Evaluation of scar revision after inadequate primary excision of cutaneous mast cell tumors in 85 dogs (2000-2013).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of residual tumor, and factors associated with local recurrence and disease progression in dogs with incompletely excised mast cell tumors (MCT) following scar revision surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Eighty-five dogs. METHODS: Medical records from January 2000 to April 2013 were reviewed. Dogs with scar revision surgery after incomplete primary MCT excision were included. Recorded were signalment; initial tumor size, location and grade; time interval between primary excision and scar revision surgery; presence of MCT in the resected scar; local recurrence, lymph node metastasis, systemic metastasis, and cause of death. RESULTS: Eighty six tumors in 85 dogs were studied. Residual MCT was found in 23 (27%) resected scars. Seven (8%) scars with residual MCT had incomplete or narrow margins. Follow-up was available for 68 dogs (69 tumors; median 403 days; range 4-2939). Local recurrence was reported in three (4%) dogs at 212, 555, and 993 days. Disease progressed in 10 dogs (14.5%) with regional or systemic metastasis at a median of 207 days (64-1583). Margin status and presence of MCT in the resected scar were not associated with local recurrence or disease progression. Lymph node metastasis (p = .004), locoregional recurrence (p = .013), and disease progression (p = .001) were significantly more likely in Grade III tumors. CONCLUSION: Twenty-seven percent of resected scars contained residual MCT, but recurrence was uncommon after surgical revision. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinicians should primarily consider tumor grade when estimating the likelihood of local recurrence and disease progression and determining the need for ancillary treatment of MCT after scar resection.

Outcomes in 40 cats with discrete intermediate- or large-cell gastrointestinal lymphoma masses treated with surgical mass resection (2005-2015).

OBJECTIVE: To report outcomes in cats with discrete intermediate- and large-cell gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma masses after surgical resection. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical case series. ANIMALS: Forty client-owned cats in which intermediate- or large-cell GI lymphoma was diagnosed. METHODS: Records of 40 cats in which discrete intermediate- or large-cell GI lymphoma masses were diagnosed between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed. Cats were included if they survived curative intent surgery and had a known outcome for at least two weeks. Postoperative death was permitted. Data collected included anatomic site, surgical margins, lymphoma subtype, chemotherapy use, and postoperative and long-term outcome (beyond two weeks). RESULTS: Affected sites consisted of small intestines (n = 23), large intestines (n = 9), and stomach (n = 8). Thirty-six of 40 cats survived to discharge, and 31 cats were alive at suture removal. Median long-term follow-up of 22 cats was 111 days (range, 16-1407). Cats that survived to suture removal had a median survival time (MST) of 185 days (95% confidence interval: 72-465). Cats with large intestinal masses lived longer than those with small intestinal or gastric masses whether all cats (MST, 675, 64, 96 days, respectively; P = .03) or only those surviving to suture removal were considered. Complete surgical resection (n = 20) was positively associated with survival (370 vs 83 days, P = .016). CONCLUSION: Most cats in this population survived the perioperative period, with MST similar to those reported historically with medical management. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Surgical resection may be a reasonable consideration in cats with solitary lymphoma, particularly those with large intestinal masses.

Comparison of a human portable glucometer and an automated chemistry analyzer for measurement of blood glucose concentration in pet ferrets (Mustela putorius furo).

This study compared blood glucose concentrations measured with a portable blood glucometer and a validated laboratory analyzer in venous blood samples of 20 pet ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). Correlation and agreement were evaluated with a Bland-Altman plot method and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient. Blood glucose concentrations measured with the laboratory analyzer and the glucometer ranged from 1.9 to 8.6 mmol/L and from 0.9 to 9.2 mmol/L, respectively. The glucometer had a poor agreement and correlation with the laboratory analyzer (bias, -0.13 mmol/L; level of agreement, -2.0 to 3.6 mmol/L, concordance correlation coefficient 0.665). The relative sensitivity and specificity of the portable blood glucometer for detection of hypoglycemia were 100% (95% CI: 66% to 100%) and 50% (95% CI: 20% to 80%), respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 67% (95% CI: 39% to 87%) and 100% (95% CI: 46% to 100%), respectively. Based on these results, clinicians are advised to be cautious when considering the results from this handheld glucometer in pet ferrets, and blood glucose concentrations should be determined with a laboratory analyzer validated for this species.

