Extrahepatic biliary obstruction can interfere with hepatic fibrosis prediction using two-dimensional shear wave elastography in dogs.

Two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) can be used to quantitatively evaluate the elastic modulus of the liver as shear wave velocity (SWV), which can noninvasively predict clinically relevant hepatic fibrosis in both dogs and humans. However, extrahepatic biliary obstruction (EHBO), regardless of the presence of clinically relevant hepatic fibrosis, can influence SWVs in humans and thus may interfere with hepatic fibrosis prediction using 2D-SWE in dogs. The aim of this prospective, observational, and one-group pretest-posttest study is to investigate whether SWV measured by 2D-SWE displays a difference between dogs with and without EHBO. A total of 20 dogs were included (7 with EHBO and 13 with gallbladder pathology but no EHBO) that underwent preoperative SWV measurement using 2D-SWE. In all dogs, stages of hepatic fibrosis were evaluated histopathologically using a scoring scheme. In addition, postoperative SWVs in dogs with EHBO relieved via laparotomy were also evaluated. The median (range) SWVs in the dogs with and without EHBO were 1.91 (1.81-2.54) m/s and 1.57 (1.37-1.64) m/s, respectively. Although there was no significant difference in the histopathological hepatic fibrosis stages between the dogs with and without EHBO, the preoperative SWVs in the dogs with EHBO were significantly higher than in dogs without EHBO (P = .0004), and SWVs were found to decrease significantly after surgery (P = .0097). This study demonstrates that EHBO can increase the SWV of dogs without clinically relevant hepatic fibrosis and can interfere with the prediction of noninvasive hepatic fibrosis using 2D-SWE.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is a feasible technique for quantifying hepatic microvascular perfusion in dogs with extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts.

Extrahepatic-congenital portosystemic shunt is a vascular anomaly that connects the portal vein to the systemic circulation and leads to a change in hepatic microvascular perfusion. However, an assessment of hepatic microvascular perfusion is limited by conventional diagnostic modalities. The aim of this prospective, exploratory study was to assess hepatic microvascular perfusion in dogs with extrahepatic-congenital portosystemic shunt using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) using perfluorobutane (Sonazoid® ). A total of 17 dogs were included, eight healthy dogs and nine with extrahepatic-congenital portosystemic shunt. The time-to-peak (TTP), rising time (RT), and rising rate (RR) in the hepatic artery, portal vein, and hepatic parenchyma, as well as the portal vein-to-hepatic parenchyma transit time (ΔHP-PV) measured from time-intensity curve on CEUS were compared between healthy and extrahepatic-congenital portosystemic shunt dogs. The RT of the hepatic artery in extrahepatic-congenital portosystemic shunt dogs was significantly earlier than in healthy dogs (P = 0.0153). The TTP and RT of the hepatic parenchyma were significantly earlier in extrahepatic-congenital portosystemic shunt dogs than in healthy dogs (P = 0.0018 and P = 0.0024, respectively). ΔHP-PV was significantly shorter in extrahepatic-congenital portosystemic shunt dogs than in healthy dogs (P = 0.0018). CEUS effectively revealed changes in hepatic microvascular perfusion including hepatic artery, portal vein, and hepatic parenchyma simultaneously in extrahepatic-congenital portosystemic shunt dogs. Rapid hepatic artery and hepatic parenchyma enhancements may reflect a compensatory increase in hepatic artery blood flow (arterialization) caused by a decrease in portal vein blood flow and may be used as an additional diagnostic test to distinguish extrahepatic-congenital portosystemic shunt dogs from healthy dogs.

