at room temperature (RT; 22-24°C) with exposure to light or when refrigerated at 4°C while protected from light. Methods Six young healthy male cats were administered single buccal doses of compounded and commercially available formulations of buprenorphine (0.03 mg/kg) using a randomized, blinded, two-period crossover design. Blood samples were obtained over a 24 h period and plasma buprenorphine concentrations were determined using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection. Three batches of the compounded formulation were stored at RT or 4°C and aliquots were evaluated over 21 days for buprenorphine concentration using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Results Plasma concentrations of buprenorphine were above the limit of quantification up to 6 h in some cats and up to 3 h in all cats. The area under the curve was significantly less for the compounded formulation ( P = 0.004). A significant difference was not detected between formulations for time to maximum concentration ( P = 0.11), maximum concentration ( P = 0.06), half-life ( P = 0.88) and mean residence time ( P = 0.57). Buprenorphine concentration in the compounded formulation was not affected by storage condition or time and remained between 90% and 110% of the target concentration at all time points. Conclusions and relevance A buprenorphine solution prepared from sublingual tablets is absorbed after buccal administration in healthy cats. The extent of absorption is significantly less than that of the commercially available formulation. The compounded solution maintains an acceptable buprenorphine concentration for at least 21 days when stored at RT or refrigerated.

Impact of Expert Commentary and Student Reflection on Veterinary Clinical Decision-Making Skills in an Innovative Electronic-Learning Case-Based Platform.

One challenge in veterinary education is bridging the divide between the nature of classroom examples (well-defined problem solving) and real world situations (ill-defined problem solving). Solving the latter often relies on experiential knowledge, which is difficult to impart to inexperienced students. A multidisciplinary team including veterinary specialists and learning scientists developed an interactive, e-learning case-based module in which students made critical decisions at five specific points (Decision Points [DPs]). After committing to each decision (Original Answers), students reflected on the thought processes of experts making similar decisions, and were allowed to revise their decisions (Revised Answers); both sets of answers were scored. In Phase I, performance of students trained using the module (E-Learning Group) and by lecture (Traditional Group) was compared on the course final examination. There was no difference in performance between the groups, suggesting that the e-learning module was as effective as traditional lecture for content delivery. In Phase II, differences between Original Answers and Revised Answers were evaluated for a larger group of students, all of whom used the module as the sole method of instruction. There was a significant improvement in scores between Original and Revised Answers for four out of five DPs (DP1, p =.004; DP2, p =.04; DP4, p <.001; DP5, p <.001). The authors conclude that the ability to rehearse clinical decision making through this tool, without direct individual feedback from an instructor, may facilitate students' transition from problem solving in a well-structured classroom setting to an ill-structured clinical setting.

Evaluation of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Anesthetized Dogs with Brachycephalic Syndrome.

Brachycephalic airway syndrome may predispose to gastroesophageal reflux (GER) because of the high negative intrathoracic pressures required to overcome conformational partial upper airway obstruction. To investigate this, 20 dogs presenting for elective correction of brachycephalic airway syndrome (cases) and 20 non-brachycephalic dogs (controls) undergoing other elective surgeries were prospectively enrolled. Dogs underwent a standardized anesthetic protocol, and esophageal pH was monitored. Signalment, body weight, historical gastrointestinal and respiratory disease, complete blood count, serum biochemical values, radiographic findings, and anesthetic and surgical time were compared between cases and controls, and dogs that did and did not have basic (pH > 7.5), acidic (pH < 4), or any GER. Controls had higher mean esophageal pH (6.3) compared to cases (5.6, P = .019), but there was no difference in % with GER (cases 60%, controls 40%, P = .34). When all dogs were evaluated, dogs with GER had increased creatinine (P = .01), % positive for esophageal fluid on radiographs (P = .05), and body weight (P = .04) compared to those without GER. GER was common in both cases and controls, and cases had lower esophageal pH; however, greater numbers are required to determine if a true difference exists in % GER.

Survey of Intraoperative Bacterial Contamination in Dogs Undergoing Elective Orthopedic Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency, source, and risk factors of intraoperative (IO) surgeon and patient bacterial contamination during clean orthopedic surgeries, and to investigate the relationship between IO contamination and surgical site infection (SSI) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Client-owned dogs undergoing stifle surgery (n = 100). METHODS: IO cultures were taken in each case from surgical foot wrap, peri-incisional skin, surgical gloves, and the surgical team's hands. The environment (operating room [OR] lights, computers, scrub sink faucet, anesthesia gurney, and radiology table) was sampled every 5 months. Bacteria were identified and the contamination of each case was categorized. All gloves from the surgical team were collected and tested for perforations using a water infusion test. Cases were followed for at least 8 weeks to determine the presence or absence of SSI. Perioperative variables were evaluated for association with IO contamination and SSI. RESULTS: Bacterial isolates were yielded from 81% of procedures from 1 or more sources; 58% had positive hand cultures, 46% had positive glove cultures, 23% had positive patient skin cultures, and 12% had positive foot wrap cultures. Staphylococcus spp. was the most commonly recovered bacteria. There was no apparent association between IO contamination and SSI. The highest level of environmental contamination was associated with the scrub sink faucet, followed by the radiology table, anesthesia gurney, and OR computers. The IO glove perforation rate was 18%. CONCLUSION: Clean orthopedic procedures commonly had clinically insignificant bacterial contamination. In our study, bacteria responsible for SSI did not appear to colonize the patient in the OR.

