Stage 1-Biomarkers of Kidney Injury in Dogs Undergoing Constant Rate Infusion of Hydroxyethyl Starch 130/0.4.

In veterinary medicine, investigations relating the effects of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) on renal function report contrasting results. This study aimed to assess the changes in the selected biomarkers of kidney injury in dogs after the administration of HES 130/0.4 as a constant rate infusion (CRI) for 24 h. Ten adult client-owned dogs with hypoalbuminemia (albumin < 2 g/dL) and ongoing fluid losses were included. Enrolled dogs received intravenous fluid therapy with crystalloids and a CRI of HES 130/0.4 at a dose of 2 mL/kg/h for 24 h. Serum creatinine (sCr), fractional excretion (FE) of electrolytes, urinary protein to creatinine ratio (UPC), urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UAC), SDS-page, and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) were measured at the baseline before HES infusion, and after 24 h (T24) and 48 h (T48) from the baseline. No statistically significant difference was found between the baseline value vs. T24 and the baseline vs. T48 for sCr, UAC, UPC, FE of sodium, chloride and calcium, and uNGAL. A significant increase in FEK (p = 0.04) was noticed between the baseline and T48. In this study sample of hypoalbuminemic dogs, HES 130/0.4 at the dose and rate of infusion applied did not cause any significant changes in the investigated biomarkers of kidney injury.

Evaluation of the effects of hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) administration as a constant rate infusion on plasma colloid osmotic pressure in hypoabluminemic dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of 2 constant rate infusions of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 on plasma colloid osmotic pressure (COP) in hypoalbuminemic dogs. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical trial. ANIMALS: A total of 24 client-owned dogs. INTERVENTIONS: Hypoalbuminemic euvolemic dogs (albumin < 20 g/L [<2 g/dL]) with normal perfusion parameters requiring IV fluid therapy were enrolled. In addition to crystalloid, HES 130/0.4 was administered as a constant rate infusion over 24 hours at 1 mL/kg/h (group 1, n = 15) or at 2 mL/kg/h (group 2, n = 9), in order to support plasma COP. Before infusion, a blood sample was collected to perform CBC, serum electrophoresis, and serologic tests for some infective diseases. Plasma COP, albumin concentration, PCV, and total plasma protein concentration were evaluated serially at baseline (T0) and then at 6, 12, and 24 hours after the start of infusion, and a multilevel model was performed for these parameters to detect statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-four dogs were included. No statistically significant differences in COP were found between the 2 groups; however, a high level of variability has been identified within the single individual. Among the other laboratory analyses, PCV was significantly decreased in group 1 at T12 and T24 compared with T0 (P < 0.001) and total plasma protein concentration was significantly increased in group 2 at T12 and T24 compared with T0 (P < 0.008). CONCLUSION: No significant effect on plasma COP was found following infusion with HES 130/0.4 at doses of 1 mL/kg/h and 2 mL/kg/h for 24 hours to hypoalbuminemic dogs. The administered concomitant dose of crystalloids, underlying disease, and small sample size were all potential confounding factors.

Thromboelastometric assessment of hemostasis following hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) administration as a constant rate infusion in hypoalbuminemic dogs.

BACKGROUND: The primary aim was to evaluate by means of thromboelastometry (ROTEM) the effects of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 administered as a constant rate infusion (CRI) on hemostasis in hypoalbuminemic dogs. The second aim was to use ROTEM analysis to detect whether all hypoalbuminemic dogs of our population were hypercoagulable. RESULTS: The study sample was 20 hypoalbuminemic dogs (albumin < 2 g/dl) with normal perfusion parameters and requiring intravenous fluid therapy. In order to support plasma colloid osmotic pressure, in addition to crystalloid, HES 130/0.4 was administered as a constant rate infusion at 1 ml/kg/h (group 1, n = 11) or 2 ml/kg/h for 24 h (group 2, n = 9). Blood samples were collected at baseline (T0) and 24 h postinfusion (T1); coagulation was assessed by standard coagulation profile (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen), and ROTEM analysis (in-TEM®, ex-TEM® and fib- TEM® profile). No statistically significant differences in ROTEM values in group 1 were observed (P > 0.05), whereas in group 2 statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were found at T1 in the in-TEM® profile [decrease in clot formation time (P = 0.04) and increase in α angle (P = 0.02)] and in the ex-TEM® profile [increase in maximum clot firmness (P = 0.008) and α angle (P = 0.01)]; no changes were identified in the fib-TEM® profile. In both groups, a statistically significant decrease (P = 0.007) in hematocrit was noted, whereas no statistically significant differences in platelet count and standard coagulation profile were found. In group 2, a statistically significant increase in TS values (P = 0.03) was noted at T1. ROTEM tracings indicating a hypercoagulable state were observed in 7/20 dogs at T0 (5/11 in group 1 and 2/9 in the group 2). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that HES 130/0.4 administered as CRI does not cause hypocoagulability in hypoalbuminemic dogs. A trend toward hypercoagulability, probably related to the underlying diseases, was observed in group 2 at T1. Although all dogs were hyoalbuminemic, only 7/20 were hypercoagulable at T0, confirming the lack of correlation between albumin level and prothrombotic state.

