Pattern of prescriptions and prudent use of antimicrobial in horse practice at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Antimicrobial prescriptions of the University of Pisa and their compliance with prudent use recommendations were investigated over 11 years (2011-2021). At least one antimicrobial was always prescribed in surgical prophylaxis for the suture of wounds and in 33% of horses with signs of disease of a body system. Antimicrobials were administered in monotherapy (48%) in fixed dose combinations (21%) and empirical combinations (31%). Antimicrobials were mostly (63%) administered by parenteral route, while oral and topical antimicrobials accounted for 14% and 23% of prescriptions, respectively. Gentamicin, benzylpenicillin and ceftiofur were the most prescribed antimicrobials; aminoglycosides, penicillins and cephalosporins were the most common class of antimicrobial prescribed. Protected antimicrobials (WHO HPCIA and rifampicin) represented 24% of antimicrobial dispensations. The pattern of classes of antimicrobial used by body system was broad and included up to eight different pharmaceutical classes. The heterogeneity of antimicrobial use was confirmed by the estimate of the prescription diversity index. Antimicrobial prescriptions were in compliance with prudent use recommendations in terms of availability of diagnosis, respect of the dose range and duration of treatment On the contrary, principles of appropriate antimicrobial use have only been partially observed in relation to off-label use, use of antimicrobials in empirical combination, use of antimicrobial susceptibility tests and use of protected antimicrobials, suggesting that additional interventions are required to improve the responsible use of antimicrobials use in our equine practice.

Right heart echocardiographic variables and prediction of clinical severity in dogs with pulmonary stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary stenosis (PS) usually is evaluated using echocardiography. A multiparametric approach, in addition to the maximum pressure gradient (PG), might be indicated to better characterize PS severity and address its management. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Our hypothesis was that right heart size and function are associated with echocardiographic and clinical severity of pulmonary stenosis in dogs. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs with PS. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, observational study. Enrolled dogs underwent complete echocardiographic examination. Associations among right heart echocardiographic variables, PS transvalvular PG >80 mm Hg and presence of clinical signs (exercise intolerance, syncope, right-sided congestive failure, or some combination of these) were assessed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Eighty-eight dogs with PS. Twenty-eight dogs were symptomatic. Increased right ventricular end-diastolic free wall thickness (odds ratio [OR] > 100; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 50- > 100; P = .01) and decreased aorta-to-pulmonary artery velocity time integral ratio (OR, < 0.001; 95%CI, 0.0-0.001; P = .005) were independently associated with PS PG >80 mm Hg. Decreased tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (OR, 0.35; 95%CI, 0.15-0.77; P = .01) and increased right ventricular end-diastolic area (OR, 1.4; 95%CI, 1.08-2.02; P = .01) were independently associated with clinical severity. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Structural and functional right heart echocardiographic variables are associated with echocardiographic and clinical severity in dogs with PS. A multiparametric approach is advised to better assess PS severity.

Equine echocardiography: Can dobutamine infusion correct alterations due to sedation with alpha-2 agonists?

For the echocardiographic examination horses should not be sedated unless absolutely necessary because this alters cardiac dimensions and indices of function. However, some horses do not tolerate the echocardiographic procedure and require sedation to conduct the examination safely and obtain good quality images. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the concurrent infusion of dobutamine in horses sedated with romifidine counteracts the cardiovascular changes observed with sedation alone. Twelve healthy untrained Standardbred mares were used. Three echocardiographic examinations were performed on the same day for each subject: a) without any treatment under resting conditions (WT); b) under sedation with romifidine administered intravenously (RT); c) under sedation with romifidine and concurrent intravenous infusion with dobutamine (RDT). A three-hour washout period was observed between each examination and the order of the examinations was randomly decided by rolling a dice. The measurements on the images recorded were performed offline at the end of the study protocol and at this point the operator was blinded to the horse and treatment administered. Left ventricular internal diameter (LVID) in diastole, left ventricular free wall (LVFW) in systole, and fractional shortening (FS) were higher in the WT group compared with the other two groups. No differences in the other M-mode and B-mode values were observed. A continuous rate infusion of dobutamine did not counteract the alterations caused by sedation and led to similar echocardiographic measurements to those obtained after romifidine administration.