Outcomes of dogs undergoing limb amputation, owner satisfaction with limb amputation procedures, and owner perceptions regarding postsurgical adaptation: 64 cases (2005-2012).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes of dogs and owner satisfaction and perception of their dogs' adaptation following amputation of a thoracic or pelvic limb. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 64 client-owned dogs. Procedures-Medical records of dogs that underwent limb amputation at a veterinary teaching hospital between 2005 and 2012 were reviewed. Signalment, body weight, and body condition scores at the time of amputation, dates of amputation and discharge from the hospital, whether a thoracic or pelvic limb was amputated, and reason for amputation were recorded. Histologic diagnosis and date of death were recorded if applicable. Owners were interviewed by telephone about their experience and interpretation of the dog's adaptation after surgery. Associations between perioperative variables and postoperative quality of life scores were investigated. RESULTS: 58 of 64 (91%) owners perceived no change in their dog's attitude after amputation; 56 (88%) reported complete or nearly complete return to preamputation quality of life, 50 (78%) indicated the dog's recovery and adaptation were better than expected, and 47 (73%) reported no change in the dog's recreational activities. Body condition scores and body weight at the time of amputation were negatively correlated with quality of life scores after surgery. Taking all factors into account, most (55/64 [86%]) respondents reported they would make the same decision regarding amputation again, and 4 (6%) indicated they would not; 5 (8%) were unsure. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This information may aid veterinarians in educating clients about adaptation potential of dogs following limb amputation and the need for postoperative weight control in such patients.

An integrated widefield imaging and spectroscopy system for contrast-enhanced, image-guided resection of tumors.

UNLABELLED: Tumor recurrence following surgery is a common and unresolved medical problem of great importance since surgery is the most widely used treatment for solid-mass tumors worldwide. A contributing factor to tumor recurrence is the presence of residual tumor remaining at or near the surgical site following surgery. GOAL: The primary objective of this study was to develop and evaluate an image-guided surgery system based on a near-infrared, handheld excitation source and spectrograph in combination with a widefield video imaging system. METHODS: This system was designed to detect the fluorescence of near-infrared contrast agents and, in particular, indocyanine green (ICG). The imaging system was evaluated for its optical performance and ability to detect the presence of ICG in tumors in an ectopic murine tumor model as well as in spontaneous tumors arising in canines. RESULTS: In both settings, an intravenous ICG infusion provided tumor contrast. In both the murine models and surgical specimens from canines, ICG preferentially accumulated in tumor tissue compared to surrounding normal tissue. The resulting contrast was sufficient to distinguish neoplasia from normal tissue; in the canine surgical specimens, the contrast was sufficient to permit identification of neoplasia on the marginal surface of the specimen. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate a unique concept in image-guided surgery by combining local excitation and spectroscopy with widefield imaging. SIGNIFICANCE: The ability to readily detect ICG in canines with spontaneous tumors in a clinical setting exemplifies the potential for further clinical translation; the promising results of detecting neoplasia on the marginal specimen surface underscore the clinical utility.

Intercostal approach for right adrenalectomy in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an intercostal (IC) approach to the right adrenal (RA) gland in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study and case series. ANIMALS: Dogs with right adrenal (RA) tumors (n = 11) and normal canine cadavers (6). METHODS: Cadavers had an IC (n = 3) or paracostal (3) approach to the RA. The relative spatial position of the RA to the incision was evaluated. Medical records (June 2007-December 2012) of dogs that had an IC approach to the RA were reviewed. Perioperative data were recorded and described. RESULTS: In cadavers, the RA was closer to the cranial aspect of the surgical incision after an IC approach compared with a paracostal approach. The IC approach for right adrenalectomy was successfully performed in 11 dogs (6 adrenocortical carcinomas, 4 pheochromocytomas, and 1 osteosarcoma) with a mean anesthesia duration of 242 minutes and mean surgical of 144 minutes. Dogs had vascular invasion into the phrenicoabdominal vein (n = 11) and caudal vena cava (6). There were no significant intra- or postoperative complications. One dog was euthanatized intraoperatively. Median survival time for all dogs was 786 days. CONCLUSIONS: The IC approach for right adrenalectomy offers superior exposure of the RA compared with a paracostal approach.

