Retrospective analysis of the use of tranexamic acid in critically ill dogs and cats (2018-2019): 266 dogs and 28 cats.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the signalment, dosing, adverse events, and patient diagnosis for dogs and cats admitted to the critical care unit (CCU) receiving tranexamic acid (TXA). DESIGN: Case series from 2018 to 2019. SETTING: Private referral and primary care veterinary hospital. ANIMALS: Two hundred and sixty-six dogs and 28 cats. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Records of dogs and cats admitted to the CCU that received TXA were evaluated. A diagnosis was assigned to each patient based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases system. "Neoplasia" ([most frequently] hemangiosarcoma) (89/226 [39%]) and "diseases of the blood and blood forming organs" (idiopathic hemoabdomen, pericardial effusion) (78/226 [34%]) were the most common disease processes for which dogs received TXA. In cats, "diseases of the blood and blood forming organs" (idiopathic hemoabdomen) (9/28 [32%]), "neoplasia" (hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumor, carcinoma) (7/28 [25%]), and "injury, poisoning, or certain other consequences of external causes" (high-rise syndrome) (5/28 [17%]) were most common. One hundred and forty-eight dogs (65%) and 13 cats (46%) underwent an invasive procedure during hospitalization. Thirty percent (70/226) of dogs received a packed RBC (pRBC) transfusion. Administration of TXA before or after pRBC transfusion did not significantly affect median dose of pRBC administered (P = 0.808). The median IV dose of TXA was similar for dogs and cats at 10 mg/kg. One cat received a 10 times overdose of TXA and did not suffer any appreciable adverse effects. Adverse events were reported in 1.7% (4/226) of dogs including hypersalivation (3/226) and seizure (1/226) in a dog that received a cumulative dose of 280 mg/kg of TXA. Hypersalivation was the only adverse event reported in 3% (1/28) of cats. CONCLUSION: TXA is primarily utilized in critically ill dogs and cats diagnosed with neoplasia, bleeding disorders, and trauma at this institution. Adverse events were infrequent and largely mild.

Feline Emphysematous Gastritis in a Cat with Pancreatitis and Secondary Hepatic Lipidosis.

A 7 yr old female neutered domestic shorthair was presented with a 2 mo history of lethargy and hyporexia progressing to anorexia. Initial diagnostics indicated pancreatitis with secondary hepatic lipidosis. Supportive care, including the placement of an esophageal feeding tube, was initiated. The feeding tube was removed traumatically by the cat and thus replaced. The cat acutely deteriorated while hospitalized, developing marked hypersalivation and an obtunded mentation. Radiographs were taken to confirm placement of the feeding tube in case tube dislodgement was contributing to the hypersalivation; results confirmed appropriate positioning and gastric pneumatosis. Despite intensified medical management, the patient suffered cardiopulmonary arrest 7 days after hospital admission. Post-mortem examination confirmed necrotizing gastritis with emphysema alongside segmental mucosal necrosis in the jejunum, focal pancreatic necrosis, and diffuse hepatic lipidosis. Gas in the gastric wall is a rare finding in veterinary medicine and can arise due to gastric pneumatosis or emphysematous gastritis; there are scant reports of either in feline medicine. This report documents a case of emphysematous gastritis in a cat with concurrent pancreatitis and hepatic lipidosis. The cat developed emphysematous gastritis without undergoing gastrointestinal surgery which is currently the only reported feline predis-posing factor for development.

Genetic parameters for rectal temperature, respiration rate, and drooling score in Holstein cattle and their relationships with various fertility, production, body conformation, and health traits.

Genetic selection for improved climatic resilience is paramount to increase the long-term sustainability of high-producing dairy cattle, especially in face of climate change. Various physiological indicators, such as rectal temperature (RT), respiration rate score (RR), and drooling score (DS), can be used to genetically identify animals with more effective coping mechanisms in response to heat stress events. In this study, we investigated genetic parameters for RT, RR (score from 1-3), and DS (score from 1-3). Furthermore, we assessed the genetic relationship among these indicators and other economically important traits for the dairy cattle industry. After data editing, 59,265 (RT), 30,290 (RR), and 30,421 (DS) records from 13,592 lactating Holstein cows were used for the analyses. Variance components were estimated based on a multiple-trait repeatability animal model. The heritability ± standard error estimate for RT, RR, and DS was 0.06 ± 0.01, 0.04 ± 0.01, and 0.02 ± 0.01, respectively, whereas their repeatability was 0.19, 0.14, and 0.14, respectively. Moderate genetic correlations of RR with RT and DS (0.26 ± 0.11 and 0.25 ± 0.16) and nonsignificant correlation between RT and DS (-0.11 ± 0.14) were observed. Furthermore, the approximate genetic correlations between RT, RR, and DS with 12 production, 29 conformation, 5 fertility and reproduction, 5 health, and 9 longevity-indicator traits were assessed. In general, the approximate genetic correlations calculated were low to moderate. In summary, 3 physiological indicators of heat stress response were measured in a large number of animals and shown to be lowly heritable. There is a value in developing a selection index including all the 3 indicators to improve heat tolerance in dairy cattle. All the unfavorable genetic relationships observed between heat tolerance and other economically important traits can be accounted for in a selection index to enable improved climatic resilience while also maintaining or increasing productivity in Holstein cattle.