Comparaison entre un lecteur de glycémie portable pour humain et un analyseur automatisé de biochimie dans le but d'évaluer de la glycémie chez des furets domestiques(Mustela putorius furo). L'objectif de l'étude était de comparer les valeurs de glycémie mesurées par un glycomètre portable et un analyseur de laboratoire certifié pour des prélèvements sanguins veineux effectués sur 20 furets de compagnie (Mustela putorius furo). L'équivalence des méthodes a été évaluée grâce à un diagramme de Bland-Altman et au coefficient de corrélation de concordance de Lin. Les glycémies mesurées par l'analyseur de laboratoire et le glycomètre étaient respectivement comprises entre 1,9 à 8,6 mmol/L et de 0,9 à 9,2 mmol/L. Les degrés d'agrément et de corrélation entre le glycomètre et l'analyseur de laboratoire étaient faibles (biais, −0,13 mmol/L; niveau d'agrément, −2,0 à 3,6 mmol/L, coefficient de corrélation de concordance 0,665). La sensibilité et la spécificité du glycomètre concernant la détection d'hypoglycémie étaient respectivement de 100 % (95 % CI : 66­100 %) et de 50 % (95 % CI : 20­80 %) et les valeurs predictives positive et negative étaient respectivement de 67 % (95 % CI : 39­87 %) et de 100 % (95 % CI : 46­100 %). En s'appuyant sur ces résultats, l'utilisation d'un glycomètre portable devraient être réalisée avec précaution en pratique chez les furets de compagnie et les valeurs de glycémie devraient être déterminées par un analyseur de laboratoire certifié pour cette espèce.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Case-control study of Staphylococcus lugdunensis infection isolates from small companion animals.

BACKGROUND: Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus lugdunensis has recently been shown to cause invasive infections of people, which are similar in pathogenic effect to those caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Little is known about the pathogenicity of S. lugdunensis in companion animals. OBJECTIVES: To compare potential risk factors for infection, body sites affected, and whether cases and controls had been treated with antimicrobial drugs based upon susceptibility test results. ANIMALS: Thirty-three cases of S. lugdunensis infection (25 dogs, six cats and two small mammals) were identified between January 2003 and August 2011. Two Staphylococcus pseudintermedius controls, which were identified by the microbiology laboratory immediately before and after each S. lugdunensis case, were host-species matched to each case. METHODS: A retrospective case-control analysis. RESULTS: During the period evaluated, the prevalence of S. lugdunensis infection was 1.3 cases per 10,000 hospital admissions for dogs and 0.95 cases per 10,000 admissions for cats (P = 0.453). In univariate analyses, S. pseudintermedius isolation was significantly associated with skin infections (P < 0.0001), while S. lugdunensis isolation was associated with the respiratory tract (P = 0.03) and other deep tissues (P = 0.005). Cases were less likely than controls to have been treated based upon susceptibility test results (P = 0.02). A conditional logistic regression analysis showed isolation of S. lugdunensis to be associated with recent (≤ 30 days) steroid administration (odds ratio, 17.72; 95% confidence interval, 2.35-132.82; P = 0.005); and in-patient status (odds ratio, 9.67; 95% confidence interval, 2.18-42.88; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that S. lugdunensis may cause invasive infections in companion animals, which should be treated with antimicrobials based upon susceptibility tests when available.