Right ventricular size and function evaluated by various echocardiographic indices in dogs with pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography and 2-dimensional (2D) strain measurements of the right ventricle (RV) are important indices in humans with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and need further evaluation in dogs with PH. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate various RV size and function indices in dogs with PH and to examine differences between pre- and postcapillary PH. ANIMALS: A total of 311 client-owned dogs: 100 dogs with PH, 31 with postcapillary and 69 with precapillary PH, and 211 healthy control dogs. METHODS: Retro- and prospective, multicenter study. Size and function of the RV was determined using several indices, derived using dedicated RV software, including 3D RV end-diastolic volume (EDVn), end-systolic volume (ESVn), ejection fraction, 2D global and free wall RV longitudinal strain (RVLS), end-diastolic area, end-systolic area, fractional area change, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and tissue Doppler imaging-derived systolic myocardial velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (S'n). RESULTS: The EDVn (1.8 vs 2.5 mL/kg0.942 , P < .01) and ESVn (0.8 vs 1.2 mL/kg0.962 , P < .001) were significantly larger in the PH group compared to healthy controls. Free wall RVLS was decreased in dogs with severe PH compared to controls (-24% vs -29.6%, P < .001). Dogs with precapillary PH had worse RV systolic function than dogs with postcapillary PH. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional echocardiography of the RV is a promising tool to detect RV changes in dogs with PH. Also, 2D strain measurements are able to detect decreased RV function and offer several advantages compared to conventional indices.

Evaluation of a Novel Precordial Lead System for the Electrocardiographic Diagnosis of Right Ventricular Enlargement in Dogs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of precordial leads for the detection of right ventricular enlargement (RVE) in dogs. This was a prospective observational study. The RVE was defined by echocardiography. The amplitude (mV) of the Q, R, and S waves, the R/S ratio, and the mean electrical axis (MEA) of the QRS complex were assessed on the 12-lead ECG. The ROC curve and the Youden index yielded the best cutoffs for RVE detection. An area under the curve (AUC) > 0.7 defined suitable diagnostic accuracy. A total of 84 dogs, 27 with RVE and 57 healthy controls, were enrolled. Q wave amplitude in aVR (cutoff > 0.10 mV; AUC = 0.727), R/S ratio in V4 (cutoff < 1.15; AUC = 0.842), R/S ratio in V5 (cutoff < 1.95; AUC = 0.839) and S wave amplitude in V6 (cutoff > 0.70 mV; AUC = 0.703) showed suitable diagnostic accuracy in detecting RVE. Among dogs with RVE, only 9/27 (33%) presented a right shift of MEA. Differently, 19/27 (70%) showed at least one of the identified precordial lead criteria. Assessment of the R/S ratio in V4 and V5 and S wave amplitude in V6 increases the diagnostic accuracy of ECG in distinguishing between dogs with RVE and healthy dogs.

Echocardiographic reference intervals for right ventricular indices, including 3-dimensional volume and 2-dimensional strain measurements in healthy dogs.

