Successful interventional occlusion of muscular ventricular septal defect in a dog.

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a rare congenital heart disease in dogs. Hemodynamically important interventricular defects must be closed to improve the prognosis. This case report describes successful interventional transcatheter closure of a muscular VSD in a young Maltese and poodle mixed-breed dog with a large muscular interventricular defect (~5 mm in diameter) with a high rate of left-to-right shunt flow. The VSD was closed with a customized Amplatzer-type VSD occluder via a percutaneous transvenous (jugular) approach. We concluded that interventional occlusion of a muscular VSD with an Amplatzer-type occluder is a viable treatment option for dogs. A regular follow-up study for this dog is ongoing and has not detected complications. Key clinical message: Interventional occlusion of a muscular VSD with an Amplatzer-type occluder is a viable treatment option for dogs.

Occlusion interventionnelle réussie d'une communication interventriculaire musculaire chez un chien. La communication interventriculaire (VSD) est une maladie cardiaque congénitale rare chez le chien. Les anomalies interventriculaires hémodynamiquement importantes doivent être fermées pour améliorer le pronostic. Ce rapport de cas décrit la fermeture interventionnelle réussie par cathéter d'un VSD musculaire chez un jeune chien de race mixte (maltais et caniche) présentant un défaut interventriculaire musculaire important (~5 mm de diamètre) avec un débit de shunt élevé de gauche à droite. Le VSD a été fermé avec un obturateur VSD personnalisé de type Amplatzer via une approche trans-veineuse percutanée (jugulaire). Nous avons conclu que l'occlusion interventionnelle d'un VSD musculaire avec un obturateur de type Amplatzer est une option de traitement viable pour les chiens. Une étude de suivi régulière de ce chien est en cours et aucune complication n'a été détectée.Message clinique clé :L'occlusion interventionnelle d'un VSD musculaire avec un obturateur de type Amplatzer est une option de traitement viable pour les chiens.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Acyanotic tetralogy of Fallot in a Persian cat.

An 8-year-old, intact male Persian cat was presented with a prominent heart murmur, exercise intolerance, anorexia, and periodontitis. There was no cyanosis and no laboratory evidence for systemic hypoxemia. Echocardiography showed a dextropositioned aorta, moderate pulmonic stenosis (maximal velocity 4.06 m/s), ventricular septal defect, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The shunt direction was predominantly left-to-right in systole and minimally right-to-left in diastole. The cat was diagnosed with acyanotic (pink) tetralogy of Fallot and was managed medically with atenolol.

Tétralogie de Fallot acyanotique chez un chat Persan. Un chat Persan mâle intact âgé de 8 ans a été présenté avec un souffle cardiaque évident, une intolérance à l'effort, de l'anorexie et une parodontite. Il n'y avait pas de cyanose ni de résultats de laboratoire indiquant l'hypoxémie systémique. L'échocardiographie a montré une aorte en dextroposition, une sténose pulmonaire modérée (vélocité maximale de 4,06 m/s), une malformation septale ventriculaire et une hypertrophie ventriculaire droite. La direction du shunt était principalement de gauche à droite en systole et minimalement de droite à gauche en diastole. Un diagnostic de tétralogie de Fallot acyanotique (rose) a été posé et a été géré médicalement à l'aide d'aténolol.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Cardiopulmonary and anesthetic effects of the combination of butorphanol, midazolam and alfaxalone in Beagle dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the physiological variables, arterial blood gas values, induction of anesthesia quality, and recovery quality using the combination of butorphanol, midazolam and alfaxalone in dogs. ANIMALS: Ten healthy adult Beagle dogs weighing 8.3 ± 3.1 kg. METHODS: Rectal temperature (T), pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (f(R)), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and arterial blood gases were measured and recorded prior to intravenous (IV) administration of butorphanol, prior to administration of both midazolam and alfaxalone IV 10 minutes later, then every 5 minutes for 20 minutes. M-mode echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) indices were measured before and 5 minutes after administration of alfaxalone. Qualitative scores for induction of anesthesia and recovery were allocated, duration of anesthesia and recovery were calculated, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Scores for induction and recovery quality were excellent. No significant adverse events were observed. Mean ± SD time from induction to extubation and to standing (full recovery) was 29 ± 6 and 36 ± 8 minutes, respectively. There were statistically significant changes in PR, f(R) and MAP after drug administration. Transient hypercarbia developed after alfaxalone injection. The echocardiographic LV indices were reduced after alfaxalone injection, although those changes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The combination of butorphanol, midazolam and alfaxalone provided excellent quality of induction of anesthesia and exerted minimal cardiopulmonary effects in healthy dogs.