Evaluation of the safety of daily administration of capromorelin in cats.

Capromorelin is a ghrelin receptor agonist that is FDA approved for appetite stimulation in dogs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of daily oral administration of capromorelin to cats over a range of doses and for an extended period. Two randomized, controlled studies were conducted: in Study 1, cats (n = 6 per group) received placebo or capromorelin at a dose of 9, 15, 30 or 60 mg/kg once daily for 14 days; and in Study 2, cats received capromorelin at 6 mg/kg (n = 8) or placebo (n = 4) once daily for 91 days. Cats were evaluated using clinical observations and clinical pathology test results for both studies, with the addition of postmortem examination in Study 1 and measurements of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 in Study 2. Abnormal clinical observations were limited to emesis, hypersalivation, lethargy/depression, head shaking and lip smacking, which occurred more frequently in the capromorelin-treated groups than in the placebo group. There were no clinically relevant differences in clinical pathology test results between the capromorelin and placebo groups in either study.

Salivary gland enlargement and sialorrhoea in dogs with spirocercosis: a retrospective and prospective study of 298 cases.

This longitudinal cross-sectional clinical study investigated the incidence of sialorrhoea in dogs with spirocercosis and determined whether breed, body weight and the extent of the oesophageal involvement was associated with this presentation. A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical records of 233 dogs and information pertaining to 65 dogs was collected as part of a prospective study. All the animals were client-owned. Patients from the retrospective study underwent thoracic radiography or oesophageal endoscopy to diagnose and characterise the infection and were placed on therapy with a macrocyclic lactone, whereas the patients in the prospective study had both radiography and endoscopy routinely performed and biopsies of the oesophageal nodules collected where possible. Tru-cut biopsies of affected salivary glands were taken in 10 of 13 patients demonstrating clinical signs of sialorrhoea and salivary gland enlargement. The entire salivary gland was sectioned in an additional three dogs with spirocercosis and no sialorrhoea that were presented for post mortem examination. Sialorrhoea was present in 33/298 cases (11%). Fox terrier breeds were over-represented in the patients with sialorrhoea, comprising 36% of cases, whereas they only comprised 1.5% of the patients without sialorrhoea (p < 0.001, chi squared test) and 5% of the combined group. Dogs weighing 12 kg or less were significantly over-represented in the sialorrhoea group, 69% versus 19.5% (p < 0.001, chi square test). Age was not significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.08, Mann-Whitney test). The number of oesophageal nodules per case was significantly higher in the non-sialorrhoea cases (p = 0.048, Mann-Whitney test). The prevalence of distal oesophageal and lower oesophageal sphincter involvement, and neoplastic transformation of the nodules were not statistically different between the two groups. None of the fox terriers in either group showed neoplastic transformation of the parasitic nodules even though they were over-represented as a breed. Mandibular salivary glands were affected in 86% of cases showing sialorrhoea. Histopathology revealed acinar hyperplasia in all cases with concurrent necrosis detected in only two cases.Sialorrhoea and salivary gland enlargement has an incidence of 11% (33/298 cases) in canine spirocercosis. Small breeds (≤ 12 kg) and particularly fox terrier breeds are over-represented in the group demonstrating sialorrhoea and this appeared to be the only risk factor.The conclusion was that sialorrhoea secondary to canine spirocercosis occurs frequently and its presence should prompt further investigation for oesophageal and gastro-intestinal disease. Severely affected patients can be managed with phenobarbitone to control the dysphagia in addition to the routine macrocyclic lactones treatment.