Changes in right ventricular function assessed by echocardiography in dog models of mild RV pressure overload.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of hemodynamic change by echocardiography is clinically useful in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Recently, mild elevation of the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) has been shown to be associated with increased mortality. However, changes in the echocardiographic indices of right ventricular (RV) function are still unknown. The objective of this study was to validate the relationship between echocardiographic indices of RV function and right heart catheterization variables under a mild RV pressure overload condition. METHODS AND RESULTS: Echocardiography and right heart catheterization were performed in dog models of mild RV pressure overload induced by thromboxane A2 analog (U46619) (n=7). The mean PAP was mildly increased (19.3±1.1 mm Hg), and the cardiac index was decreased. Most echocardiographic indices of RV function were significantly impaired even under a mild RV pressure overload condition. Multivariate analysis revealed that the RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVLS), standard deviation of the time-to-peak longitudinal strain of RV six segments (RV-SD) by speckle-tracking echocardiography, and Tei index were independent echocardiographic predictors of the mean PAP (free wall RVLS, ß=-0.60, P<.001; RV-SD, ß=0.40, P=.011), pulmonary vascular resistance (free wall RVLS, ß=-0.39, P=.020; RV-SD, ß=0.47, P=.0086; Tei index, ß=0.34, P=.047), and cardiac index (Tei index, ß=-0.65, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Free wall RVLS, RV-SD, and Tei index are useful for assessing the hemodynamic change under a mild RV pressure overload condition.

Diastolic heart failure associated with hemangiosarcoma infiltrating left ventricular walls in a dog.

A 9-year-old Shetland sheepdog was diagnosed with cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Echocardiography revealed focally thickened left ventricular free wall and interventricular septum and left atrial dilation. Left ventricular systolic function was preserved. Doppler echocardiography of transmitral flow indicated restrictive left ventricular filling. Cardiac histopathology demonstrated hemangiosarcoma infiltrating the left ventricular walls.

Insuffisance cardiaque diastolique associée à l'infiltration d'un hémangiosarcome dans les parois ventriculaires gauches chez un chien. Un chien berger des Shetlands âgé de 9 ans a été diagnostiqué avec un oedème pulmonaire cardiogénique. L'échocardiographie a révélé un épaississement focal de la paroi libre du ventricule gauche et du septum interventriculaire et une dilatation atriale gauche.. La fonction systolique ventriculaire gauche était préservée. L'échographie Doppler de l'écoulement transmitral indiquait un remplissage ventriculaire gauche restreint. L'histopathologie cardiaque a démontré l'infiltration des parois ventriculaires gauches par l'hémangiosarcome.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Effectiveness of 2-dimensional shear wave elastography for noninvasive and reliable estimation of right atrial pressure in dogs with induced volume overload.

BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) provides information on hepatic elastic modulus as shear wave velocity (SWV). HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To assess SWV using 2D-SWE in dogs with induced volume overload, investigate the relationship between this information and right atrial pressure (RAP) measured by invasive right heart catheterization, and also evaluate the difference in SWV before and after diuretic administration. ANIMALS: Six healthy beagles. METHODS: Prospective experimental study. Right heart catheterization and 2D-SWE were performed in 6 anesthetized beagles at baseline and after the induction of volume overload. Volume overload was induced by IV hydroxyethyl starch 70/0.5 infusion (100 mL/kg/h). Furosemide (4-6 mg/kg, IV) was administered, and the SWVs were measured. RESULTS: Shear wave velocity showed a significant gradual increase during acute volume overload compared to baseline. SWV was significantly positively correlated with RAP (P < .0001, ρ = 0.9729). The area under the curve of SWV to predict RAP at >10, >15, and >20 mm Hg was 0.9896 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.9690-1.000), 0.9907 (95% CI, 0.9701-1.000), and 0.9722 (95% CI, 0.9280-1.000), respectively. The SWV after diuretic use decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Two-dimensional shear wave elastography might be useful for noninvasive and reliable estimation of RAP in dogs with acute volume overload and has potential as a quantitative biomarker for evaluating therapeutic response in dogs with right sided congestive heart failure.

Analysis of energy generation and glycolysis pathway in diminazene aceturate-resistant Babesia gibsoni isolate in vitro.

In our previous study, the level of parasitemia of the diminazene aceturate (DA)-resistant B. gibsoni isolate was continuously lower than that of the wild-type, indicating the possible alteration of energy metabolism in that isolate. Therefore, in the present study, the concentrations of ATP, glucose, lactate, and pyruvate, and the activities of lactate dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase in the wild-type and DA-resistant isolate of B. gibsoni were measured and compared to investigate the amount of energy generation and the activity of the glycolysis pathway. As a result, the intracellular ATP and glucose concentrations in the DA-resistant B. gibsoni isolate were significantly higher than those in the wild-type. Meanwhile, the concentrations of lactate and pyruvate and the activities of lactate dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase in the DA-resistant B. gibsoni isolate were not different from those in the wild-type. These results indicated that the DA-resistant B. gibsoni isolate contained a higher ATP concentration than the wild-type, but the activity of the glycolysis pathway was not altered in the DA-resistant B. gibsoni isolate. However, we could not determine the mechanism of the high energy production of the DA-resistant B. gibsoni isolate. Further studies on the energy metabolism of B. gibsoni are necessary to clarify the mechanism of the high energy production in the DA-resistant B. gibsoni isolate.

Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function and Dyssynchrony in a Dog Model of Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Diagnostic Utility and Reversibility.

Background: The diagnosis of acute pulmonary thromboembolism is challenging in dogs. Little has been reported on changes in echocardiographic indices in dogs with acute pulmonary thromboembolism. The objective of this study was to validate the relationship between echocardiographic indices and right heart catheterization variables in dogs with acute pulmonary embolism and to identify a useful echocardiographic index for diagnosing acute pulmonary embolism. Materials and Methods: Six healthy laboratory beagles were included in the study. Echocardiography and right heart catheterization were performed in a dog model of acute pulmonary embolism produced by microsphere injection. Echocardiographic indices, including the right ventricular (RV) Tei index, RV longitudinal strain, and the dyssynchrony index using speckle tracking echocardiography, transmitral flow, and eccentricity index, were measured. Results: The mean pulmonary arterial pressure increased (22.2 ± 1.2 mmHg) and the blood pressure decreased after microsphere injection. Although the mean pulmonary arterial pressure remained elevated, the blood pressure recovered 2 days after the microsphere injection. Most echocardiographic indices of RV function were significantly impaired following microsphere injection and recovered after 2 days. In contrast, the RV Tei index was significantly impaired after microsphere injection and the impairment persisted after 2 days. Multivariable analysis revealed that the RV Tei index was an independent echocardiographic predictor of pulmonary vascular resistance (ß = 0.88, P < 0.001), and transmitral early diastolic wave was an independent predictor of the cardiac index (ß = -0.86, P = 0.001). Conclusions: The RV Tei index is a useful echocardiographic index for diagnosing acute pulmonary embolism. Ventricular interdependence may be an important factor causing low cardiac output in dogs with acute pulmonary embolism.

Local cerebral blood flow assessment using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography in a dog with brain infarction in the right middle cerebral artery territory.

A 12-year-old neutered male Chihuahua was diagnosed with acute brain infarction in the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) was performed to assess the local cerebral blood flow at the time of diagnosis and after 4 and 31 hr. Initially, the right MCA retained blood flow but with a lower cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV; 14.9 cm/sec) than the left MCA (27.9 cm/sec). The TCD vascular resistance variables were higher in the right than in the left MCA. An increase in the CBFV and a decrease in TCD vascular resistance variables were observed, consistent with improvements in neurological symptoms. TCD can be a non-invasive, and easy-to-use modality for bedside monitoring of cerebral edema and infarction.

Identification of domestic cat hepadnavirus from a cat blood sample in Japan.

The hepatitis B virus (Hepadnaviridae) induces chronic hepatitis and hepatic cancer in humans. A novel domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) was recently identified in several countries, however, the DCH infection status of cats in Japan is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the DCH infection rate of 139 cat samples collected in Japan. We identified one positive blood sample (0.78%) from a 17-year-old female cat with chronically elevated alanine aminotransferase. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the DCH strain identified in this study is genetically different from strains in other countries. Further investigations are required to elucidate the evolution of DCH and the impact of DCH infection on hepatic diseases in domestic cats.

Repeatability, reproducibility, and reference intervals for indices of right atrial longitudinal strain derived from speckle-tracking echocardiography in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine repeatability, reproducibility, and reference intervals of indices of right atrial longitudinal strain (RALS) derived from speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) in dogs without heart disease. ANIMALS: 110 client-owned dogs and 10 laboratory Beagles. PROCEDURES: To determine intraobserver within-day (repeatability) and interobserver (reproducibility) coefficients of variation, RALS during ventricular systole (ϵS), ventricular early diastole (ϵE), and atrial systole (ϵA), as derived with STE, were obtained by 2 investigators for 5 randomly selected client-owned dogs and analyzed by linear regression. Reference intervals were estimated from the results of all dogs. Correlations between RALS indices (ϵS, ϵE, and ϵA) and sex, age, body weight, heart rate, and blood pressure were determined. RESULTS: RALS derived from STE showed good intraobserver within-day repeatability and interobserver reproducibility, with coefficients of variation of < 20%. Both ϵS and ϵE were significantly negatively correlated with age, but ϵA was not correlated with age. Indices were not correlated with sex, body weight, or blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: RALS indices derived from STE were repeatable and reproducible and were affected by the age of dogs without heart disease. Age should be considered in the interpretation of RALS indices in clinical settings. Further studies are needed to apply RALS indices for assessing dogs with heart disease.