Evaluation of red blood cell profiles in dogs with heartworm disease.

Recent studies have found that anemia and anisocytosis are precipitating factors for certain heart diseases in dogs. This study evaluated the prevalence and correlation of anemia and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in dogs with heartworm disease (HWD). The study population consisted of 20 healthy control dogs and 86 dogs with HWD: 28 dogs with no clinical signs or pulmonary hypertension (Group 1), 42 dogs with mild clinical signs but no pulmonary hypertension (Group 2), and 16 dogs with severe clinical signs and pulmonary hypertension (Group 3). Along with echocardiographic interrogation of pulmonary hypertension, red blood cell (RBC) profiles were evaluated, including RDW. The total number of red blood cells (tRBCs), hematocrit (HCT), and hemoglobin (HGB) concentration was significantly lower in Group 3 dogs compared to control dogs (P < 0.05), while the RDW was significantly higher in Group 3 dogs than in control dogs (P < 0.05). The RDW was closely correlated to other RBC profiles and the presence of pulmonary hypertension (P < 0.05). The severity of tricuspid regurgitant gradient (TRG) was closely correlated with Hb and tRBC (P < 0.05), but not with the RDW and reticulocyte count. This study finding indicated that anemia and anisocytosis are common complications in dogs with severe clinical signs and pulmonary hypertension caused by heartworm disease (HWD). It would therefore be beneficial for clinicians to routinely check red blood cell (RBC) profiles, including RDW, in order to monitor the progression of heartworm disease in dogs.

Des études récentes ont montré que l'anémie et l'anisocytose sont des facteurs précipitants pour certaines conditions cardiaques chez les chiens. La présente étude a évalué la prévalence et la corrélation de l'anémie et de la distribution de la largeur des globules rouges (RDW) chez des chiens avec la maladie des vers du coeur (HWD). La population à l'étude consistait en 20 chiens témoins en santé et de 86 chiens avec HWD : 28 chiens sans signe clinique ou hypertension pulmonaire (Groupe 1), 42 chiens avec signes cliniques légers mais sans hypertension pulmonaire (Groupe 2) et 16 chiens avec signes cliniques sévères et hypertension pulmonaire (Groupe 3). En plus de l'interrogation échocardiographique de l'hypertension pulmonaire, les profils des globules rouges (RBC) furent évalués, incluant la RWD. Le nombre total de globules rouges (tRBCs), l'hématocrite (HCT) et la concentration en hémoglobine (Hb) étaient significativement plus bas chez les chiens du groupe 3 comparativement aux chiens témoins (P < 0,05) alors que la RWD était significativement plus élevée chez les chiens du Groupe 3 que chez les chiens témoins (P < 0,05). La RWD était étroitement corrélée à d'autres profiles de RBC et à la présence d'hypertension pulmonaire (P < 0,05). La sévérité du gradient de régurgitation de la tricuspide (TRG) était étroitement corrélée avec Hb et tRBC (P < 0,05), mais pas avec RWD et le dénombrement de réticulocytes. Les trouvailles de cette étude indiquent que l'anémie et l'anisocytose sont des complications fréquentes chez les chiens avec des signes cliniques sévères et de l'hypertension pulmonaire causés par HWD. Il serait donc bénéfique pour les cliniciens de vérifier de routine les profiles de RBC, incluant RWD, afin de suivre la progression de la maladie des vers du coeur chez les chiens.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Urethral stenting in a cat with refractory obstructive feline lower urinary tract disease.

A 10-year-old male Korean domestic short-haired cat was presented with refractory lower urinary tract obstruction. The cat was treated by urethral stent placement using a self-expanding nitinol intraluminal stent (Zilver 535 biliary stents, COOK, U.S.A.) subsequent with balloon expansion. Although the cat showed 2 days of transient hematuria after the stent placement, no further obstruction was occurred after the stent placement. Follow-up studies performed at monthly intervals have found no re-stenosis or particular complications, to date.