Polymorphism Analysis of Ch1 and Ch2 Genes in the Siberian Cat.

Cats are usually spreaders of allergens that are critical for sensitive people; the Siberian cat is a breed supposed to be low level allergenic, according to some breeders' statements. The sequence of the two genes, namely Ch1 and Ch2, that code for the allergen Fel d 1, the major allergen responsible for outbreaks of allergy symptoms, is not yet known in the Siberian cat, and finding this was the aim of our investigation. Notably, our work is the first survey of the genetic structure of these genes in Siberian cats. The comparison of the sequences of Siberian cats, non-Siberian cats, and sequences present in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database revealed a considerable number of mutations; some of those detected in the Siberian cat, due to their position in exon regions, could affect the Fel d 1 allergenic properties. Therefore, further investigations are recommended to assess if the identified mutations can be responsible for a reduced-allergen synthesis and can be used as markers for selection of low level allergenic cats.

Thromboelastometric assessment of hemostasis in newborn Piemontese calves.

We investigated possible age-related differences in coagulation profiles in bovine species by means of rotational thromboelastometric (ROTEM) analysis. We evaluated hemostasis by ROTEM in newborn Piemontese calves at birth (T0), 8 d (T8), and 15 d (T15) of age and compared the ROTEM results obtained in 16 newborn calves with 28 adult Piemontese cattle. Hemostasis was evaluated using standard coagulation tests and ROTEM analysis, obtaining in-TEM, ex-TEM, and fib-TEM profiles. Statistically significant differences in the ROTEM profiles of newborn calves were found between T0 and T8 and between T0 and T15 ( p < 0.05) but not between T8 and T15. Differences between ROTEM profiles of calves and adults were statistically significant at T0 ( p < 0.05) but no differences were found at T15 ( p < 0.05). Hence, ROTEM reference intervals for adult cattle can be used to evaluate profiles in Piemontese calves ≥8 d of age.

Ultrasonographic features of adrenal gland lesions in dogs can aid in diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography to visualize adrenal gland lesions and evaluate incidentally discovered adrenal masses in dogs has become more reliable with advances in imaging techniques. However, correlations between sonographic and histopathological changes have been elusive. The goal of our study was to investigate which ultrasound features of adrenal gland abnormalities could aid in discriminating between benign and malignant lesions. To this end, we compared diagnosis based on ultrasound appearance and histological findings and evaluated ultrasound criteria for predicting malignancy. RESULTS: Clinical records of 119 dogs that had undergone ultrasound adrenal gland and histological examination were reviewed. Of these, 50 dogs had normal adrenal glands whereas 69 showed pathological ones. Lesions based on histology were classified as cortical adrenal hyperplasia (n = 67), adenocarcinoma (n = 17), pheochromocytoma (n = 10), metastases (n = 7), adrenal adenoma (n = 4), and adrenalitis (n = 4). Ultrasonographic examination showed high specificity (100%) but low sensitivity (63.7%) for identifying the adrenal lesions, which improved with increasing lesion size. Analysis of ultrasonographic predictive parameters showed a significant association between lesion size and malignant tumors. All adrenal gland lesions >20 mm in diameter were histologically confirmed as malignant neoplasms (pheochromocytoma and adenocarcinoma). Vascular invasion was a specific but not sensitive predictor of malignancy. As nodular shape was associated with benign lesions and irregular enlargement with malignant ones, this parameter could be used as diagnostic tool. Bilaterality of adrenal lesions was a useful ultrasonographic criterion for predicting benign lesions, as cortical hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal appearance of structural features on ultrasound images (e.g., adrenal gland lesion size, shape, laterality, and echotexture) may aid in diagnosis, but these features alone were not pathognomic. Lesion size was the most direct ultrasound predictive criterion. Large and irregular masses seemed to be better predictors of malignant neoplasia and lesions <20 mm in diameter and nodular in shape were often identified as cortical hyperplastic nodules or adenomas.

