Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate factors contributing to owner decision-making, satisfaction, and perception of quality of life (QOL) with treatment of dogs with nontraumatic hemoabdomen (NTH).
ANIMALS
132 client-owned dogs.
PROCEDURES
An electronic survey was administered to owners of 436 dogs that presented emergently with NTH to a single institution between January 2015 and May 2022. Following survey response, retrospective data collection was performed.
RESULTS
Owners reported QOL as the most important factor influencing their decision-making (92%), followed by risk of cancer (57%) or time remaining with their pet (56%). QOL scores were significantly higher with surgery versus those with palliative care (P = .007). Median survival time (MST) was 213 days with surgery and 39 days with palliative care (P = .049). Survival benefit of surgery was lost when considering only dogs with malignant histopathology (MST, 81 days; P = .305). Owners were more likely to be satisfied when they chose surgery over either euthanasia or palliative care (P = .039). Thirty-four owners (26%) second-guessed or were unsure of their decision.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Surgery resulted in the longest MST with greater perceived QOL and owner satisfaction compared with both palliative care and euthanasia and should therefore be considered highly. The importance of malignancy and survival time on owners’ decisions, along with the negative impact of metastasis on survival, underscores the importance of timely preoperative staging. The rate of second-guessing highlights the need for standardization of NTH discussions including treatment options and potential outcomes in order to effectively and efficiently guide treatment of patients with this common presentation.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate incidences of pyometra and orthopedic, behavioral, urinary/reproductive, neoplastic, or atopic disease processes as outcomes for dogs undergoing either a laparoscopic-assisted ovary-sparing spay/hysterectomy (LapOSS) or a laparoscopic ovariectomy (LapOVE).
ANIMALS
33 client-owned dogs.
PROCEDURES
Medical records of client-owned dogs presenting between August 2013 and May 2020 for elective LapOSS or LapOVE were reviewed. A multiple-choice client questionnaire was emailed to all clients whose dogs’ complete medical records were available.
RESULTS
17 of the 33 dogs were in the LapOSS group, and 16 of 33 dogs were in the LapOVE group. Of the 17 dogs undergoing LapOSS, 5 of 17 (29%) underwent an elective OVE at a later date. The mean follow-up time was 4.2 ± 1.8 years for the LapOSS group and 4.3 ± 2.0 years for the LapOVE group. No dogs developed stump pyometra. One LapOSS dog developed mammary tumor, and 2 others developed nonreproductive malignant neoplasia while 2 of the LapOVE dogs developed malignant neoplasia. One of the LapOSS dogs with malignant neoplasia had an ovariectomy prior to development of disease.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Laparoscopic-assisted ovary-sparing spay appears to provide a safe and reliable method of sterilization, with no observable increased risk of pyometra with hysterectomy. Owners must be counseled prior to surgery regarding the consequences of gonadal hormone retention and multiple heat cycles.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate dogs with total hypercalcemia, azotemia, and normal serum phosphorus concentrations to determine whether a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (Ca:P) or ionized Ca:P (iCa:P) could be utilized to predict underlying neoplasia.
ANIMALS
105 dogs were included in the study. Thirty-seven percent (n = 39) had known neoplasia, and 63% (66) had no evidence of neoplasia.
PROCEDURES
A retrospective medical records search was performed. An observational cutoff of 2.5 for Ca:P and 0.33 for iCa:P was used for determining sensitivity and specificity between the neoplasia and nonneoplasia groups.
RESULTS
Total hypercalcemia was higher in dogs with neoplasia compared to nonneoplastic cases of hypercalcemia. Ca:P of 2.5 had an 80% sensitivity and 46% specificity for predicting neoplasia. iCa:P of 0.33 had a 92% sensitivity and 77% specificity for predicting neoplasia in azotemic dogs.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The sensitivity and specificity of Ca:P was low, making it an unreliable tool to predict neoplasia in this specific study population. However, iCa:P may have some usefulness in determining presence of neoplasia in patients with high calcium, azotemia, and normal phosphorus.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Sporadic bacterial cystitis in both dogs and humans is often caused by Escherichia coli. In humans, nitrofurantoin is a first-line antimicrobial for the treatment of bacterial cystitis but in dogs a lack of available data may be part of the reason it is only recommended as a second-line treatment. The objective of this preliminary study was to determine the plasma pharmacokinetics and urine concentrations of nitrofurantoin monohydrate-macrocrystalline in dogs.
ANIMALS
8 healthy female hound dogs.
PROCEDURES
From July 26 to July 28, 2021, dogs received a single oral dose of nitrofurantoin monohydrate-macrocrystalline 100 mg with food. Blood and urine were collected at predetermined times. Nitrofurantoin concentrations were assayed by UPLC-MS/MS and plasma data were analyzed using noncompartmental methods.
RESULTS
Plasma concentrations were low for all dogs with a mean ± SD maximum concentration (Cmax) of 0.242 ± 0.098 μg/mL (range, 0.14 to 0.42 µg/mL) occurring between 2 and 24 hours. Urine concentrations were manyfold higher than for plasma. Cmax in urine was 134 ± 54 µg/mL (range, 49.1 to 218 µg/mL) occurring between 6 and 36 hours. As seen in other species, nitrofurantoin concentrated in urine with concentrations being 500 times higher than the concentration in plasma.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Results suggested that nitrofurantoin monohydrate-macrocrystalline formulation of nitrofurantoin should be effective in treating bacterial cystitis caused by susceptible uropathogens.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the risk and timing of right heart failure (RHF) in feedlot cattle.