Evaluation of changes in cardiac biomarker concentrations and enzyme activities in serum after short- and long-duration transcutaneous cardiac pacing in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum cardiac biomarker concentrations and selected enzyme activities in dogs with experimentally induced bradyarrhythmias after short- (1-hour) and long- (3-hour) duration transcutaneous cardiac pacing (TCP). ANIMALS: 10 healthy Beagles. PROCEDURES: In each dog, anesthesia was induced with propofol (5 mg/kg, IV) and maintained via inhalation of isoflurane in oxygen. To induce bradyarrhythmia, diltiazem was administered IV (20 to 50 mg/dog). Transcutaneous cardiac pacing was performed for 1 hour (5 dogs) or 3 hours (5 dogs) by use of an automated external cardiac pulse generator and a transdermal electrode. Serum concentrations of creatine kinase-MB fraction and cardiac troponin I and activities of aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase were evaluated the day before (baseline) and at intervals until 7 days after TCP. RESULTS: Increases (from baseline) in serum cardiac biomarker concentrations and enzyme activities were detected in the long-duration TCP group; changes in the short-duration TCP group were more minor and largely not significant. Although severity of myocardial and skeletal muscular injuries was apparently greater with greater duration of TCP, the injuries were not persistent; most variables were within reference range within 3 days after TCP. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that application of TCP for > 1 hour in dogs may cause myocardial and skeletal muscular injuries. Serum concentrations of creatine kinase-MB fraction and cardiac troponin I and activities of aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase should be more carefully monitored after TCP of > 1 hour's duration to evaluate potential myocardial damages.

Ebstein's anomaly with an atrial septal defect in a jindo dog.

A 7-month-old, female jindo dog was presented with severe ascites, cyanosis, and exercise intolerance. Diagnostic imaging studies revealed Ebstein's anomaly with an atrial septal defect. The dog was managed medically with inotropics, diuretics, and vasodilators.

Quantitative trait loci modifying cardiac atrial septal morphology and risk of patent foramen ovale in the mouse.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a common congenital heart disease (CHD) occurring in 5 to 7 per 10,000 live births. Mutations in 5 human genes (NKX2.5, TBX5, GATA4, MYHC, ACTC) are known to cause dominant ASD, but these account for a minority of cases. Human and mouse data suggest that ASD exists in an anatomical continuum with milder septal variants patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal aneurysm, strongly associated with ischemic stroke and migraine. We have previously shown in inbred mice that the incidence of PFO strongly correlates with length of the interatrial septum primum, defining a quantitative trait underlying PFO risk. To better understand genetic causation of atrial septal abnormalities, we mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing septal morphology using mouse strains (QSi5 and 129T2/SvEms) maximally informative for PFO incidence and 3 quantitative septal anatomical traits including septum primum length. [QSi5x129T2/SvEms]F2 intercross animals (n=1437) were phenotyped and a whole genome scan performed at an average 17-cM interval. Statistical methodology scoring PFO as a binary phenotype was developed as a confirmatory mapping technique. We mapped 7 significant and 6 suggestive QTL modifying quantitative phenotypes, with 4 supported by binary analysis. Quantitative traits, although strongly associated with PFO (P<0.001), correlated poorly with each other and in all but 1 case QTL for different traits were nonoverlapping. Thus, multiple anatomical processes under separate genetic control contribute to risk of PFO. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of modeling the genetic basis of common CHD using animal genetic and genomic technologies.

Percutaneous heartworm removal from dogs with severe heart worm (Dirofilaria immitis) infestation.

Canine heart worm disease is often life-threatening due to its various complications, including right side heart failure, caval syndrome and pulmonary eosinophilic granulomatosis. Several preventive medications and melarsomine have been developed and they are very effective to control heartworm infestation. However, in a case of severe infestation, melarsomine therapy often results in an unfavorable outcome because of the severe immune reaction caused by rapid killing of the adult worm. Surgical removal and an interventional method using flexible alligator forceps have been well described in the literature. Despite the usefulness of mechanical removal using flexible alligator forceps, the methodology still needs to be upgraded for increasing the applicability for treating dogs with severe infestation. We describe herein a newly developed percutaneous removal method for heartworms and this was successfully applied to 4 dogs with severe heartworm infestation. The follow-up studies also showed favorable outcomes with no complications.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of renal dimension and resistive index in clinically healthy Korean domestic short-hair cats.