BACKGROUND: There is currently a lack of reference intervals (RIs) for the novel measures like 3-dimensional (3D) echocardiography or speckle-tracking strain for assessment of right ventricular (RV) structure and function. OBJECTIVES: To generate RIs and to determine the influence of age, heart rate, and body weight (BW) on various RV function indices using a dedicated RV software for 3D RV end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction (EF), global and free wall RV longitudinal strain (RVLS), end-diastolic area (RVEDA), end-systolic area (RVESA), fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and tissue Doppler imaging (TVI)-derived systolic myocardial velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (S'). ANIMALS: Healthy adult client-owned dogs (n = 211) of various breeds and ages. METHODS: Prospective study. Reference intervals were estimated as statistical prediction intervals using allometric scaling for BW-dependent variables. Right-sided (upper limit) or left-sided (lower limit) 95% RIs were calculated for every variable. Inter- and intraobserver variability was determined. RESULTS: Most variables showed clinically acceptable repeatability with coefficient of variation less than 10. Upper or respectively lower RI after allometric scaling to normalize for different BWs were: EDVn ≤ 2.5 mL/kg0.942 , ESVn ≤ 1.2 mL/kg0.962 , TAPSEn ≥ 4.5 mm0.285 , RVEDAn ≤ 1.4 cm2 /kg0.665 , RVESAn ≤ 0.8 cm2 /kg0.695 , and TVI S'n ≥ 5.6 cm/s/kg0.186 . The calculated limits for indices without allometric normalization were: EF > 42.1%, FAC > 30.0%, free wall RVLS < -20.8%, and global RVLS < -18.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiographic RIs for RV structure and function are provided.

Evaluation of a new portable 1-lead digital cardiac monitor (eKuore) compared with standard base-apex electrocardiography in healthy horses.

Recently, the use of smartphone ECG devices has been reported in humans and animals. Nevertheless, as the electrodes of these devices are inseparable, they can create only a precordial reading in veterinary species. Thus, although the smartphone ECG devices are considered valuable as a screening tool for the detection of some common arrhythmias, they are not always a reliable method for the measurement of the duration of the electrical deflections. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of a novel smartphone ECG device, to report the readings obtained recorded simultaneously with a reference ECG system, and to compare the heart rate and duration of cardiac deflections obtained with the two methods. A total of 28 healthy mares of different breeds and age were included in this study and ECG recordings were obtained simultaneously with a reference ECG telemetry system with surface electrodes attached to the skin with alligator clips using a standard base-apex system and a smartphone ECG device with electrodes positioned alternatively with a standard and a modified base apex derivation. All the recordings obtained were considered acceptable for interpretation. An excellent agreement was found between the two methods for the evaluation of heart rate and polarity of cardiac deflections. No differences regarding number, duration and percentage of artifacts were found. This technology could become a valid diagnostic tool in the cardiological assessment of horses, in particular on the field.

Breath-by-breath analysis of respiratory sinus arrhythmia in dogs.

Dogs differ greatly in size, heart (HR) and breathing rates (BR). In addition, they have a clear Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) at rest. Therefore, better than any other mammalian species, dogs offer an opportunity to test whether resting RSA varies with body weight, HR or BR. Sequences of inter-beat-intervals (IBI, ms) a few-minutes long were collected in twenty-three resting dogs of different sizes, together with pneumograms. IBI variability was quantified by standard time-domain criteria. From beat-to-beat instantaneous heart rate (hR, beats/min), RSA was the difference between inspiratory peak (hR-peak) and expiratory trough (hR-trough), in percent of mean HR. RSA averaged 40.1 % ±4.5, or more than three times that of humans, with large inter-animal variability. On average, RSA contributed 38 % of the total IBI variability. RSA did not differ between sexes and did not correlate with body weight. It had modest negative correlations with HR (P < 0.05) and BR (P < 0.05), and a very strong negative correlation with hR-trough (P < 0.001). In two separate dogs, during panting, RSA was absent. In the transition from resting to panting, RSA continued like at rest for several breaths, despite the tachypnea, underlying the importance of central mechanisms in the origin of RSA. In conclusion, RSA in dogs is very large and explains less than half of their sinus arrhythmia. Rather than HR, BR or hR-peak, changes in the vago-sympathetic control, represented by hR-trough, are the most likely source of variability of RSA among subjects.

The Mitral INsufficiency Echocardiographic score: A severity classification of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs.

