Use of a [13C]urea breath test for detection of gastric infection with Helicobacter spp in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a [13C]urea breath and blood test (UBBT) for detection of gastric infections with Helicobacter spp in dogs. ANIMALS: 8 Beagles with, and 3 Beagles without, gastric Helicobacter spp infection. PROCEDURE: The UBBT was evaluated in dogs of known infection status before and after treatment with amoxicillin, metronidazole, and famotidine (AMF). A standard dose of [13C]urea (4 mg/kg of body weight) was given, and breath and blood samples were obtained at 0, 20, 40, and 60 minutes after administration. Effect of AMF treatment on breath and blood 13CO2 values, gastric urease activity (GUA), and gastric spiral organisms (GSO) was evaluated 3 to 4 and 28 to 29 days after 14 days of AMF treatment. RESULTS: Breath and blood 13CO2 values were higher in infected dogs than uninfected dogs. Endogenous 13CO2 production was minimal. Breath and blood 13CO2 values varied by 10 and 13%, respectively, between test periods. There was a correlation (R2 = 0.985) between breath and blood 13CO2 values. In 6 of 8 infected dogs, these values were decreased 3 days after completion of AMF administration and biopsy specimens lacked GSO and GUA . For these 6 dogs, breath and blood 13CO2 values were variable 28 days after completion of AMF treatment, and were associated with recurrence of GSO in 6 dogs and GUA in 4 dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of this study indicate that UBBT may provide a noninvasive procedure for detection of gastric infections with Helicobacter spp in dogs. Treatment with amoxicillin, metronidazole, and famotidine may not be effective in eradicating gastric infections with Helicobacter spp in dogs.

Clinical and clinicopathologic features in 11 cats with Cuterebra larvae myiasis of the central nervous system.

The medical records of 11 cats with histopathologic findings consistent with central nervous system (CNS) Cuterebra larvae myiasis were retrospectively examined to determine if clinical features could identify this disorder antemortem. Young to middle-aged indoor-outdoor domestic shorthaired cats presenting with acute neurologic signs from July through September predominated. Many cats recently had clinical signs consistent with upper respiratory disease. Most cats presented for depression, lethargy, or seizures. Almost all cats had abnormal rectal temperatures, either hypethermia or hypothermia. Peripheral leukocytosis and eosinophilia were not characteristic of cats with CNS cuterebriasis. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis did not consistently disclose evidence of inflammation. Common neurologic deficits included blindness, abnormal mentation, and signs of unilateral prosencephalic disease. No specific clinical or clinicopathologic test was diagnostic for CNS cuterebriasis.