Use of indwelling, double-pigtail stents for treatment of malignant ureteral obstruction in dogs: 12 cases (2006-2009).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of minimally invasive ureteral stent placement for dogs with malignant ureteral obstructions. DESIGN-Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 12 dogs (15 ureters) with ureteral obstruction secondary to a trigonal urothelial carcinoma. PROCEDURES: In all patients, indwelling, double-pigtail ureteral stents were placed by means of percutaneous antegrade needle and guide wire access under ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance. RESULTS: Stents were successfully placed in all patients. In 11 of 12 patients, percutaneous antegrade access was accomplished. One patient required access via laparotomy because percutaneous access could not be achieved. The median survival time from the date of diagnosis was 285 days (range, 10 to 1,571 days), with a median survival time of 57 days (range, 7 to 337 days) from the date of stent placement. Three complications occurred in 1 patient. Seven patients required concurrent urethral stent placement for relief of urethral obstruction. All animals were discharged from the hospital (median hospitalization time after stent placement, 18 hours [range, 4 hours to 7 days]) with an indwelling, double-pigtail ureteral stent (3 bilateral and 9 unilateral) in place. All stents evaluated 0.25 to 11 months after placement were considered patent. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggested that ureteral stent placement was safe, effective, and well tolerated in patients with malignant ureteral obstructions. Stents could be reliably placed in a minimally invasive manner and remain patent long-term. Ureteral stent placement should be considered as early as possible in patients with neoplasia, prior to the development of permanent renal damage.

Postoperative mortality in cats after ureterolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To identify preoperative risk factors associated with mortality before discharge in cats having a single or multiple ureterotomy procedures to treat a ureteral obstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Cats (n=47). METHODS: Data were obtained from the medical records (2002-2009) of cats that had undergone ureterolithotomy procedures. Multiple preoperative factors were evaluated for association of survival to discharge. RESULT: Survival to discharge after ureterolithotomy was 79% (37/47). Over 79% of cats were azotemic before surgery and 94% had chronic kidney disease changes at the time of ultrasonographic diagnosis. Six cats required an additional surgical procedure because of complications with ureterolithotomy. Overall prevalence of postoperative uroabdomen was 6% (3/47). On multivariate analysis, there were no preoperative variables significantly associated with survival to discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Ureterolithotomy in cats was associated with a 21% mortality rate before hospital discharge. No preoperative variables associated with mortality were identified; therefore, further studies are needed to identify more discriminating preoperative characteristics for mortality after ureterolithotomy in this population of cats.

Tibial tuberosity advancement for treatment of CrCL injury: complications and owner satisfaction.

The purpose of this retrospective study of 171 dogs that underwent 193 tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) surgeries was to describe complications and owner satisfaction associated with the procedure. Complications occurred in 21 cases (11%). Subsequent meniscal tear was the most common complication (10/193, 5.2%). Increasing body weight (P=0.02-0.04) and small cage size (P=0.06) were significantly associated with postsurgical complications. Ninety-two percent of owners were satisfied with the outcome of the TTA procedure, but only 84% stated that they would be willing to have the procedure performed again. The authors concluded that TTA had a complication rate and owner satisfaction similar to other tibial osteotomies for the surgical correction of cranial cruciate ligament disease.