BACKGROUND: There is no commonly shared severity score for myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) based on routinely acquired echocardiographic variables. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To propose an easy-to-use echocardiographic classification of severity of MMVD in dogs. ANIMALS: Five hundred and sixty dogs with MMVD. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multicenter, observational study. The proposed Mitral INsufficiency Echocardiographic (MINE) score was based on 4 echocardiographic variables: left atrium-to-aorta ratio, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter normalized for body weight, fractional shortening, and E-wave transmitral peak velocity. Specific echocardiographic cutoffs were defined based on previous prognostic studies on MMVD, and severity scores were assigned as follows: mild (score: 4-5), moderate (score: 6-7), severe (score: 8-12), late stage (score: 13-14). RESULTS: Median survival time was significantly different (P < .05) between the proposed severity classes: mild (2344 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1877-2810 days), moderate (1882 days, 95% CI 1341-2434 days), severe (623 days, 95% CI 432-710 days), and late stage (157 days, 95% CI 53-257 days). A MINE score >8 was predictive of cardiac death (area under the curve = 0.85; P < .0001; sensitivity 87%, specificity 73%). In the multivariable analysis, all the echocardiographic variables of the MINE score were independent predictors of death because of heart disease (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The MINE score is a new easy-to-use echocardiographic classification of severity of MMVD, which has been proven to be clinically effective as it is associated with survival. This classification provides prognostic information and could be useful for an objective echocardiographic assessment of MMVD.

A radiographic study of breed-specific vertebral heart score and vertebral left atrial size in Chihuahuas.

Although echocardiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of cardio-structural disease, thoracic radiography is a rapid, cost-effective, and widely accessible method for evaluating cardiac size in dogs. The vertebral heart score (VHS) and the vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) are established as objective measures of cardiomegaly on thoracic radiographs. However, several studies have shown significant variations in the VHS among different breeds. The Chihuahua is predisposed to both congenital and acquired cardiac diseases. The aim of this prospective, single-center, cross sectional study was thus to evaluate the VHS and the VLAS in healthy adult Chihuahua dogs. A total of 30 Chihuahuas were included. The VHS values in our sample population of Chihuahuas were 10.0 ± 0.6 (95% range, 8.9-11.0). This was significantly greater than the canine reference value of 9.7 ± 0.5 established by Buchanan and Bücheler (P = .002). The VLAS of Chihuahuas in our study was 1.8 ± 0.2 (95% range, 1.3-2.1). This was significantly lower than the values previously reported by Malcolm et al (2.07 ± 0.25; P = .0004). The VHS and the VLAS were not influenced by sex, body weight, short or long hair, and body condition score in normal Chihuahuas. Our results indicated that breed-specific reference values for radiographic VHS and VLAS are needed. In Chihuahuas, the values found in this study can be used as a normal reference in order to help avoid overinterpretation of cardiomegaly in these dogs.

Procalcitonin Detection in Veterinary Species: Investigation of Commercial ELISA Kits.

In human medicine, procalcitonin (PCT), the precursor of calcitonin, is used for the rapid identification of the origin and severity of sepsis. In veterinary medicine, PCT has been studied in horses, cattle, and dogs, but the use of PCT in diagnostic and/or prognostic settings is not possible because of the lack of validated assays to obtain reference ranges. The aim of the present study was the investigation of commercially available ELISA kits for the detection of canine and equine PCT in plasma samples. Validation of the ELISA kits was performed by using species-specific recombinant proteins spiked both in plasma and buffer samples; linearity, limit of detection (LOD), recovery, and intra-assay and inter-assay variability were calculated. Moreover, clinical samples obtained from sick and healthy animals were also analyzed with the tested kits. Canine PCT was measured with a recombinant canine and a canine PCT ELISA kit. Equine PCT was measured with an equine and a human ELISA PCT kit. Our data demonstrate that the canine recombinant PCT ELISA kit can be used to measure canine PCT in plasma samples, showing an intra-assay and inter-assay coefficient of variation less than 20% and a LOD of 11 pg/mL, whereas the present results do not support the use of the canine PCT ELISA kit. The human PCT ELISA kit is suitable to detect equine PCT with a LOD of 56 ng/mL, whereas the equine PCT ELISA kit did not detect recombinant equine PCT.

