Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the incidence of Borrelia burgdorferi in cases of equine nuchal bursitis (NB) and investigate the relationship between elevated serum outer surface protein A (OspA) antibodies and the molecular identification of B burgdorferi in bursal tissue or synovial fluid. Additionally, describe clinical cases and compare the histologic changes in NB with and without detection of B burgdorferi.
METHODS
This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study (2013 to 2022). Medical records from horses with a diagnosis of NB and B burgdorferi PCR testing on NB tissue or synovial fluid were reviewed. The study population included 11 horses with a postmortem diagnosis of NB, 19 horses from the northeastern US with an antemortem diagnosis of B burgdorferi PCR–positive NB, and 15 healthy controls without evidence of NB and unvaccinated for B burgdorferi. Where serum was available, Lyme multiplex assay results were compared with controls and ELISAs targeting individual B burgdorferi antigens were performed. Histologic findings in nuchal bursa tissue were compared between NB cases with and without B burgdorferi PCR detection.
RESULTS
Serum OspA antibody values in B burgdorferi–positive NB cases (n = 13) were significantly elevated (P < .001) compared to controls (15), and OspA was the predominant antigen detected by ELISA (8). Histopathology did not vary between NB cases with (n = 9) and without (6) B burgdorferi PCR detection.
CONCLUSIONS
The presence of B burgdorferi in the nuchal bursa of horses is associated with increased serum OspA antibodies.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The role of B burgdorferi in equine NB may be underestimated, and targeted therapy requires investigation.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate sedation and IV xylazine requirements to achieve 45% of baseline head height above ground measurements following oral (PO) administration of 2 trazodone dosages.
METHODS
8 healthy, adult mares of various weights and breeds belonging to a university teaching herd were utilized in a blinded, crossover study design. Horses were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 PO treatments: control (no trazodone), trazodone at 3 mg/kg (low dose [LD]), or trazodone at 6 mg/kg (high dose [HD]). Before treatment, cardiac auscultation, EquiSed sedation score, and head height above ground (HHAG; cm) measurements were performed (baseline) followed by feeding of the treatment mixture. After 120 minutes, sedation score and HHAG were recorded. Xylazine was administered IV (0.25 mg/kg bolus followed by 0.1 mg/kg/min) until HHAG reached 45% of baseline or a total dose of 1 mg/kg was reached. Individual data for xylazine dosage, sedation scores, and HHAG were analyzed using mixed linear models with repeated measures.
RESULTS
Sedation scores were significantly improved (LD, P = .045; HD, P = .01) and HHAG was lowered (LD, P = .045; HD, P = .09) by trazodone administration. Xylazine dose requirements were increased by LD trazodone administration (increase of 0.26 ± 0.26 mg/kg; P = .03) and unchanged by HD (increase of 0.13 ± 0.25 mg/kg; P = .38).
CONCLUSIONS
Oral trazodone administration increases quantifiable sedation in horses. Xylazine requirements are significantly increased by LD trazodone administration.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Oral administration of LD trazodone may increase xylazine requirements. Further clinical studies are required to fully assess the clinical relevance of this finding on other parameters such as cardiovascular physiology.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To report local progression and survival in dogs following surgery and postoperative definitive radiotherapy (dRT) for management of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and to evaluate risk factors for local progression and survival.
METHODS
Records were retrospectively reviewed at 9 referral hospitals for dogs managed with postoperative dRT between January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2020, following surgery for STS. Data related to presentation, surgery, dRT, systemic therapy, and outcome were abstracted. Selected variables were assessed for association with local progression and overall survival.
RESULTS
272 dogs were included. Histologic grade was reported in 249 dogs: 102 were grade 1 (40.9%), 120 were grade 2 (48.2%), and 27 were grade 3 (10.8%). Local progression was suspected or confirmed in 56 dogs. Local progression rates were similar for grade 1 (24 of 89 [26.7%]), grade 2 (23 of 111 [20.7%]), and grade 3 tumors (6 of 22 [27.3%]). Previous recurrence (P = .010) and subsequent distant metastasis (P = .014) were associated with more frequent local progression; intensity-modulated radiotherapy was associated with decreased local progression (P = .025) compared to other forms of delivery. Age (P = .049), grade (P = .009), previous recurrence (P = .009), and institution type for surgery (P = .043) were associated with overall survival.
CONCLUSIONS
Outcomes for most dogs were good; however, the frequency of local progression indicates an ongoing need to critically appraise local management strategies, particularly for low-grade STS. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy was associated with lower rates of local progression and may be preferred to less precise forms of delivery.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
These data may guide clinicians when making decisions regarding dRT for management of STS.
Abstract
The 2 most known cannabinoids are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Both chemicals are extracted from the cannabis plant but can also be synthetically produced. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabidiol is extracted from the subspecies of the cannabis plant known as the marijuana plant, which contains a high concentration of THC (0.3% to 30%). Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabidiol is a major psychoactive and intoxicating component of the cannabis plant and is not recommended for use in dogs due to its toxic effect. Cannabidiol is extracted from the subspecies of the cannabis plant known as the hemp plant and must contain less than 0.3% THC. Cannabidiol is a major nonpsychoactive component of the cannabis plant, and its effect has been investigated for epilepsy, neoplasia, and osteoarthritis in dogs. Public interest in the medical use of cannabinoids for various diseases and disorders has grown in the last couple of years. The attention has extended to veterinary medicine, where veterinarians and pet owners are curious about what diseases the nontoxic CBD can be used for to treat companion animals. The use of CBD for ophthalmic diseases has also been investigated due to its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Intraocular pressure regulation for glaucoma, corneal diseases (eg, keratitis and corneal pain), uveal diseases (eg, endotoxin-induced uveitis), and retinal/optic nerve head diseases (eg, diabetic retinopathy) are areas where CBD’s effect has been investigated in humans and animals. The aim of this review is to give an update on what is known regarding the use of cannabinoids, especially CBD, for ophthalmic diseases in dogs.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate if opioid-induced behavioral effects, such as sedation, can be detected using a shuttle box experimental apparatus and whether thermal preference following noxious stimulation using mustard oil is reversed by morphine administration in fish.