Evaluation of short-term risk factors associated with dehiscence and death following full-thickness incisions of the large intestine in cats: 84 cases (1993-2015).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate short-term risk factors associated with dehiscence and death in cats undergoing full-thickness large intestinal incisions. ANIMALS: 84 client-owned cats that had undergone full-thickness large intestinal incisions and for which information regarding outcome through postoperative day 7 was available. PROCEDURES: Medical records from 4 veterinary teaching hospitals were reviewed. For cats that met the inclusion criteria, signalment, history, laboratory test results, surgical and medical procedures, perioperative complications, and outcome were analyzed. A Fisher exact or Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to identify individual variables associated with dehiscence of intestinal incisions or patient nonsurvival to hospital discharge or both. RESULTS: 84 cats met the inclusion criteria. The overall dehiscence and survival to hospital discharge rates were 8.3% (7/84 cats) and 94% (79/84 cats), respectively. Factors associated with dehiscence and nonsurvival to hospital discharge included presence of band neutrophils, performance of partial colectomy with colonic resection and anastomosis, administration of blood products, postoperative cardiopulmonary arrest, and incisional inflammation or infection. Factors associated with nonsurvival to hospital discharge only included low serum globulin concentration, repair of colonic trauma or dehiscence, and postoperative colonic dehiscence. Factors associated with dehiscence only included hypoalbuminemia, renal dysfunction, administration of blood products or > 2 classes of antimicrobials, and intra-abdominal fecal contamination. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that intestinal dehiscence and mortality rates associated with large intestinal incisions in cats may be higher than previously proposed, although the risk of either outcome was still low. Factors suggestive of systemic illness were associated with colonic dehiscence or death, and focused prospective studies of risk factors are warranted.

Ease of oral administration and owner-perceived acceptability of triglyceride oil, dissolving thin film strip, and gelatin capsule formulations to healthy cats.

OBJECTIVE: To compare owner-assessed ease of administration and overall acceptability of 3 chemically inactive formulations administered PO to cats. ANIMALS: 90 healthy client-owned cats. PROCEDURES: Cats were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 3 formulations PO once daily for 14 days: medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, dissolving thin film strips (proprietary ingredients), or gelatin capsules filled with microcrystalline cellulose. Owners administered the formulations and rated ease of administration daily on a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS). At the end of the study, owners rated overall acceptability of formulations from their own perspective and their overall perception of acceptability to their cat. RESULTS: Mean VAS scores for daily ease of administration of MCT oil and film strips were significantly higher than scores for gelatin capsules at all time points, except on days 2, 4, and 7. There was no difference between MCT oil and film strip formulation scores. Mean VAS scores were 8.8 (MCT oil), 8.9 (film strips), and 7.4 (gelatin capsules) for overall acceptability to owners and 8.0 (MCT oil), 8.3 (film strips), and 6.7 (gelatin capsules) for overall owner-perceived acceptability to cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Daily ease of administration on 11 of 14 days and overall owner-perceived acceptability to cats were scored significantly higher for film strips and MCT oil, compared with scores for gelatin capsules. Overall acceptability to owners followed a similar pattern; however, the differences were not significant. Dissolving thin film strip or MCT oil vehicles may allow for easier PO administration of medication to cats than does administration of gelatin capsules.

Complications associated with use of subcutaneous vascular access ports in cats and dogs undergoing fractionated radiotherapy: 172 cases (1996-2007).

OBJECTIVE: To describe complications associated with use of a subcutaneous vascular access port (SVAP) in cats and dogs treated with fractionated radiotherapy and to determine predisposing factors for developing these complications. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 46 cats and 126 dogs. PROCEDURES: The medical records of cats and dogs undergoing radiation therapy that received placement of an SVAP between March 1996 and August 2007 were reviewed. Data were recorded and analyzed to determine factors for development of complications associated with the use of an SVAP during treatment with fractionated radiotherapy. RESULTS: 18 and 36 major and minor complications were identified, respectively. Sex and the lack of administration of propofol during anesthesia induction were significantly associated with development of major complications. Female cats and dogs were 5.00 times as likely as male cats and dogs to develop major complications associated with SVAP usage. Animals in which propofol was not administered were 19.15 times as likely as animals administered propofol to develop major complications. Placement of SVAP catheters in a femoral vein was 17.20 times as likely as placement in the jugular vein to result in minor complications. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Factors associated with the development of complications included sex, propofol administration, and vein in which an SVAP catheter was inserted. The use of an SVAP may be a useful alternative to repeated catheterizations in cats and dogs.

Exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus in German shorthaired pointer dogs: disease development, progression and evaluation of three immunomodulatory drugs (ciclosporin, hydroxychloroquine, and adalimumab) in a controlled environment.

Six German shorthaired pointer dogs (two females, four males) with exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ECLE) were studied in a controlled setting until disease progression necessitated euthanasia. During investigations into the heredity of disease, five dogs received immunomodulatory drugs to alleviate clinical signs (lameness, erythema, scaling, erosions/ulcers). One dog served as a control and received only baths and oral fatty acids. Four dogs received ciclosporin (5-10 mg/kg once daily) for 4.5 months to 2 years. Ciclosporin decreased erythema and arthralgia, but did not halt worsening of lesions. Three dogs received hydroxychloroquine (5-10 mg/kg once daily) for 8 weeks, 7 months, and 9 months, respectively, with no side effects. Hydroxychloroquine appeared to slow clinical progression in two dogs on extended treatment and normalized globulin levels in all three dogs while receiving the drug. Four dogs, including the control dog, were euthanized between 1 and 4.5 years of age. Two remaining male dogs received a tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α antagonist, adalimumab, at 0.5 mg/kg every 2 weeks for 8 weeks then weekly for 8 weeks. Serum TNF-α levels were not significantly altered nor were quantifiable changes seen in skin lesions or lameness. Subsequently, the dogs were maintained on hydroxychloroquine for another year. This is the first study to evaluate the use of a TNF-α inhibitor for canine lupus and the first to address the safety of long-term administration of hydroxychloroquine, albeit in a small number of dogs. The study documents the progression of ECLE and generally poor response to therapy.

Efficacy and toxicity of mustargen, vincristine, procarbazine and prednisone (MOPP) for the treatment of relapsed or resistant lymphoma in cats.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate the safety of mustargen, vincristine, procarbazine and prednisone (MOPP) chemotherapy in the treatment of relapsed or refractory feline lymphoma, and to determine the overall response rate and median remission time with this protocol. METHODS: The medical records of 38 cats with relapsed or refractory lymphoma treated with MOPP chemotherapy at three institutions (University of Pennsylvania, the Animal Medical Center, and VCA Western Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Centre) were examined. Information evaluated included patient signalment, feline immunodeficiency virus/feline leukemia virus status, anatomic location(s) of lymphoma, prior protocols (type and number), MOPP doses, MOPP response, remission duration, hematologic and biochemical parameters, and owner-reported adverse effects. RESULTS: Overall, 70.3% of cats responded to MOPP chemotherapy. Among the responders, the median remission duration was 166 days. The most common adverse effects were neutropenia and gastrointestinal upset, which were reported in 18.4% of cats. In 55.3% of cats, no adverse effects were reported. In total, 30.8% of responders continued to respond 6 months following the initiation of MOPP, and 15.4% maintained a response 1 year after starting MOPP. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: MOPP is a safe protocol for the treatment of relapsed or refractory feline lymphoma, with a promising overall response rate and median remission time.

Major abdominal evisceration injuries in dogs and cats: 12 cases (1998-2008).

OBJECTIVE- To describe the clinical characteristics, treatment, complications, and outcome of dogs and cats treated surgically for major abdominal evisceration. DESIGN- Retrospective case series. ANIMALS- 8 dogs and 4 cats. PROCEDURES- Medical records from January 1998 through March 2008 were reviewed to identify animals that underwent surgery for major abdominal evisceration. Data regarding cause of evisceration, signalment, physiologic variables, and hematologic variables were collected. Details of treatment, duration of hospitalization, and outcome were recorded. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of signalment, physiologic variables, and hematologic variables on the number of days of hospitalization. RESULTS- Major abdominal evisceration was secondary to a traumatic event in 4 animals and to postsurgical dehiscence in 8 animals. All animals had evisceration of the intestines and gross contamination with dirt, leaves, or litter. Two animals eviscerated the spleen, and 1 animal had a perforated colon and was leaking feces into the peritoneal cavity. All animals underwent exploratory abdominal surgery. Surgical procedures performed included resection of compromised intestine, body wall repair, diaphragmatic hernia repair, nephrectomy, splenectomy, and primary colonic repair. All animals survived to discharge from the hospital. Median duration of hospitalization was 4 days (range, 1 to 7 days). Factors associated with an increase in duration of hospitalization included evisceration secondary to trauma, high lactate concentration at time of admission, and small body size. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE- Despite the dramatic appearance of major abdominal evisceration in cats and dogs, prompt and aggressive medical and surgical intervention can provide a favorable outcome.