Radiographic vertebral left atrial size: A reference interval study in healthy adult dogs.

Thoracic radiography is a useful technique for the evaluation of cardiac dimensions, especially when echocardiography is not possible. The vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) has recently been proposed as a new radiographic method for quantifying left atrial dimensions in dogs. The aims of this retrospective, reference interval, observational study were to describe values for VLAS in a group of healthy adult dogs and to compare intraobserver and interobserver agreement for VLAS versus vertebral heart score (VHS) methods. Thoracic radiographs of 80 healthy adult dogs were evaluated. Normal left atrial size was determined based on an echocardiographic left atrial-to-aorta ratio < 1.6. The VLAS and vertebral heart score values were measured from right lateral radiographs. The correlations between VLAS, the vertebral heart score, and the left atrial-to-aorta ratio were evaluated. The effects of body weight, sex, and age were also tested using regression analyses. The median value of VLAS were 1.9, with a reference interval of 1.4-2.2. A positive correlation was found between VLAS and vertebral heart score values (r = 0.53; P < .0001). No effect of body weight, sex, and age on VLAS was detected. Excellent intraobserver and interobserver agreements were found for both VLAS and vertebral heart score methods (intraclass correlation coefficients ≥ 0.91). Findings from this sample of healthy dogs indicated that VLAS is a repeatable radiographic method for quantifying left atrial size. Further studies are warranted to evaluate this measure in clinically affected dogs.

Left atrial anteroposterior diameter in dogs: reference interval, allometric scaling, and agreement with the left atrial-to-aortic root ratio.

Left atrial enlargement (LAE) is a well-known negative prognostic factor in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Left atrial-to-aortic root ratio (LA/Ao) is the most commonly used method to evaluate left atrial (LA) size in dogs, while the left atrial anteroposterior diameter (LAD) has been proposed as an additional measurement of LA size in different species. The aim of this study was to establish a normal reference range of LAD normalized to body weight (LADn) in dogs using allometric scales, and to evaluate the agreement between LADn and LA/Ao in the detection of LAE in dogs with MMVD. This was a retrospective, multicenter, observational study. We included 330 healthy dogs, 30 dogs with MMVD in ACVIM stage B1, 30 dogs in ACVIM stage B2, and 30 dogs in ACVIM stage C. The reference range for the LAD, depending on body weight, was between 16.91 mm and 49.68 mm. The reference range for the LADn in healthy dogs was between 10.49 and 15.72. LADn was significantly greater in dogs with MMVD compared to healthy dogs, and a significant difference in LADn was noted between different ACVIM stages (P<0.001). The most accurate cut-off value of LADn to differentiate between dogs in groups B2 and C was 20.3 (sensitivity, 83.3%; specificity, 83.3%). There was a misclassification rate of 37% between LADn and LA/Ao in the detection of LAE in group B1. This study provides a normal reference range for LAD in dogs, which can be used as an additional tool to assess LAE in dogs with MMVD.

Two Methods for 24-hour Holter Monitoring in Horses: Evaluation of Recording Performance at Rest and During Exercise.