Thromboelastometric evaluation of hemostasis in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of hemostasis using thromboelastometry in dogs with leishmaniasis before and after treatment. DESIGN: Longitudinal observational study. SETTING: University veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Eighty-four adult, client-owned dogs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Whole blood samples for the coagulation profile were collected from symptomatic dogs with leishmaniasis (group S), asymptomatic dogs with leishmaniasis after treatment (group T), and a control group of healthy dogs (group H). Hemostasis was evaluated by means of standard coagulation profile (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen) and by thromboelastometry (ROTEM). Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were within the upper reference range in all 3 groups. Comparison of the ROTEM variables between the 3 groups showed statistically significant differences between group S versus groups T and H, but remaining within the reference ranges. Statistically significant differences in hematocrit and fibrinogen concentrations were noted between groups (group S vs. H: hematocrit P = 0.001, fibrinogen P = 0.002; Group S vs. T: hematocrit P = 0.001, fibrinogen P = 0.001). These variations have interfered with some parameters of the ROTEM profile. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed normal standard coagulation profiles in all 3 groups evaluated. The ROTEM results did not fall outside of the maximum values of the reference ranges.

Assessment of coagulation utilizing thromboelastometry in dogs undergoing orthopedic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate blood coagulation using thromboelastometry in dogs following orthopedic surgery. DESIGN: Longitudinal observational study. SETTING: University veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Thirty-four adult client-owned dogs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Dogs undergoing elective or emergency orthopedic surgery had whole blood collected before (T0), at 24 hours (T1), and 1 week (T2) after surgery. Whole blood from each dog was collected by jugular venipuncture using a 20-Ga needle and minimum venous stasis. The blood was placed into tubes containing 3.8% trisodium citrate (1 part citrate: 9 parts blood) and rested at 37°C. Coagulation was evaluated by means of thromboelastometry using the in-TEM, ex-TEM, and fib-TEM assays. Statistically significant increases (P < 0.05) in maximum clot firmness (MCF) from T0 to T1 in the in-TEM and fib-TEM profiles (both P = 0.0001), from T0 to T2 in the in-TEM, ex-TEM, and fib-TEM profiles (P = 0.012, P = 0.037, and P = 0.0001, respectively), and from T1 to T2 in the fib-TEM profile (P = 0.039) were noted. The α angle increased from T0 to T2 in the in-TEM and ex-TEM profiles (P = 0.019 and P = 0.036, respectively). All results were, however, within the institutional reference ranges. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, unlike the hypercoagulability observed in human orthopedic patients, a hypercoagulable state as measured by thromboelastometry did not develop in dogs following orthopedic surgery.

In vitro evaluation of canine hemostasis following dilution with hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) via thromboelastometry.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of in vitro hemodilution of canine blood with a low molecular weight hy-droxyethyl starch (HES 130/0.4) by means of thromboelastometry (TEM). DESIGN: In vitro experimental study. SETTING: University Teaching Hospital. ANIMALS: Ten healthy adult staff-owned dogs were sampled for the purposes of the study. Samples were also collected from 45 clinically normal dogs to establish thromboelastometric reference intervals. INTERVENTIONS: For each dog whole blood was collected by jugular venipuncture and placed into tubes containing 3.8% trisodium citrate and stored at 37°C. Two standard dilutions (1:4 and 1:10) from canine blood specimens were prepared with HES 130/0.4 and saline 0.9%. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The effects of dilution were studied by TEM. No statistically significant differences were observed between the TEM values of the control samples and the samples diluted with saline solution (ratio 1:10 and 1:4). In contrast, hypocoagulability was observed in the samples treated with HES 130/0.4, with more severe effects at 1:4 dilution than at 1:10 dilution. The 1:4 dilution with HES 130/0.4 produced marked alterations: CT (P = 0.035) and CFT (P = 0.0007) on the ex-TEM profile, CT (P = 0.0005) and ML (P = 0.0017) on the fib-TEM profile and CFT (P = 0.0043) on the in-TEM, were all significantly increased (P < 0.05), whereas MCF (P = 0.0042) and alpha angle (P = 0.002) on the in-TEM and MCF (P = 0.011) and alpha angle (P = 0.001) ex-TEM profiles and MCF (P = 0.0001) on the fib-TEM profile were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dilution of canine blood with HES 130/0.4 results in a thromboelastometric pattern consistent with hypocoagulation and this effect appears to result from a dose-dependent alteration in fibrinogen concentration and inhibition of platelet function. As this is an in vitro study, further in vivo investigations are necessary to confirm the results.