The effect of laparoscopic versus open ovariectomy on postsurgical activity in small dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for laparoscopic ovariectomy (LapOVE) in small dogs, and compare the surgical time, complications, and postoperative activity of dogs undergoing LapOVE to those undergoing conventional traditional open ovariectomy (OOVE). STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS: Intact small breed (<10 kg) female dogs (n=20). METHODS: Ventral median celiotomy was performed for OOVE. A 2-midline portal technique using a 3.5 mm laparoscope port and a 6 mm instrument portal was used for LapOVE. An accelerometer was attached to the collar of each dog to record 24-hour preoperative and 48-hour postoperative activity. Total activity counts recorded before surgery were compared with total counts recorded after surgery. The percent change in counts after surgery was compared between OOVE- and LapOVE-treated dogs. RESULTS: No major complications occurred and surgical time for LapOVE was significantly longer than for OOVE cases (P=.005). Dogs in the LapOVE group had a 25% decrease in total activity counts after surgery (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11-38%), whereas dogs in the OOVE group had a 62% decrease in total activity counts after surgery (95% CI: 48-76%). CONCLUSIONS: Both procedures were performed with reasonable surgical times and without major complication. Postoperative activity, as measured by accelerometry, was significantly different between the 2 groups. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Laparoscopy is a safe method for ovariectomy in small dogs and results in increased postoperative activity counts when compared with an open technique.

Clinicopathological Features, Risk Factors and Predispositions, and Response to Treatment of Eosinophilic Oral Disease in 24 Dogs (2000-2016).

The objectives of this study were to retrospectively describe clinicopathological features of eosinophilic oral disease in dogs, to identify possible risk factors or predispositions to the condition, and to report overall treatment response. Canine medical records from a veterinary teaching hospital and private referral practice over a 17-year period were reviewed for a diagnosis of eosinophilic oral disease. Twenty-four dogs with 26 lesions met the inclusion criteria. Patient mean age and body weight were 6.8 (3.8) years and 13.4 kg, respectively. Fifteen breeds were represented including Cavalier King Charles spaniel (16.7%), Labrador retriever (12.5%), and West Highland white terrier (12.5%). Eosinophilic lesions were found in the palate (65.4%), tongue (26.9%), and other oral locations (7.7%). Median follow-up time was 5 months. Analysis revealed statistically significant associations between lesion location and body weight (palatal and tongue lesions were more likely in smaller dogs, whereas lesions in the other category [lip or mucosa] were more likely in larger dogs). There was a correlation in lesion location and resolution (all dogs with palatal lesions became asymptomatic at their last recheck), and resolution and the use of antibiotics plus prednisone (greater likelihood of resolution without the use of this combination). Seventy percent of asymptomatic dogs resolved without medication or with allergen therapy alone, suggesting that asymptomatic dogs may respond well to conservative management. No associations were found between lesion location and breed, signalment and response to therapy, lesion resolution and the use of glucocorticoids, or significance of peripheral eosinophilia.