Continuous electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring is the gold standard for diagnosing arrhythmias that occur intermittently or under exercise. The aim of this study was to compare two different methods for 24-hour Holter monitoring in horses, a 7-electrode system (7-ES) versus a 4-electrode system (4-ES), assessing the recording performance at rest and during exercise. Six standardbred horses were included in the present prospective study. Two different methods for 24-hour Holter monitoring were used in each horse with a washout period of one week between each recording method. In the first 15 minutes of the 24-hour Holter monitoring, a standard exercise test was performed. Holter recordings were analyzed in terms of the number of recorded hours; the number of detached electrodes (DEs); and total duration of artifacts over the 15-minute exercise. The number of recorded hours was significantly higher in the 7-ES (24 hours, range: 23-24 hours) than the 4-ES (6.5 hours, range: 1.2-20 hours; P < .05). The number of DEs was not significantly different between the two systems. The total duration of artifacts over the 15-minute exercise was significantly higher in the 7-ES (155 seconds, range: 35-378 seconds) than in the 4-ES (25 seconds, range: 10-32 seconds; P < .05). Our results showed a better recording performance during exercise using the 4-ES because of the lower number of artifacts. The 7-ES showed a better performance in terms of recording duration. In conclusion, we suggest using the 4-ES for exercise tests and the 7-ES when a longer ECG recording at rest is required.

Left shift of the ventricular mean electrical axis in healthy Doberman Pinschers.

In canine electrocardiography, the reference interval of the ventricular mean electrical axis (MEA) is between +40° and +100°. MEA values in dogs can be influenced by the patient position as well as by the shape of the thorax. The aim of this study was to evaluate the MEA in healthy Doberman Pinschers, hypothesizing that some present a left shift of the MEA. In this retrospective study, 41 healthy, client-owned Doberman Pinschers were included. Echocardiography and standard six-lead ECG examination were performed in all dogs. The MEA was calculated using the isoelectric method. The morphology of the QRS complex and the Q/R ratio in lead II were also evaluated. The median MEA was +45° and ranged from -45° to +90°. MEA was deviated in 16/41 dogs (39%), all presenting a left axis deviation (range, -45° to + 30°). Age was significantly associated with the MEA (P=0.008), showing a negative linear correlation. A deep Q wave in lead II was present in 26/41 (63%) dogs. The Q/R ratio was higher in dogs presenting left shift of the MEA (0.66; range, 0.28-1.35) in comparison to dogs with a MEA within reference range (0.44; range, 0.04-0.73; P<0.001). In conclusion, a significant number of healthy Doberman Pinschers present a left shift of the MEA compare to the reference range, and dogs with MEA deviation show a higher Q/R ratio in lead II. This data should be considered when electrocardiographic evaluation is performed in Doberman Pinschers.

Comparison of smartphone-based and standard base-apex electrocardiography in healthy dairy cows.

BACKGROUND: There is good diagnostic accuracy of smartphone-based ECG in the evaluation of heart rate (HR), heart rhythm, and ECG values for humans, horses, dogs, and cats. OBJECTIVES: Assess feasibility and reliability of a smartphone ECG device to evaluate HR expressed as beats per minute and ECG values in cows. ANIMALS: Fifty-five healthy Holstein Friesian cows. METHODS: Prospective observational study. A standard base-apex ECG was acquired for 60 seconds in each cow. A smartphone ECG tracing was recorded simultaneously using a single-lead bipolar ECG recorder. All ECGs were reviewed by 1 blinded investigator. The following ECG variables were assessed: HR, P wave duration, PR interval, QRS complex and QT interval (milliseconds), P wave, and QRS complex polarity. Agreement between standard and smartphone ECG was evaluated by Cohen's k test and the Bland-Altman test. RESULTS: Smartphone ECG tracings were interpretable in 89% of the recordings. Minimal differences of no clinical relevance were found between standard and smartphone ECG tracings regarding HR and duration of ECG waves and interval. Good agreement found in the evaluation of QRS complex polarity (85%) but not for P wave polarity (k = 0.006). Artifacts were rare but of significantly higher frequency in smartphone ECG compared to standard ECG tracings (22% versus 0%; P = .005). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Good quality single-lead ECG tracings can be recorded by smartphone device in healthy cows. Smartphone tracings are reliable for evaluation of HR and selective ECG variables. Smartphone ECG can represent an additional tool for ECG screening in cows.