Echocardiographic estimation of left ventricular-arterial coupling in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.

BACKGROUND: The effective arterial elastance (Ea) to left ventricular (LV) end-systolic elastance (Ees) ratio (Ea/Ees) is an index of the interaction between LV and systemic arterial systems, left ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC). The Ea is an index of total arterial load of the LV, whereas Ees is an index of LV systolic function. In humans, inappropriate VAC based on increased Ea/Ees estimated using echocardiography is associated with more advanced heart disease severity. HYPOTHESIS: Left ventricular-arterial coupling assessed by echocardiographic estimation of Ea/Ees is associated with disease severity in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). ANIMALS: Ninety MMVD dogs and 61 healthy dogs. METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study. The MMVD dogs were classified into stages B1, B2, or C according to American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine guidelines. Effective arterial elastance was echocardiographically estimated using the formula: mean blood pressure/(forward stroke volume/body weight). End-systolic elastance was echocardiographically estimated using the formula: mean blood pressure/(LV end-systolic volume/body weight). The ratio Ea/Ees was calculated. RESULTS: The ratio Ea/Ees was higher in stage B2 dogs than in healthy dogs and dogs stage B1 (both P < .0001), and higher in stage C dogs than in healthy dogs and dogs in the other 2 stages (healthy vs C and B1 vs C, P < .0001; B2 vs C, P = .0005). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that Ea/Ees and the peak velocity of early diastolic transmitral flow to isovolumic relaxation time ratio were independent predictors of stage C among echocardiographic indices in MMVD dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Inappropriate VAC assessed by echocardiographically estimated Ea/Ees is associated with advanced disease severity in dogs with MMVD.

Prognostic value of left ventricular-arterial coupling estimated using echocardiography in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.

BACKGROUND: The interaction between the left ventricle (LV) and systemic arterial systems, known as left ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC), has been evaluated based on the effective arterial elastance (Ea) to LV end-systolic elastance (Ees) ratio (Ea/Ees). The Ea reflects the total arterial load of LV, whereas Ees reflects the LV systolic function. A recent study found that inappropriate VAC based on increased Ea/Ees estimated by echocardiography is associated with advanced disease severity in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). HYPOTHESIS: Inappropriate VAC assessed by echocardiographic estimation of Ea/Ees is associated with a worse prognosis in dogs with MMVD. ANIMALS: Eighty-nine dogs with MMVD. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Dogs underwent echocardiographic examinations at enrollment. The Ea was estimated using the formula: mean blood pressure/(forward stroke volume/body weight). The Ees was estimated using the formula: mean blood pressure/(LV end-systolic volume/body weight). The Ea/Ees was calculated. RESULTS: By end of study, 22 dogs died of cardiac-related causes with 67 dogs censored. Dogs with increased Ea/Ees (Ea/Ees >0.34; median survival time, 527 days; 95% confidence interval [CI], 322 days-not determinable) had a shorter survival time (P < .0001) than those without increased Ea/Ees (Ea/Ees ≤0.34; median survival time, >1112 days; 95% CI, not determinable). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that Ea/Ees, body weight, peak systolic mitral annular velocity, and the peak early diastolic transmitral velocity-to-peak early diastolic mitral annular velocity ratio were independent predictors of cardiac-related death among echocardiographic indices. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Inappropriate VAC assessed based on echocardiographically-estimated Ea/Ees is associated with a worse prognosis in dogs with MMVD.

Prognostic value of small intestinal dilatation in dogs with protein-losing enteropathy.