Intoxicação por organofosforado em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul / Poisoning by organophosphate in cattle in southern Brazil

An outbreak of organophosphate (ORF) poisoning in cattle occurred in the central-midwestern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The water available for 49 cattle was contaminated with ORF and carbamate (CM). Twenty cows died after a clinical course that lasted for few hours. The classical clinical signs of over stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system were observed, including motor incoordination, aggressiveness, drooling, muscle tremors and, on occasion, diarrhea. Significant morphological changes were not observed at necropsy or at histopathological examination. ORF e CM were detected by thin layer chromatography in tissue samples of two affected cattle and in a sample from the water consumed by the affected cattle. Additionally, two other water samples accessed by the affected cattle were positive for ORF. A quantitative analysis carried out by gas chromatography in the abomasum contents of an affected cow revealed 0.93µg/g of mancozebe (CM) and 0.07µg/g of phorate (ORF).

Descreve-se um surto de intoxicação por organofosforado (ORF) em bovinos na mesorregião centro ocidental do Rio Grande do Sul. A água fornecida a 49 bovinos foi contaminada com ORF e carbamato (CM). Vinte bovinos morreram após quadro clínico de poucas horas. Foram observados os clássicos sinais clínicos de hiperestimulação do sistema parassimpático incluindo incoordenação motora, agressividade, sialorreia, tremores musculares e, em alguns casos, diarreia. Na necropsia e histopatologia não foram observadas alterações morfológicas significativas. ORF e CM foram detectados por cromatografia em camada delgada em amostras de tecido de dois bovinos afetados. Adicionalmente, uma amostra da água consumida pelos bovinos foi positiva para ORF e CM e outras duas foram positivas para ORF. Uma análise quantitativa realizada por cromatografia gasosa no conteúdo do abomaso de um bovino afetado, revelou 0,93µg/g de mancozebe (CM) e 0,07 µg/g de forato (ORF).

Dibucaine toxicosis in a dog.

INTRODUCTION: Dibucaine is a potent, long-lasting local anesthetic (LA). Topical dibucaine ointments are marketed directly to consumers in the USA without prescription. Dibucaine ointment is intended to treat discomfort associated with sunburn, eczema, minor rashes, minor scratches, insect bites, and poison ivy and is used alone or in combination with other active ingredients to treat pain associated with hemorrhoids or other anorectal disorders. Oral dibucaine toxicosis has been reported in children and includes gastrointestinal upset and neurologic and cardiovascular dysfunction. CASE REPORT: An 18-month-old, female, Parson Russell terrier ingested approximately 23 g of 1% dibucaine ointment (approximately 38 mg/kg dibucaine) recommended to the owner for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Onset and resolution of clinical signs were relatively rapid, 5 min and 60 min, respectively. Clinical signs included vomiting, ptyalism, whole-body muscle fasciculations, disorientation, and severe ataxia. DISCUSSION: Oral dibucaine toxicosis in dogs is similar to oral dibucaine toxicosis in children. Dibucaine ointment poses a real and potentially serious toxicological risk to pets and thus should be stored in a safe location.

Antinociceptive and side-effects of hydromorphone after subcutaneous administration in cats.

The subcutaneous (SC) route is often chosen for drug administration in cats because it is easier to perform than intravenous (IV) injection and is perceived as less painful than intramuscular (IM) injection. However, little is known of how the route of administration influences the pharmacodynamics of drugs. This study measured the changes in skin temperature and thermal threshold (TT) and recorded the side-effects after SC injection of 0.1mg/kg of hydromorphone in six cats. Time to peak TT was 105min. Skin temperature was elevated at 15min and between 45 and 360min. Five cats vomited and two exhibited marked dysphoria. Compared to previously published studies of IV and IM administration of hydromorphone, the SC route results in a slower onset of peak effect, a shorter duration of antinociception and is associated with more undesirable side-effects. As with IV and IM injections, SC administration of hydromorphone at 0.1mg/kg is associated with a significant elevation in skin temperature. Overall, the SC route appears to have the least utility.

Two unusual tumours in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo).

This case report describes the clinical history, diagnosis and treatment of a ferret with a tumour of the right adrenal gland and insulinomas of the pancreas. Histopathology of both lesions confirmed the diagnoses. Clinical signs of the adrenal gland tumour were a swollen vulva, overgrooming, sexual activity and pruritus. The clinical signs suggesting insulinomas were collapse of the ferret, disorientation and ptyalism. A low blood glucose level assisted the diagnosis of insulinomas. This is believed to be the first reported case of concurrent insulinomas and adrenal gland tumour in a ferret in the United Kingdom.

Phenobarbital-responsive ptyalism, dysphagia, and apparent esophageal spasm in a German shepherd puppy.