Observer Variability of Arthroscopic Cartilage Grading Using the Modified Outerbridge Classification System in the Dog.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the inter- and intra-observer variability of the modified Outerbridge cartilage classification system in canine joints evaluated via arthroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty arthroscopic videos of canine cartilage were scored by six observers, where three of the observers had significant arthroscopic experience and three had minimal to no experience. The kappa (κ) statistic was used to evaluate overall and individual score inter-observer variability, as well as experience variability. The weighted κ statistic was used to evaluate the overall intra-observer variability for each observer, and for individual score intra-observer variability across experience groups. Landis and Koch cut-offs were used to determine strength of agreement associated with each κ-value. RESULTS: The overall inter-and intra-observer variability of the modified Outerbridge cartilage classification system showed fair and substantial strengths of agreement, respectively. The most extreme scores of 0 and 4 had the best inter- and intra-agreement and the middle scores of 1, 2 and 3 had decreased strengths of agreement. Experience of the observer increased the strength of agreement between the scores. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The modified Outerbridge classification system is an acceptable method for the evaluation of canine cartilage. Observer agreement is improved if the observer has experience with arthroscopy and viewing cartilage changes, and if the same observer is used for subsequent cartilage evaluations.

Ability of ultrasonography to predict the presence and location of histologic lesions in the small intestine of cats.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of infiltrative small intestinal (SI) disease in cats is challenging, and debate continues regarding optimal biopsy techniques. Ultrasonography may facilitate selection of biopsy type and location. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Assess ability of ultrasonography to predict histologic lesions by SI segment and tissue layer. ANIMALS: One-hundred sixty-nine cats that had abdominal ultrasonography and full-thickness SI biopsies performed. METHODS: Ultrasonographic images and full-thickness biopsy samples were retrospectively reviewed, and each SI wall layer evaluated for lesions according to published standards. RESULTS: Ultrasonographic SI lesions were present in 132 cats (63 duodenum; 115 jejunum; 71 ileum). Samples were obtained at laparotomy (60) or necropsy (109). Ultrasonographic abnormalities had high positive predictive value (PPV) for histologic lesions (duodenum, 82.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 68.6-91.4; jejunum, 91.0%; 95% CI, 81.5-96.6; ileum, 88.1%; 95% CI, 74.4-96.0), but poor negative predictive value (duodenum, 27.1%; 95% CI, 17.2-39.1; jejunum, 27.3%; 95% CI, 10.7-50.2; ileum, 40.4%; 95% CI, 26.4-55.7). The ability of ultrasonography to predict histologic lesions in this population, which had high disease prevalence (SI histologic lesions in 78.1% of cats) was high for mucosal lesions (PPV, 72.7%-100%) but low for submucosal or muscularis lesions (PPV, 18.9%-57.1%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In a population with high disease prevalence, most cats with SI mucosal ultrasonographic lesions will have mucosal histologic lesions. Small intestinal submucosal and muscularis ultrasonographic lesions are not predictive of histologic disease in those layers, suggesting that full-thickness biopsy may not be essential in these cats. Ultrasonography may help guide decisions about biopsy type in individual cats.