To date, little is known about the prognostic significance of ultrasonographic findings in dogs with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the prognostic value of ultrasonographic findings in dogs with PLE. A total of 26 dogs with PLE were included: 20 dogs with chronic enteropathy and 6 dogs with gastrointestinal lymphoma. The presence of small intestinal dilatation was associated with shorter survival time in dogs with PLE (P=0.003). The presence of hyperechoic intestinal mucosal striations was associated with longer survival time in dogs with PLE (P=0.0085). The results of the current study indicate that the presence of small intestinal dilatation might be associated with poor prognosis in dogs with PLE.

Effects of intravenous administration of pimobendan on hemodynamic indices and indices of left atrial longitudinal strain derived from speckle-tracking echocardiography in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of IV administration of pimobendan on hemodynamic indices and indices of left atrial (LA) longitudinal strain by speckle-tracking echocardiography in healthy dogs. ANIMALS: 6 healthy Beagles. PROCEDURES: After the dogs were anesthetized, the right heart was catheterized and 2-D conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography were performed before and after IV administration of 0.15 mg of pimobendan/kg. Speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed to assess the 3 LA phasic functions through LA deformation (longitudinal strain and strain rate) and volumetric analyses. RESULTS: Pimobendan significantly increased stroke volume and cardiac output and decreased systemic vascular resistance. Pimobendan significantly improved left ventricular function assessed by the Tei index and LA booster pump function assessed by LA longitudinal strain and change in fractional volume during atrial systole. Indices of LA reservoir and conduit function were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In healthy dogs, IV administration of pimobendan improved the indices of LA booster pump function but had no effect on the indices of LA reservoir and conduit functions. Further studies are needed to validate whether these results can be extrapolated to dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.

Gene expression of leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein in the polypoid lesion of inflammatory colorectal polyps in miniature dachshunds.

Inflammatory colorectal polyps (ICRPs) in miniature dachshunds (MDs) are speculated to be a breed-specific inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG) has been identified as a novel biomarker of human IBD. The aim of this study was to examine LRG gene expression in the polypoid lesions of ICRPs. Polypoid lesion specimens were collected from 24 MDs with ICRPs. Nonpolypoid colonic mucosa was collected from 18 MDs with ICRPs and 10 controls. The gene expression of LRG, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-22 was examined. The expression of LRG gene was significantly increased in the polypoid lesions of ICRPs and correlated with that of the four cytokines. In conclusion, the LRG gene was expressed within the polypoid lesions of ICRPs and might be associated with local cytokine expression.

Clinical characteristics of dogs with food-responsive protein-losing enteropathy.

BACKGROUND: In dogs with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), data on the clinical characteristics of food-responsive PLE (FR-PLE) remain scarce. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical characteristics of FR-PLE in dogs responsive to ultralow-fat diet (ULFD) management. ANIMALS: Thirty-three dogs diagnosed with PLE based on standard diagnostic criteria. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records. Clinical findings were compared between dogs with FR-PLE (FR-PLE group) and those with immunosuppressant-responsive PLE (IR-PLE) or nonresponsive PLE (NR-PLE) (IR/NR-PLE group). The area under the curve (AUC) of a receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the ability of factors to differentiate the FR-PLE and IR/NR-PLE groups. Survival time was compared between the FR-PLE and IR/NR-PLE groups. RESULTS: Twenty-three dogs responded to ULFD management and were diagnosed with FR-PLE. The canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI) was significantly lower in the FR-PLE group than in the IR/NR-PLE group (P < .001). The AUC of CCECAI for differentiating the FR-PLE group was 0.935 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.845-1.000) with an optimal cutoff value of 8 (sensitivity, 0.826; specificity, 0.889). Survival times were significantly longer in the FR-PLE group (median, not reached) than in the IR/NR-PLE group (median, 432 days; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Dogs that respond to ULFD management and are diagnosed with FR-PLE are expected to have a favorable prognosis. Clinical scores, specifically the CCECAI, could be useful for differentiating FR-PLE from IR-PLE or NR-PLE.

An area ratio of thyroid gland to common carotid artery for evaluating the thyroid gland size.