Home monitoring of heart rate and heart rhythm with a smartphone-based ECG in dogs.

The feasibility of the home monitoring of heart rate (HR) and rhythm through ECG tracings recorded by owners with a smartphone ECG device was evaluated in dogs. Smartphone ECG tracings were recorded by owners at home using a single-lead ECG device and sent via email for interpretation. A questionnaire was prepared to assess the owner's opinion regarding this home monitoring service. Recordings were evaluated by two operators, and agreement was evaluated for HR and rhythm diagnosis. Thirty-three dogs were included. Thirty-one owners (94 per cent) felt that the recording technique was easy to learn and that the smartphone ECG device was easy to use. A total of 15 owners (45 per cent) required a second person to hold the dog during recording. Of the 150 smartphone ECG tracings that were received, 134 (89 per cent) were interpretable. The median difference between the two operators to assess the mean HR on the smartphone tracings was 10 bpm (-10, +25 bpm). Perfect agreement (κ=1) between operators was observed in the heart rhythm evaluation. Most owners sent adequate ECG tracings for interpretation via email from their smartphone. Home monitoring of HR and heart rhythm may represent an additional tool in the management of dogs with arrhythmias.

Echocardiographic evaluation of the right ventricular dimension and systolic function in dogs with pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) enlargement and dysfunction are associated with prognosis in humans with pulmonary hypertension (PH). HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To assess RV size and systolic function in dogs with PH and to determine if they are associated with disease severity and right-sided congestive heart failure (R-CHF). ANIMALS: 89 dogs with PH and 74 healthy dogs. METHODS: Prospective observational study. PH was classified according to the tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient. RV end-diastolic area (RVEDA) index was calculated as RVEDA divided by body surface area. RV systolic function was assessed with the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and the RV fractional area change (FAC) normalized for body weight (TAPSEn and FACn, respectively). RESULTS: RVEDA index was higher in dogs with moderate PH (10.8 cm2 /m2 ; range, 6.2-14.4 cm2 /m2 ) and severe PH (12.4 cm2 /m2 ; range, 7.7-21.4 cm2 /m2 ) than in those with mild PH (8.4 cm2 /m2 ; range, 4.8-11.6 cm2 /m2 ) and control dogs (8.5 cm2 /m2 ; range, 2.8-11.6 cm2 /m2 ; P < .001). RVEDA index was significantly higher in dogs with R-CHF (13.7 cm2 /m2 ; range, 11.0-21.4 cm2 /m2 ) than in dogs without R-CHF (9.4 cm2 /m2 ; range, 4.8-17.1 cm2 /m2 ; P < .001). The severity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was the only independent predictor of the RVEDA index (P < .001). TAPSEn and FACn were not significantly different among varying degrees of PH severity and between dogs with and without R-CHF. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The RVEDA index can be used to evaluate RV size in dogs. It can provide additional information in dogs with PH and predict R-CHF. Severity of TR is the main determinant of RV enlargement in dogs with PH.

Determination of ochratoxin A in tissues of wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) by enzymatic digestion (ED) coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD).

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a secondary toxic metabolite synthesized by Aspergillus or Penicillium species, which can contaminate various crops. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified OTA as a group 2B possible human carcinogen. The aim of the present study was to assess OTA concentrations in tissues of wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) from Tuscany (Italy). Over a period of 2 years, samples of muscle, liver, and kidney from 48 wild boars were collected and concentrations of OTA were determined by enzymatic digestion (ED) coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). The highest concentrations of OTA were found in the kidneys of the 48 wild boars analyzed. No difference in concentrations was found based on years of collection and sex while a significantly higher OTA concentration was found in the kidney of the young wild boars with respect to the adult one. Monitoring the quality of meat destined for transformation is a priority in order to decrease the possibility of toxin carry-over to humans. The present study showed that contamination of wild boar meat products by OTA represents a potential emerging source of OTA.