Evaluation of short-term outcomes and potential risk factors for death and intestinal dehiscence following full-thickness large intestinal incisions in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine complication rates for dogs in which full-thickness large intestinal incisions were performed, assess potential risk factors for death during hospitalization and for intestinal dehiscence following these surgeries, and report short-term mortality rates for these patients. ANIMALS: 90 dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records of 4 veterinary referral hospitals were reviewed to identify dogs that underwent large intestinal surgery requiring full-thickness incisions. Signalment, history, clinicopathologic data, medical treatments, surgical procedures, complications, and outcomes were recorded. Descriptive statistics were calculated; data were analyzed for association with survival to discharge (with logistic regression analysis) and postoperative intestinal dehiscence (with Fisher exact or Wilcoxon rank sum tests). RESULTS: Overall 7-day postoperative intestinal dehiscence and mortality rates were 9 of 90 (10%) and 15 of 90 (17%). Dogs with preoperative anorexia, hypoglycemia, or neutrophils with toxic changes and those that received preoperative antimicrobial treatment had greater odds of death than did dogs without these findings. Preexisting colon trauma or dehiscence, preexisting peritonitis, administration of blood products, administration of > 2 classes of antimicrobials, positive microbial culture results for a surgical sample, and open abdominal management of peritonitis after surgery were associated with development of intestinal dehiscence. Five of 9 dogs with intestinal dehiscence died or were euthanized. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Factors associated with failure to survive to discharge were considered suggestive of sepsis. Results suggested the dehiscence rate for full-thickness large intestinal incisions may not be as high as previously reported, but several factors may influence this outcome and larger, longer-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Radiation exposure of dogs and cats undergoing fluoroscopic procedures and for operators performing those procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate radiation exposure of dogs and cats undergoing procedures requiring intraoperative fluoroscopy and for operators performing those procedures. SAMPLE: 360 fluoroscopic procedures performed at 2 academic institutions between 2012 and 2015. PROCEDURES: Fluoroscopic procedures were classified as vascular, urinary, respiratory, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and orthopedic. Fluoroscopy operators were classified as interventional radiology-trained clinicians, orthopedic surgeons, soft tissue surgeons, internists, and cardiologists. Total radiation exposure in milligrays and total fluoroscopy time in minutes were obtained from dose reports for 4 C-arm units. Kruskal-Wallis equality of populations rank tests and Dunn pairwise comparisons were used to compare differences in time and exposure among procedures and operators. RESULTS: Fluoroscopy time (median, 35.80 minutes; range, 0.60 to 84.70 minutes) was significantly greater and radiation exposure (median, 137.00 mGy; range, 3.00 to 617.51 mGy) was significantly higher for vascular procedures than for other procedures. Median total radiation exposure was significantly higher for procedures performed by interventional radiology-trained clinicians (16.10 mGy; range, 0.44 to 617.50 mGy), cardiologists (25.82 mGy; range, 0.33 to 287.45 mGy), and internists (25.24 mGy; range, 3.58 to 185.79 mGy). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Vascular fluoroscopic procedures were associated with significantly longer fluoroscopy time and higher radiation exposure than were other evaluated fluoroscopic procedures. Future studies should focus on quantitative radiation monitoring for patients and operators, importance of operator training, intraoperative safety measures, and protocols for postoperative monitoring of patients.

Associations between owner personality and psychological status and the prevalence of canine behavior problems.

Behavioral problems are a major source of poor welfare and premature mortality in companion dogs. Previous studies have demonstrated associations between owners' personality and psychological status and the prevalence and/or severity of their dogs' behavior problems. However, the mechanisms responsible for these associations are currently unknown. Other studies have detected links between the tendency of dogs to display behavior problems and their owners' use of aversive or confrontational training methods. This raises the possibility that the effects of owner personality and psychological status on dog behavior are mediated via their influence on the owner's choice of training methods. We investigated this hypothesis in a self-selected, convenience sample of 1564 current dog owners using an online battery of questionnaires designed to measure, respectively, owner personality, depression, emotion regulation, use of aversive/confrontational training methods, and owner-reported dog behavior. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses identified modest, positive associations between owners' use of aversive/confrontational training methods and the prevalence/severity of the following dog behavior problems: owner-directed aggression, stranger-directed aggression, separation problems, chasing, persistent barking, and house-soiling (urination and defecation when left alone). The regression models also detected modest associations between owners' low scores on four of the 'Big Five' personality dimensions (Agreeableness, Emotional Stability, Extraversion & Conscientiousness) and their dogs' tendency to display higher rates of owner-directed aggression, stranger-directed fear, and/or urination when left alone. The study found only weak evidence to support the hypothesis that these relationships between owner personality and dog behavior were mediated via the owners' use of punitive training methods, but it did detect a more than five-fold increase in the use of aversive/confrontational training techniques among men with moderate depression. Further research is needed to clarify the causal relationship between owner personality and psychological status and the behavioral problems of companion dogs.