Use of contrast echocardiography for quantitative and qualitative evaluation of myocardial perfusion and pulmonary transit time in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate reproducibility of ejection fraction (EF), myocardial perfusion (MP), and pulmonary transit time (PTT) measured in a group of dogs by use of contrast echocardiography and to examine safety of this method by evaluating cardiac troponin I concentrations. ANIMALS: 6 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES: 2 bolus injections and a constant rate infusion of contrast agent were administered IV. Echocardiographic EF was determined by use of the area-length method and was calculated without and with contrast agent. The PTT and normalized PTT (PTT/mean R-R interval) were measured for each bolus. Constant rate infusion was used for global MP evaluation, and regional MP was calculated by use of a real-time method in 4 regions of interest of the left ventricle. Cardiac troponin I concentration was analyzed before and after contrast agent administration. Intraoberserver and interobserver variability was calculated. RESULTS: EF was easier to determine with the ultrasonographic contrast agent. For the first and second bolus, mean ± SD PTT was 1.8 ± 0.2 seconds and 2.1 ± 0.3 seconds and normalized PTT was 3.4 ± 0.3 seconds and 3.5 ± 0.3 seconds, respectively. A coefficient of variation < 15% was obtained for global MP but not for the regional MPs. No differences were detected between precontrast and postcontrast cardiac troponin I concentrations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Contrast echocardiography appeared to be a repeat-able and safe technique for use in the evaluation of global MP and PTT in healthy dogs, and it improved delineation of the endocardial border in dogs.

Bilateral juvenile renal dysplasia in a Norwegian Forest Cat.

Renal dysplasia is defined as a condition of disorganised development of renal parenchyma due to abnormal differentiation. The case of a 5-month-old intact male Norwegian Forest Cat with a history of polyuria and polydipsia is reported. Ultrasonographic examination showed a slight enlargement of kidneys. Biochemical parameters, haematological examinations and clinical signs were compatible with chronic renal failure (CRF). Histological examination was correlated with a primary tubular disorganisation and modification of glomerular compartment. The clinical history together with the histological lesions is consistent with bilateral juvenile renal dysplasia in this cat. To our knowledge, feline renal dysplasia has been reported in fetal infections with panleukopenia virus; no reports indicate the idiopathic origin in feline dysplastic lesions.

Evaluation of the presence of selected viral and bacterial nucleic acids in pericardial samples from dogs with or without idiopathic pericardial effusion.

Many viruses have been identified in pericardial fluid and in tissue samples from humans with pericarditis by means of molecular diagnostics. In canine idiopathic pericardial effusion there is as yet no conclusive evidence to support the involvement of an infectious agent. This study was designed to investigate a possible relationship between idiopathic pericardial effusion in dogs and viruses most commonly encountered in humans affected with viral pericarditis. Coxsackievirus B3 RNA, influenza virus type A RNA, human adenovirus type 2 DNA, human cytomegalovirus DNA, and parvovirus B19 DNA were investigated using PCR on pericardial effusion samples and pericardial tissue specimens collected from 14 dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion. PCR was also used to test for two bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi and Chlamydia pneumoniae. The same microorganisms were also looked for in pericardial effusions or pericardial washes from 10 dogs with neoplastic pericardial effusion, and in samples collected from 10 dogs which died of a non-cardiac disease. One pericardial effusion sample from a dog with the idiopathic form of the disease tested positive for influenza virus type A and sequencing of the amplicon confirmed the PCR result. In another dog from the same group a cytomegalovirus was detected by PCR in the effusion, but sequencing showed this to be a false-positive result. The genomes of the microorganisms investigated were not detected in neoplastic effusions or pericardial washes. The results indicate that viral and bacterial DNA/RNA of relevance for human pericarditis is rare in pericardial samples from dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion. The finding of influenza type A viral RNA in pericardial fluid from one dog with the idiopathic form of the disease warrants further investigation.

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type III in a simultaneous infection of Leishmania infantum and Dirofilaria immitis in a dog.