Renal length, height, width, resistive index (RI), size of cortex, and medulla were determined by renal ultrasonography in 50 healthy Korean domestic short-hair cats. In the sagittal plane, the renal length was 3.83 +/- 0.51 cm (mean +/- SD) in the left kidney and 3.96 +/- 0.48 cm in the right kidney, whereas the renal height was 2.42 plusmn; 0.27 cm in the left kidney and 2.36 plusmn; 0.28 cm in the right kidney. In the transverse plane, the renal height was 2.42 +/- 0.28 cm in the left kidney and 2.38 +/- 0.27 cm in the right kidney, whereas the renal width was: 2.65 +/- 0.35 cm in the left kidney and 2.63 +/- 0.31 cm in the right kidney. In the dorsal plane, the renal length was 3.84 +/- 0.53 cm in the left kidney and 3.97 +/- 0.54 cm in the right kidney, whereas the renal width was 2.65 +/- 0.34 cm in the left kidney and 2.66 +/- 0.33 cm in the right kidney. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) among the same structure sizes measured in different planes. In the sagittal plane, the size of the renal cortex was 0.47 +/-; 0.08 cm in the left kidney and 0.47 +/- 0.08 cm in the right kidney, whereas of the size of the renal medulla was 0.55 +/- 0.30 cm in the left kidney and 0.50 +/- 0.07 cm in the right kidney. RI evaluated by pulsed wave Doppler sonography was 0.52 +/- 0.05 in the left kidney and 0.55 +/- 0.05 in the right kidney. The actual renal dimensions determined by gross examination were not statistically different from those determined by ultrasonography. Furthermore the renal dimensions and RI were statistically correlated to the body weight of cats.

Gingival overgrowth in dogs associated with clinically relevant cyclosporine blood levels: observations in a canine renal transplantation model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the development of gingival hyperplasia in dogs after renal transplantation and administration of microemulsified cyclosporine A (MCsA). STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Healthy adult mongrel dogs (n=5). METHODS: As part of study on renal transplantation, dogs administered MCsA (20 mg/kg/day), azathioprine, and prednisolone to prevent graft rejection were monitored for development of gingival changes. Prednisolone was discontinued after 3 months. MCsA dose was adjusted to maintain whole blood trough concentration of 400-700 ng/mL. Gingival change was evaluated by weekly examination and photodocumentation, and gingival biopsy for histopathology was performed at 28 weeks. RESULTS: One dog was lost because of acute graft rejection. Gingival hyperplasia developed in 3 of 4 dogs. The earliest gingival changes occurred in the interdental papillae at 20 weeks after transplantation. On histopathology, the underlying connective tissue was thickened and contained increase numbers of fibroblasts and inflammatory infiltrates. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term immunosuppression with an MCsA-based treatment likely induces substantial gingival hyperplasia when therapeutic, immunosuppressive blood levels of MCsA were maintained for 32 weeks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: MCsA is used for immune-mediated diseases and preventing rejection after transplant in dogs. MCsA blood levels, and gingival hyperplasia should be monitored by routine examination of the interdental papilla in dogs administered MCsA for long periods.

Isolation, characterization and genetic analysis of canine GATA4 gene in a family of Doberman Pinschers with an atrial septal defect.

GATA4 is expressed early in the developing heart where it plays a key role in regulating the expression of genes encoding myocardial contractile proteins. Gene mutations in the human GATA4 have been implicated in various congenital heart defects (CHD), including atrial septal defect (ASD). Although ASD is the third most common CHD in humans, it is generally rare in dogs and cats. There is also no obvious predilection for ASD in dogs and cats, based on sex or breed. However, among dogs, the incidence rate of ASD is relatively high in Samoyeds and Doberman Pinschers, where its inheritance and genetic aetiology are not well understood. In this study, we identified and investigated the genetic aetiology of an ASD affected family in a pure breed dog population. Although the GATA4 gene was screened, we did not find any mutations that would result in the alteration of the coding sequence and hence, the predicted GATA4 structure and function. Although the aetiology of ASD is multifactorial, our findings indicate that GATA4 may not be responsible for the ASD in the dogs used in this study. However, this does not eliminate GATA4 as a candidate for ASD in other dog breeds.

Pentalogy of Fallot in a Korean Sapsaree dog.

A 5-month-old female Korean Sapsaree dog was presented with severe ascites, cyanosis, respiratory difficulty and exercise intolerance. Diagnostic imaging studies revealed a dextropositioned and over-riding aorta, pulmonary valvular stenosis, ventricular and atrial septal defects, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Based on these findings, the dog was diagnosed as a case of tetralogy of Fallot with atrial septal defect (pentalogy of Fallot). The dog was medically managed by use of diuretics and vasodilators and an occasional phlebotomy.