ANIMALS
Study population consisted of 1,717,356 cattle (5,527 cohorts) in 13 US and Canadian feedlots. There were 1,336 RHF diagnosed at necropsy.
PROCEDURES
Multivariable models were utilized to evaluate risk and timing of RHF death.
RESULTS
Arrival year was associated with RHF and was influenced by arrival quarter on the magnitude of risk of RHF (P < .01), but no linear increase over years was identified. The impact of feedlot elevation on RHF was modified by breed (beef, dairy, or dairy-cross; P < .01) with beef cattle in the highest elevation category having 0.54 times the risk of RHF as dairy cattle in the same elevation category (LCL = 0.31; UCL = 0.962). Cattle that died due to RHF and were treated for bovine respiratory disease died 11 days (LCL = 1.33, UCL = 20.2 days) sooner than cattle never treated for bovine respiratory disease (P = .03). Cattle breed was associated with RHF timing (P = .01), and dairy-cross cattle RHF cases died approximately 37 days earlier (SE = 13.0 days; P = .01) compared to beef cattle.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
This research showed demographic factors associated with RHF and their respective influence on risk and timing of RHF. Risk rates of RHF were similar to previous research. This could allow for comparisons across different feedlot populations, using different diagnoses at necropsy and RHF risk/rates do not appear to be increasing.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To report preliminary findings of hypofractionated superficial radiotherapy for treatment of cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs) and report the acute and late toxicity associated with its use.
ANIMALS
3 dogs and 1 cat.
PROCEDURES
In this retrospective study, medical records from January 2021 through July 2022 were searched for animals that received superficial radiation therapy for MCTs of the head.
RESULTS
4 patients with 5 MCTs were included. Three of the masses were periocular and required protection of the globe with a tungsten eye shield. One patient did not complete the intended protocol due to diffuse metastatic spread noted after the second fraction. Of the 3 patients that completed their protocol, 100% had a complete response. Two canine patients were treated adjunctively with toceranib. Two of the 4 patients experienced grade 1 acute veterinary radiation therapy oncology group (VRTOG) toxicity, and the 3 patients that completed their protocol experienced grade 1 late VRTOG toxicity. No radiation effects were documented to the cornea or lens in any patient.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Superficial radiation therapy was effective in our limited study population, and patients experienced minimal side effects for treatment of cutaneous MCTs.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy and safety of a urinary acidifier (d,l-methionine [Methio-Form]) and an antimicrobial agent (amoxicillin–clavulanic acid [Clavamox]) without changing diet for dissolving infection-induced struvite urocystoliths in dogs.
ANIMALS
14 dogs were recruited for this prospective study; 11 completed it and 3 dogs withdrew due to inability of the owners to administer the treatment (n = 2) or refusal of treatment by the dog (1).
PROCEDURES
All dogs were administered d,l-methionine (approx initial dose of 75 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) and amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (22 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) based on urine culture and sensitivity. Urine pH, urinalysis, urine culture, venous blood gas and serum biochemical analysis, and lateral survey abdominal radiographic images were evaluated initially and every 4 weeks until urolith dissolution (success) or lack of change in size and/or shape of urocystoliths on 2 consecutive reevaluation points (failure) occurred.
RESULTS
Uroliths dissolved in 8 of 11 dogs in a median of 2 months (range, 1 to 4 months) with a final effective dosage of d,l-methionine of approximately 100 mg/kg, PO, every 12 hours. In 3 dogs, uroliths failed to dissolve and were removed surgically; they contained variable amounts of calcium oxalate. No adverse events occurred.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Infection-induced struvite urolithiasis is 1 of the 2 most common minerals occurring in canine uroliths. Results of this study supported the use of d,l-methionine and amoxicillin–clavulanic acid without changing diet for dissolution of infection-induced struvite urocystoliths in dogs.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Describe surgical guidelines for a new technique to correct stenotic nares in brachycephalic cats.
ANIMALS
8 client-owned brachycephalic cats with stenotic nares between April 2017 and July 2022.
PROCEDURES
8 brachycephalic cats with severe stenotic nares presented to the Angell Animal Medical Center with the patient age ranging from 2 years to 9 years of age. Surgical correction was performed on each cat with the combined use of the “Alar Fold Lift-Up” and “Sulcus Pull-Down” techniques.
RESULTS
Successful correction of the stenotic nares was achieved, enabling each cat to breathe normally.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The combined use of the “Alar Fold Lift-Up” and “Sulcus Pull-Down” techniques is simple to perform on an outpatient basis. Surgery is restricted to the adjacent skin and does not require the surgical alteration of the external nose or nares. Long-term follow-up indicates the procedure is effective in improving nasal breathing in each cat.
Abstract
The use of radiofrequency energy (RFE) has become increasingly popular in equine orthopedic surgery in recent years, particularly for the debridement of cartilage lesions and soft tissue resection. However, despite considerable advancements in the technology, the safety and efficacy of RFE have continued to be questioned. While studies investigating the use of RFE for chondroplasty in the equine population are lacking, there is an abundance of research studies in the human literature assessing its effect on healthy chondrocytes, and researchers are seeking to develop guidelines to minimize collateral damage. This review article provides a concise and thorough summary of the current use of RFE in equine orthopedics, in addition to discussing the recent evidence surrounding its use for chondroplasty in both the human and equine populations.