In this report a 9-year-old female German Shepherd dog with a membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) type III associated with concomitant infection of Dirofilaria immitis and Leishmania infantum is presented. Light microscopic evaluation of kidney revealed a diffuse hypercellularity and thickening of glomerular basement membrane. Heavy and coarse granular complement C(3) deposition and a weaker positive reaction to immunoglobulin G were present along peripheral glomerular basement membrane and in the mesangium in the immunofluorescent study. Transmission electron microscopy revealed deposits in the mesangium, subendothelium, and subepithelium. These lesions are compatible with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type III in humans.

Anatomic distribution and electrophysiologic properties of accessory atrioventricular pathways in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anatomic distribution and electrophysiologic properties of accessory pathways (APs) in dogs. DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: 10 dogs with tachyarrhythmias associated with an AP. PROCEDURES: Each dog underwent electrophysiologic testing to determine the inducibility of documented and undocumented arrhythmias and to identify location, conduction properties, and antegrade and retrograde effective refractory periods of the APs. Radiofrequency catheter ablation was then performed. RESULTS: 15 APs were identified; 7 dogs each had a single AP, and 3 had multiple APs. Fourteen of the 15 APs were right-sided (6 right free wall, 4 posteroseptal, 3 midseptal, and 1 anteroseptal), and 1 was left-sided (left free wall). All APs conducted in an all-or-none fashion. Unidirectional retrograde conduction was observed in 11 APs, and bidirectional conduction was observed in 4. All documented tachyarrhythmias could be induced during electrophysiologic testing; atrial fibrillation was also inducible in 2 dogs. Mean +/- SD cycle duration of orthodromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia was 215.80 +/- 44.87 milliseconds. Mean shortest R-R interval during atrial fibrillation was 247.33 +/- 83.17 milliseconds. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that in dogs, most APs are right-sided, had unidirectional retrograde conduction, and are associated with various arrhythmias, including orthodromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia and atrial fibrillation without evidence of pre-excitation.

Decreased systolic function and inadequate hypertrophy in large and small breed dogs with chronic mitral valve insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Systolic dysfunction associated with chronic mitral valve insufficiency (CMVI) has been demonstrated in experimental animal models and large breed (LB) dogs but has been reported as an uncommon finding in small breed (SB) dogs with naturally occurring disease. It has been suggested the myocardial failure could be, in part, because of an insufficient increase in left ventricular mass. HYPOTHESIS: To test if SB and LB dogs with CMVI and moderate heart failure have systolic dysfunction and if they have adequate eccentric hypertrophy. ANIMALS: Data from 38 SB and 18 LB dogs affected with CMVI were compared retrospectively with results from 2 groups of normal dogs (17 SB and 32 LB). METHODS: Systolic function was investigated echocardiographically by using percentage fractional shortening (FS), the ratio between observed and expected end-systolic diameter (ESD/ESDe), and end-systolic volume index (ESVI). Left ventricular hypertrophy was estimated by using the ratio between the thickness of the left ventricular free wall and the radius in diastole (h/R). RESULTS: Both affected SB and LB dogs had a significantly increased FS and ESVI (FS% SB 45.6 + 8.04 versus 40.06 + 8.9, P < .05; FS% LB 33.64 + 8.61 versus 27.3 + 7.3 P < .05; ESVI SB 30.0 +/- 2.3 mL/m2 versus 21.18 +/- 13.9 mL/m2, P < .05; ESVI LB 83.22 +/- 43.84 mL/m2 versus 36.43 +/- 13.30 mL/m2 versus P < .001). The h/R in affected animals was decreased (0.53 +/- 0.11 versus 0.41 +/- 0.12, P < .05 SB; 0.47 +/- 0.11 versus 0.38 +/- 0.09, P < .05, LB). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Data from this study indicate that dogs with moderate heart failure caused by CMVI have systolic dysfunction. Inadequate hypertrophy of the left ventricle may be, in part, responsible for this finding.