Retrieval of an embolization coil accidentally dislodged in the descending aorta of a dog with a patent ductus arteriosus.

A 3.5-year-old intact female miniature poodle (weighing 2.7 kg) was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Kangwon National University, because of inadvertent aortic embolization, by an occlusion coil used for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The coil was found at the site of the branching renal arteries in the abdominal aorta. A foreign body forceps with a three-wire nail tip was used, with fluoroscopic guidance, to retrieve the coil. After the removal, the dog was treated with heparin to prevent thromboembolization.

Intraluminal tracheal stent fracture in a Yorkshire terrier.

An 8-year-old Yorkshire terrier was presented with tracheal collapse. Two intraluminal nitinol stents were implanted. The implanted stents were found to be fractured 4 weeks after implantation. The fractured stents were removed. To restore the collapsed trachea, ring prostheses were applied. However, the dog was euthanized because of a bad outcome following surgery.

Evaluation of serum myeloperoxidase concentration in dogs with heart failure due to chronic mitral valvular insufficiency.

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a leukocyte-derived enzyme involved in the process of heart failure and is found to have good diagnostic and prognostic values in humans with chronic heart failure. This study evaluated the relationship between serum MPO levels and the severity of heart failure (HF) due to chronic mitral valvular insufficiency (CMVI) in dogs. Eighty-two client-owned dogs consisting of 69 dogs with different stages of HF due to CMVI and 13 age-matched healthy dogs were enrolled in this study. Serum MPO concentrations in the healthy and CMVI groups were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a canine-specific monoclonal anti-MPO antibody. Serum MPO concentrations were 273.3 ± 179.6 ng/L in the controls, 140.8 ± 114.1 ng/L in the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council (ISACHC) I group, 109.0 ± 85.2 ng/L in the ISACHC II group, and 106.0 ± 42.3 ng/L in the ISACHC III group. Close negative correlation to serum MPO concentration was found in the severity of heart failure (ISACHC stage). Although this study found a modest relationship between serum MPO levels and the severity of HF due to CMVI in dogs, it also suggested that serum MPO levels decreased as the severity of HF increased.

La myéloperoxydase (MPO) est une enzyme dérivée des leucocytes impliquée dans le processus d'une défaillance cardiaque et est reconnue pour avoir une bonne valeur pour le diagnostic et le pronostic chez les humains souffrant d'insuffisance cardiaque chronique. La présente étude a évalué la relation entre les niveaux sériques de MPO et la sévérité de défaillance cardiaque (DC) due à une insuffisance chronique de la valvule mitrale (ICVM) chez des chiens. Quatre-vingt-deux chiens propriété de clients, dont 69 avec différents stades de DC due à une ICVM et 13 chiens en santé jumelés pour l'âge, ont été inclus dans cette étude. Les concentrations sériques de MPO chez les chiens en santé et les groupes de chiens avec ICVM ont été déterminées par épreuve immuno-enzymatique (ELISA) en utilisant un anticorps monoclonal anti-MPO spécifique à l'espèce canine. Les concentrations sériques de MPO étaient de 273,3 ± 179,6 ng/L chez les témoins, de 140,8 ± 114,1 ng/L dans le groupe I du Conseil International de la Santé Cardiaque des Animaux de Compagnie (CISCAS), de 109,0 ± 85,2 ng/L dans le groupe II du CISCAS, et de 106,0 ± 42,3 ng/L dans le groupe III du CISCAS. Une tendance vers une corrélation négative avec la concentration sérique de MPO a été trouvée dans la sévérité de la défaillance cardiaque (stade selon le CISCAS). Bien que dans cette étude une relation modeste entre le niveau sérique de MPO et la sévérité de DC due à une ICVM chez les chiens fut trouvée, il est aussi suggéré que les niveaux sériques de MPO diminuaient à mesure que la sévérité de la DC augmentait.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in household and feral cats in Korea.

This study was designed to investigate the prevalence rate of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in household cats in Korea. One hundred household cats and 50 feral cats from nine of the largest cities in Korea were enrolled in this study. The tests performed in this survey was an in-house rapid screen IgG and IgM combo test, faecal PCR test for T. gondii oocysts, and an ELISA immunoassay for IgG antibodies. There were no household cats positive for T. gondii infection detected using the in-house IgG and IgM rapid screen combo test, although 6/50 and 0/50 feral cats were positive in IgG and IgM tests, respectively. This initial finding was confirmed by subsequent ELISA test for IgG antibody and PCR for T. gondii in faeces. Despite the higher prevalence rate of the disease in feral cats in Korea, we did not find any household cats that were either infected or exposed previously to T. gondii in our study population. Our study indicates that there is minimal risk of T. gondii transmission from household cats to human in Korea.