METHODS
5 goldfish (Carassius auratus) underwent 2 randomized blinded experimental trials, with a crossover study design. First, opioid effects were tested in a shuttle box without painful stimulus. Fish were injected 5 days apart with butorphanol at 0.4 or 10 mg/kg, morphine at 5 or 10 mg/kg, or saline IM. After 30 minutes, each fish was placed in a shuttle box for 2 hours with a temperature gradient of 26 to 28 °C. Temperature preference, time spent immobile, and swimming velocity were assessed. The second trial consisted of cutaneous noxious stimulation using mustard oil immersion for 5 minutes followed by an assessment of thermal preference for 4 minutes in the shuttle box after either morphine at 10 mg/kg or saline IM injections. Linear mixed models were used to compare treatment groups.
RESULTS
Before noxious stimulation, a low dose of morphine caused sedation compared with control group and high-dose morphine and butorphanol treatments. Immersion in mustard oil caused fish to spend more time in the cold area in the control group. Morphine administration reversed this pattern.
CONCLUSIONS
The sedative and analgesic effects of opioids were detected through this model.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The shuttle box model could be used to assess the analgesic effects of other opioids in goldfish while reducing biases associated with the sedative and stimulatory effects of these drugs.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To describe the successful management of a pediatric canine with acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to detergent aspiration.
ANIMAL
An 11-week-old female Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES
The dog was referred for treatment of respiratory distress secondary to aspiration and ingestion of an unquantifiable amount of detergent from a laundry detergent pod. The dog presented dyspneic, cyanotic, and too weak to stand. Thoracic auscultation revealed increased bronchovesicular sounds bilaterally, without crackles or wheezes.
TREATMENT AND OUTCOME
The dog required intubation and mechanical ventilation for 5 days. During hospitalization, the dog developed severe pulmonary edema, hypotension, seizures, and inappropriate mentation. Case management additionally included placement of a nasogastric tube and urinary catheter, nebulization, telemetry, and supportive medications. After 12 days of hospitalization, the dog was discharged. Follow-up examinations were performed weekly for 5 weeks following discharge. There was significant improvement noted on thoracic radiographs and complete resolution of respiratory signs.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report to describe successful treatment with mechanical ventilation for clinical signs associated with detergent aspiration in a canine.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To provide a video tutorial detailing how to perform “blind” and ultrasound-guided abdominocentesis for diagnostic and therapeutic guidance, and to provide a brief demonstration of intra-abdominal pressure measurement (IAP).
ANIMALS
Any cat or dog with suspicion of free abdominal effusion or patients requiring measurement of IAP.
METHODS
Abdominocentesis should be performed when there is high suspicion for peritoneal effusion based on physical exam and/or diagnostic imaging. The 4-quadrant tap uses 20-gauge or larger needles placed blindly in ≥ 1 of the 4 quadrants of the abdomen to collect abdominal fluid. In contrast, ultrasound allows visualization of fluid in the abdomen prior to percutaneous insertion of a needle and syringe to collect fluid. Regardless of collection technique, fluid should have immediate cytologic analysis and later can be submitted for biochemical parameters, additional cellular analysis by a pathologist, and culture and sensitivity (in rare cases if indicated). Intravesicular bladder pressure measurement using a manometer–urinary catheter system approximates the IAP when there is concern for organ hypoperfusion and compartment syndrome.
RESULTS
Abdominocentesis can be performed with and without the use of ultrasound guidance. Intravesicular bladder pressure measurement is used to diagnose and trend IAP values before and after treatments are performed.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Abdominocentesis is a simple and safe technique that all small animal clinicians should be comfortable performing. Effusion sampling can guide further diagnostics and treatments. Measurement of IAP is simple and requires no specialized equipment.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To report the clinical use, adverse events, and outcomes after using amikacin in 30% poloxamer 407 (amikacin-P407) during open wound management or in a closed wound application in dogs.
ANIMALS
29 client-owned dogs.
METHODS
Medical records from January 2017 to August 2023 from a single hospital were reviewed for dogs that received amikacin-P407 in an open or closed wound application. Information reviewed included signalment, nature of wound and/or surgical site infection (SSI), bacterial cultures, amikacin dose, gel volume, route of administration, estimated wound surface area, biochemistry parameters, urine casts, wound progression, and general clinical outcome.
RESULTS
Amikacin-P407 was applied during open wound care (10 dogs), via injection (5 dogs), and at time of wound closure (13 dogs) and was used both in open and closed wound management (1 dog). Wounds were associated with SSIs in 18 of 30 sites. Multidrug resistance was noted in 21 of 30 preapplication cultures. Median amikacin dose was 14.5 mg/kg (range, 3 to 59.5 mg/kg), median total volume was 5.0 mL (range, 1 to 12 mL), and median tissue surface area was 6.6 cm2 (range, 1.6 to 36 cm2), for a local wound dose of 62.5 mg/cm2 (range, 6.9 to 214.3 mg/cm2). No short-term adverse local or systemic effects were noted in any wounds or dogs. No dehiscence was seen in 17 of 19 closed sites.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The results of this case series suggested that Amikacin-P407 can be applied in a variety of ways with no adverse effects. Amikacin-P407 may be considered in open wound management or in a closed setting for infected wounds and SSIs.