A 10-week-old, male German shepherd dog was presented with a primary complaint of episodic ptyalism, dysphagia, vomiting, and mandibular salivary gland enlargement. An esophagram with fluoroscopy showed normal pharyngeal and esophageal function; however, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and cervical ultrasonography revealed a focal circumferential thickening of the midcervical esophageal muscular wall, consistent with esophageal spasm. The puppy responded dramatically and completely to phenobarbital treatment. An unusual syndrome of phenobarbital-responsive hypersialosis was consistent with this dog's clinical presentation and the finding of apparent esophageal spasm. The pathogenesis of this syndrome is unclear, but it may represent a form of limbic epilepsy or peripheral autonomic dysfunction.

Risk factors, prognostic indicators, and outcome of pyothorax in cats: 80 cases (1986-1999).

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors associated with development of pyothorax in cats, assess survival rates for cats that are treated, determine prognostic indicators, and determine recurrence rates. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 80 cats with pyothorax and 212 control cats. PROCEDURE: History; month of evaluation; physical examination findings; results of hematologic, serum biochemical, and retrovirus testing; radiographic findings; outcome; recurrence rate; and necropsy findings were recorded. For control cats, age, sex, breed, indoor versus outdoor status, vaccination history, and single- versus multi-cat household status were recorded. RESULTS: Cats from multi-cat households were 3.8 times as likely (95% confidence interval, 1.9 to 8.2) to develop pyothorax, compared with cats from single-cat households. Indoor or outdoor status was not a risk factor. Cats with pyothorax were significantly younger (mean, 3.83 +/- 3.43 years) than controls (mean, 5.62 +/- 5.27 years). Nonsurvivors had significantly lower heart rates than survivors. Hypersalivation was significantly more common in nonsurvivors (11/39; 26.8%) than survivors (1/39; 3%). Overall, 48.8% (39/80) of cats survived. When cats that were euthanatized without treatment were excluded from analyses, the survival rate was 66.1% (39/59). Pyothorax recurred in 1 of 17 cats for which follow-up information was obtained. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cats with pyothorax that received treatment had a fair to good prognosis, with low recurrence rates in survivors. Hypersalivation and low heart rate were associated with worse clinical outcome. Cats with pyothorax were likely to come from multi-cat households.

Idiopathic phenobarbital-responsive hypersialosis in the dog: an unusual form of limbic epilepsy?

Three unusual cases of salivary gland enlargement and hypersialosis in the dog that responded to anticonvulsant therapy are reported. Presenting complaints included weight loss, hypersalivation, retching and vomiting of several weeks' duration. Two dogs were presented with enlarged painful mandibular salivary glands. The third dog exhibited bizarre behaviour (including jaw chattering) and developed enlarged painful mandibular salivary glands during hospitalisation. Fine needle aspirate cytology and biopsies from the enlarged salivary glands revealed no significant pathological changes. In one dog, an electroencephalogram revealed changes consistent with epilepsy. Hypersialism and salivary gland enlargement resolved completely during phenobarbital administration in all cases. Two dogs were successfully weaned off treatment six months after diagnosis. The remaining dog relapsed after eight months, but normalised with the addition of oral potassium bromide. It is hypothesised that the syndrome idiopathic hypersialosis may in fact be an unusual form of limbic epilepsy.

Use of intraoperative ultrasonography in six horses.

Intraoperative ultrasonography was used in six horses to aid localization and removal of bone fragments (3 horses) and foreign bodies (3 horses). The ultrasound transducer was enclosed in a sterile sleeve containing sterile aqueous gel and the examination was performed after aseptic preparation of the surgical site. Using ultrasound guidance a needle was placed in contact with the bone fragment or foreign body and an incision was made along the path of the needle to expose and remove the object. This technique resulted in decreased operative time and minimal tissue dissection.

Clinical features of the 1992 outbreak of equine viral arteritis in Spain.

During 1992, a widespread outbreak of Equine viral arteritis (EVA) occurred at a riding establishment near Barcelona, Spain. A total of 31 out of 186 horses on the premises displayed clinical signs, most frequently, fever, depression, mild ventral and limb oedema and a vesicular-erosive stomatitis, with hypersalivation, petechiations and small ulcerations. Affected horses developed illness of varying severity with only a few exhibiting a severe form of the disease and no mortality was recorded. Haematological and blood biochemical examination the most severely affected horses revealed a thrombocytopenia, slight leucocytosis with neutrophilia, lymphopenia and eosinopenia, an increase in plasma fibrinogen and a small rise in serum proteins and indirect bilirubin values. Diagnosis was confirmed by demonstration of seroconversion to equine arteritis virus in acute and convalescent phase sera. Attempted isolation of the virus from citrated blood samples proved unsuccessful.