The feasibility of ultrasonographic measurement of thyroid gland area to common carotid artery (TG:CCA) was investigated. Twenty-one healthy, 12 hypothyroid and 18 non-thyroid illness (NTI) dogs were evaluated. The area of thyroid lobe and common carotid artery in right and left sides were measured using the same ultrasonographic images in transverse plane. The average of the right and left ratio was calculated as TG:CCA. The median TG:CCA of 21 healthy dogs was 1.53, and it did not correlate either body weight or age. The median TG:CCA of 12 hypothyroid dogs was 0.81, which was significantly lower than that of 18 NTI dogs (1.81, P<0.001). If the cut off value <1.12 was used, TG:CCA indicated hypothyroidism with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 83%, and accuracy of 90%. Our data indicated that TG:CCA was independent of both body weight, which may contribute to consistent measurement of thyroid size. The results of this study suggest that TG:CCA is a promising tool for diagnosing canine hypothyroidism.

Change in right ventricular function in an American cocker spaniel with acute pulmonary thromboembolism.

A 12-year-old neutered female American cocker spaniel weighing 9.9 kg was presented for evaluation with a 2-day history of dyspnea and anorexia. Echocardiography revealed severe pulmonary hypertension (estimated systolic pulmonary arterial pressure, 93.4 mmHg) with right heart enlargement, pulmonary arterial dilation, and right ventricular dysfunction. The dilation of left heart and congenital cardiac shunt were not observed. Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) was confirmed by computed tomographic angiography. After treatment with antiplatelet and anticoagulant, the clinical sign and the echocardiographic abnormality of right heart were improved. These echocardiographic findings are not specific for PTE, but it can be useful as a rule-in test for PTE when other causes of pulmonary hypertension are excluded and a monitor of therapeutic efficacy.

Evaluation of liver and spleen stiffness of healthy dogs by use of two-dimensional shear wave elastography.

OBJECTIVE: To assess liver and spleen stiffness in healthy dogs by use of a novel 2-D shear wave elastography (SWE) technique and to investigate the repeatability and reproducibility of the technique. ANIMALS: 8 healthy adult Beagles. PROCEDURES: 2-D SWE was performed on each dog to assess liver and spleen stiffness. Repeatability (intraday variability) and reproducibility (interday variability) of 2-D SWE were investigated. For all 8 dogs, 2-D SWE was performed 3 times in 1 day (4-hour intervals) and on 3 separate days (1-week interval). Data were expressed as mean ± SD values for shear wave velocity and the Young modulus in the liver and spleen. Intraday and interday coefficients of variation were assessed for all variables. RESULTS: Mean ± SD shear wave velocity obtained for the liver and spleen was 1.51 ± 0.08 m/s and 2.18 ± 0.27 m/s, respectively. Mean value for the Young modulus obtained for the liver and spleen was 6.93 ± 0.79 kPa and 14.66 ± 3.79 kPa, respectively. Elasticity values were significantly higher for the spleen than for the liver. Intraday and interday coefficients of variation for all variables were < 25% (range, 3.90% to 20.70%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: 2-D SWE was a feasible technique for assessing liver and spleen stiffness of healthy dogs. Future studies on the application of 2-D SWE for dogs with chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension are needed to evaluate the clinical applicability of 2-D SWE.

Plasma amino acid profiles in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis is the common form of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs. In human IBD, disturbances of amino acid metabolism have been demonstrated to be involved in the pathophysiology of IBD. Therefore, plasma amino acid profile might represent a novel marker of human IBD. OBJECTIVES: To determine the plasma amino acid profiles of dogs with IBD and its usefulness as a novel marker of IBD in dogs. ANIMALS: Fasting blood plasma was obtained from 10 dogs with IBD and 12 healthy dogs. METHODS: All IBD dogs were prospectively included in this study, and heparinized blood samples were collected. The plasma concentrations of 21 amino acids were determined using the ninhydrin method. The relationships among the plasma amino acid concentrations and plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI), and overall World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) score were investigated. RESULTS: Median concentration (nmol/mL) of methionine [46.2; range, 30.0-59.3], proline [119.4; range, 76.7-189.2], serine [115.1; range, 61.4-155.9], and tryptophan [17.4; range, 11.9-56.3]) were significantly lower than in control dogs [62.6; range, 51.0-83.6, 199.1; range, 132.5-376.7, 164.3; range, 124.7-222.9, and 68.3; range, 35.7-94.8, respectively]. A negative correlation was identified between the plasma serine concentration and CCECAI (r s = -.67, P = .03), but there were no correlations between plasma amino acid concentrations and CRP concentration or overall WSAVA score. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Plasma serine concentration might represent a novel maker of IBD in dogs.