Prognostic indicators for dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of various clinical, ECG, echocardiographic, and Doppler echocardiographic variables in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy. The relationship to survival of 11 variables was evaluated in 63 dogs. Studied variables were age at time of diagnosis, class of heart failure (HF), dyspnea, ascites, atrial fibrillation (AF), ejection fraction (EF), E-point septal separation, end-diastolic volume index, end-systolic volume index (ESV-I), and restrictive or nonrestrictive transmitral flow (TMF) pattern. Median survival time was 671 days (lower 95% confidence limit, 350 days). Survival curves showed that severity of HF, ascites, ESV-I greater than 140 mL/m2, EF less than 25%, and restrictive TMF pattern had a significant negative relation to survival time. Thirty-nine dogs with both sinus rhythm and AF presented adequate TMF recordings; in these dogs, after stratification by TMF pattern, the restrictive TMF pattern was the most important negative prognostic indicator. We conclude that in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy the restrictive TMF pattern appears to represent a useful prognostic indicator. Class of HF, ascites, ESV-I, and EF are also useful indexes if an adequate TMF pattern is not recorded.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of concealed accessory pathways in two dogs with symptomatic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is widely used as a curative therapeutic strategy in human beings with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), but rarely applied in animals. This report describes successful RFCA of atrioventricular accessory pathways (AP) in two dogs with episodic weakness caused by frequent paroxysms of supraventricular tachycardia. METHODS AND RESULTS: Invasive electrophysiological studies (EPS) identified two APs in the 1st dog (right postero-septal, right posterior), and one in the 2nd dog (right posterior). Programmed electrical stimulation demonstrated that all APs had only retrograde unidirectional conduction, and played a role to maintain inducible atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT). The bypass tracts were successfully eliminated with RFCA, with consequent prevention of AVRT induction during post-ablation EPS. At 8months follow-up, the dogs were asymptomatic, and no reoccurrence of tachycardia was seen. CONCLUSION: Concealed APs responsible for AVRT and accompanied symptoms may be safely eliminated using RFCA in dogs.

Comparison of primary mitral valve disease in German Shepherd dogs and in small breeds.

The case records of 58 German Shepherds (GS group) affected by mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and/or mitral valve regurgitation (MR), and 49 dogs weighing < 15 kg (D group), affected by chronic valvular disease (CVD) were reviewed. The dogs of the GS group were presented more often without a detectable heart murmur (p < 0.01), and less frequently with a high intensity heart murmur (p < 0.01). Atrial fibrillation (AF) was more common in the GS group (p < 0.001). MVP associated with mitral valve thickening was more common in the D group (p < 0.001). Fractional shortening (FS) was lower (p < 0.0001) and end-systolic volume index (ESV-I) was increased (p < 0.0001) in the GS group, whereas end-diastolic volume index (EDV-I) did not differ between the 2 groups. Prevalence and severity of pulmonary hypertension were similar in the 2 groups. Dogs with mitral valve disease weighing more than 20 kg had a 5.8 higher chance of developing decreased FS, increased ESV-I, AF and ventricular arrhythmias. In the GS group, the decreased FS and increased ESV-I were not associated with the presence of AF or ventricular arrhythmias (p > 0.05). It appears that GS may be affected both by mitral valve prolapse and mitral insufficiency. It also appears that a comparatively large proportion of GS shows no major mitral valve thickening or MVP, but still presents with significant mitral regurgitation, possibly suggesting a different cause for the important incompetence observed in most cases.

Glomerular lesions in dogs infected with Leishmania organisms.

OBJECTIVE: To histologically identify glomerular lesions in dogs infected with Leishmania organisms. ANIMALS: 41 dogs (17 sexually intact males and 14 sexually intact and 10 ovariohysterectomized females) that had positive results when tested for leishmaniosis as determined by use of serologic evaluation (indirect fluorescent antibody test, titers of 1:80 to 1:640) and direct microscopic identification of the protozoal organisms. PROCEDURE: Urine samples were collected by use of cystocentesis and examined by qualitative SDS-agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE). All dogs had non-selective (glomerular) or mixed (glomerular and tubular) proteinemia. Specimens were obtained from each dog during ultrasound-assisted renal biopsy and used for histologic examination. Each specimen was stained with H&E, periodic acid-Schiff, Goldner's trichrome, methenamine silver, and Congo Red stains. Specimens were adequate for evaluation when they contained at least 5 glomeruli/section, except for specimens stained with Congo Red in which 1 glomerulus/section was adequate. RESULTS: Examination of renal biopsy specimens revealed various glomerular lesions in all dogs and interstitial or tubular (or both) lesions in 23 of 41 (55%) dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Glomerular lesions that develop in dogs during infection with Leishmania organisms can be classified histologically as mesangial glomerulonephritis, membranous glomerulonephritis, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and focal segmental glomerulonephritis. Tubulointerstitial histopathologic conditions were not observed as the primary lesion, despite being evident in 23 of 41 (55%) dogs. Use of SDS-AGE for qualitative evaluation of proteinuria and successive collection of specimens during renal biopsies following diagnosis of nonselective glomerular proteinuria provides the possibility for early identification of renal lesions.