Canine vaginal leiomyoma diagnosed by CT vaginourethrography.

A 13 yr old female spayed Labrador retriever presented for vulvar bleeding. Abdominal radiographs revealed a soft tissue mass in the ventral pelvic canal. A computed tomography (CT) exam and a CT vaginourethrogram localized the mass to the vagina, helped further characterize the mass, and aided in surgical planning. A total vaginectomy was performed and the histologic diagnosis was leiomyoma. Vaginal tumors make up 1.9-3% of all tumors. Seventy-three percent of vaginal tumors are benign, and 83% of those are leiomyomas. Leiomyomas often have a good long-term prognosis with surgical resection. The diagnostic investigation of this case report utilized a multimodal imaging approach to determine the extent and respectability of the vaginal mass. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report describing a CT vaginourethrogram.

Efficacy of serosal patching in dogs with septic peritonitis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation of serosal patching in dogs with existing septic peritonitis with continued postoperative septic peritonitis and death. Records were collected from dogs that underwent intestinal surgery from 1998 to 2007 at four veterinary teaching hospitals and one private referral clinic. Dogs were included if they were diagnosed with septic peritonitis and had subsequent surgery of either the small intestine or cecum. Eighty-two surgeries were evaluated. Eighteen dogs (22%) received a serosal patch during surgery. Of those, three dogs (16.7%) had septic peritonitis postoperatively. Sixty-four dogs (78%) did not receive a serosal patch, and 19 of those dogs (29.7%) had postoperative septic peritonitis (P = 0.27). Of the 18 cases with serosal patching, 6 (33.3%) died prior to discharge. Of the 63 cases that did not receive a patch and had information regarding survival, 14 (22.2%) died prior to discharge (P = 0.34). Use of a serosal patch did not protect dogs from either postoperative septic peritonitis or failure to survive.

Postoperative complications associated with caudectomy in brachycephalic dogs with ingrown tails.

Surgical correction of an ingrown tail is indicated to relieve clinical signs of intertriginous dermatitis. The objective of this retrospective study was to identify the type and frequency of complications following caudectomy in dogs with ingrown tails. Medical records of dogs with ingrown tails treated with caudectomy from 2000 to 2010 at the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, preoperative infection status, surgical procedures performed, prophylactic antibiotic use, complications noted both during hospitalization and at suture removal, treatments instituted, and owner satisfaction. Seventeen dogs were identified for inclusion. At presentation, 4 of the 17 dogs (23.5%) were receiving antibiotics. Infection was present in 7 of the 17 dogs (41%), and 6 of the 7 cases resolved immediately postoperatively. All dogs received perioperative antimicrobial therapy, and 13 of the 17 dogs (76%) received antibiotics after surgery for an average of 13.5 days ± 5.2 days. Complications occurred in 2 of the 17 cases (12%) immediately after surgery, including decreased rectal sensation with adequate anal tone, failure to posture to defecate, and postoperative draining tracts. Complications were reported in 2 of 15 dogs (13%) at suture removal, including delayed wound healing and wound inflammation, persistent tail chasing behavior, and temporary changes in defecation habits. Caudectomy provided resolution of clinical signs with no long-term complications.

Influence of different cell storage/culture conditions on spontaneous proliferation and level of tyrosine kinase receptor inhibition in two feline injection-site sarcoma cell lines.

Optimizing cell culture conditions is important when studying cell proliferation and viability, particularly in response to cytotoxic compounds. Altered cell storage conditions can adversely impact proliferation and viability in mortal cell lines. However, little is known regarding the effects on immortal feline cell lines. In the present study, two feline injection-site sarcoma (ISS) cell lines were evaluated under standard culture conditions and three alternative storage/culture conditions for spontaneous proliferation rate and sensitivity to masitinib, a highly selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor with activity against primary and metastatic ISS cell lines. Cell viability was assessed by 7-aminoactinomycin D and cytology. Spontaneous proliferation did not significantly differ across the FBS concentrations (10% vs. 1%) for one cell line, however, with the other cell line spontaneous proliferation was significantly decreased in the 1% FBS 1-step technique, and the cold step technique at both 1% and 10% FBS. When normalized to untreated control cells, the IC50 values for masitinib were comparable across all culture techniques. Furthermore, apoptosis appeared to be the primary mechanism of this proliferation inhibition. Our preliminary findings suggest that select feline sarcoma cell lines cultured in 10% FBS yield comparable cytotoxicity data even when subjected to varying storage/culture conditions.