Evaluation of serum symmetric dimethylarginine in dogs with heartworm infection.

This study evaluated the circulating levels of serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in 12 dogs with different severities of heartworm disease (HWD) and assessed the biochemical renal markers (blood urea nitrogen, creatinine). Dogs were classified into 2 groups based on the severity of clinical signs. Group A - asymptomatic to mild clinical signs, group B - moderate to severe clinical signs. The serum SDMA levels were higher in dogs in group B. Although the serum SDMA levels in dogs in group A were also higher than those of the control dogs, the difference was not statistically significant. There was a good correlation between renal markers and severity of clinical signs. This study demonstrated that the glomerular filtration rate was significantly decreased in dogs in group A; therefore, earlier detection of renal impairment is required for successful management of dogs with HWD.

La présente étude visait à évaluer les niveaux sériques de diméthylarginine symétrique (DMAS) chez 12 chiens atteints de maladie du vers du coeur (MVC) de différentes sévérités et d'examiner les marqueurs biochimiques rénaux (azote uréique sanguin, créatinine). Les chiens ont été classés en deux groupes sur la base de la sévérité des signes cliniques. Le Groupe A ­ asymptomatique à signes cliniques légers, groupe B ­ signes cliniques modérés à sévères. Les niveaux de DMAS sériques étaient plus élevés chez les chiens du groupe B. Chez les chiens du groupe A, bien que les niveaux sériques de DMAS étaient également plus élevés que ceux des chiens témoins, la différence n'était pas statistiquement significative. Il y avait une bonne corrélation entre les marqueurs rénaux et la sévérité des signes cliniques. Cette étude a permis de démontrer que le taux de filtration glomérulaire était diminué de manière significative chez les chiens du groupe A; ainsi, une détection précoce de déficience rénale est nécessaire pour la gestion réussie des chiens avec MVC.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Evaluation of serum cystatin-C and symmetric dimethylarginine concentrations in dogs with heart failure from chronic mitral valvular insufficiency.

Reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a common complication in advanced stages of heart failure (HF). The convenient and precise assessment for GFR would be useful for early detection of renal impairment in HF dogs. Our hypothesis of this study was the GFR would be reduced in advanced stages of HF from chronic mitral valvular insufficiency (CMVI), as indicated by renal markers including serum cystatin-C (Cys-C) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentrations. Forty-three client-owned dogs consisting of 33 dogs with different stages of HF from CMVI and 10 age-matched healthy dogs were enrolled in this study. Serum Cys-C and SDMA concentrations along with other renal (i.e., urea nitrogen and creatinine) and echocardiographic markers were evaluated in healthy and CMVI dogs. Serum Cys-C concentrations were 1.4 ± 0.4 mg/l in control, 2.1 ± 0.9 mg/l in ISACHC I, 2.9 ± 0.8 mg/l in ISACHC II and 3.6 ± 0.6 mg/l in ISACHC III dogs, whereas serum SDMA concentrations were 8 ± 2 µg/dl in control, 14 ± 3 µg/dl in ISACHC I, 18 ± 6 µg/dl in ISACHC II and 22 ± 7 µg/dl in ISACHC III dogs. There was close correlation of serum Cys-C and SDMA concentrations to serum creatinine, urea nitrogen and the severity of HF. Our study demonstrated that the GFR was decreased in dogs with CMVI having earlier stages of HF.

Crossed fused renal ectopia in a Persian cat.

CASE SUMMARY: This report describes a rare case of crossed fused renal ectopia (CFRE) in a cat. A mature intact male Persian cat presented with bloody nasal discharge and ascites. Diagnostic studies revealed an ectopic left kidney fused with an orthotopic right kidney and a concurrent feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) infection. The FIP was responsible for clinical signs in this cat, while clinical signs associated with CFRE were not obvious. Despite receiving intensive treatment, the cat died. A post-mortem examination was not performed because the owners declined approval. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of L-shaped CFRE in a cat. In addition, this report describes the CT features of L-shaped CFRE in a cat.