Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Design and evaluate immune responses of neonatal foals to a mRNA vaccine expressing the virulence-associated protein A (VapA) of Rhodococcus equi.
ANIMALS
Cultured primary equine respiratory tract cells; Serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 30 healthy Quarter Horse foals.
METHODS
VapA expression was evaluated by western immunoblot in cultured equine bronchial cells transfected with 4 mRNA constructs encoding VapA. The mRNA construct with greatest expression was used to immunize foals at ages 2 and 21 days in 5 groups: (1) 300 μg nebulized mRNA (n = 6); (2) 600 μg nebulized mRNA (n = 4); (3) 300 μg mRNA administered intramuscularly (IM) (n = 5); (4) 300 μg VapA IM (positive controls; n = 6); or (5) nebulized water (negative controls; n = 6). Serum, BALF, and PBMCs were collected at ages 3, 22, and 35 days and tested for relative anti-VapA IgG1, IgG4/7, and IgA activities using ELISA and cell-mediated immunity by ELISpot.
RESULTS
As formulated, nebulized mRNA was not immunogenic. However, a significant increase in anti-VapA IgG4/7 activity (P < .05) was noted exclusively in foals immunized IM with VapA mRNA by age 35 days. The proportion of foals with anti-VapA IgG1 activity > 30% of positive control differed significantly (P = .0441) between negative controls (50%; 3/6), IM mRNA foals (100%; 5/5), and IM VapA (100%; 6/6) groups. Natural exposure to virulent R equi was immunogenic in some negative control foals.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Further evaluation of the immunogenicity and efficacy of IM mRNA encoding VapA in foals is warranted.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To measure the trunk vertical displacement (VD) in horses trotting on a water treadmill (WT) at different water depths (WDs) and speeds.
ANIMALS
6 sound Standardbred horses (median age 12 years [IQR:10.5-12]).
METHODS
The horses were trotted on a WT at 2 speeds (3.5 m/s and 5 m/s) and during 4 conditions: dry treadmill (DT), WD at mid-cannon (WD-CAN), mid-radius (WD-RAD), and shoulder (WD-SHOUL). The dorsoventral movement was obtained with accelerometers placed over the withers, thoracolumbar junction (T18), tuber sacrale (TS), and sacrum (S5). The VD was defined with the median value of the upward (Up) and downward (Down) amplitudes of the vertical excursion during each stride. The difference of VD at each sensor location was compared between the DT and the 3 WDs, and between the 2 trotting speeds for the same condition.
RESULTS
The VD amplitudes were significantly increased at any sensor location when trotting in water at WD-CAN and WD-RAD compared to DT (P < .05 for all), with the highest increase at WD-RAD and T18. When the speed increased from 3.5 to 5 m/s, the VD amplitudes were significantly decreased at T18 at each water level (P = .03), and at WD-RAD only for the withers and TS (P = .03).
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Both water depth and speed affect the trunk VD in horses at trot on a WT with an opposite effect. The VD increases when increasing the WD up to mid-radius, while the VD decreases when increasing the trotting speed, with the main effects observed at the thoracolumbar junction.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To describe the intestinal full-thickness needle-core biopsy technique via abdominal laparotomy outcomes and compare the histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnosis with standard incisional intestinal biopsy technique in dogs and cats.
ANIMALS
3 dogs and 17 cats.
METHODS
Client-owned dogs and cats were prospectively enrolled if intestinal full-thickness biopsies were indicated for the diagnosis of diffuse chronic intestinal diseases following ultrasonography. The study period extended from June 2021 to December 2022. All animals underwent intestinal biopsies with both techniques (needle-core biopsy and standard incisional biopsy) via abdominal laparotomy. Data collected included clinical signs, biopsy collection times, complications, and histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings. A minimum follow-up of 14 days was required.
RESULTS
The main clinical sign at presentation was chronic vomiting (65%). Mean needle-core biopsy collection time (262 seconds) was significantly shorter than standard incisional biopsy collection time (599 seconds; P < .000001). The incidence of minor complications was 10% (inflammation of the skin surgical site secondary to licking). One catastrophic complication occurred on a standard incisional biopsy site in 1 cat in a context of bile peritonitis (5% of all cases). There were no complications associated with the needle-core biopsy. All but 1 cat were discharged, with a median of 2 days (range, 1 to 4 days) after surgery. The diagnoses resulting from both techniques were 100% concordant for the distinction between inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal lymphoma via histopathology and immunochemistry.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Needle-core biopsy is safe, rapid, and effective and is less invasive than standard incisional biopsy.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Albumins are protein molecules that account for 50% of total plasma protein. They are imperative in maintaining intravascular colloidal oncotic pressure, act as key scavenger molecules for oxygen free radicals, and perform a major role in transporting numerous substances and in wound healing. Hypoalbuminemia has been reported as the consequence of decreased intake, increased loss, decreased production, and redistribution. While anecdotal evidence of tyrosine kinase inhibitors causing hypoalbuminemia in canine patients exists, to the author’s knowledge there is no formal report to this effect to date. This case report aims to bridge the gap between anecdotal evidence and literature.
ANIMAL
3-year-old neutered male hound-mix canine.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES
The patient was presented for recurrent otitis externa refractory to treatments with orbifloxacin/mometasone/posaconazole otic suspension, miconazole/polymyxin B/prednisolone otic suspension, ketoconazole/TrizEDTA, and gentamicin/mometasone/clotrimazole, which prompted consideration of oral antifungals. Baseline blood work prior to initiation of fluconazole showed elevated alkaline phosphatase. Treatment was initiated with fluconazole, and blood work was rechecked and revealed hypoalbuminemia. Multiple diagnostic tests failed to reveal a cause of hypoalbuminemia.
TREATMENT AND OUTCOME
Discontinuation of oclacitinib that the patient was being administered resulted in normalization of serum albumin.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
It is unclear whether hypoalbuminemia associated with oclacitinib administration is associated with worse outcomes for pathologies in canine patients; however, this seems to be the case in humans according to some reports. This report aims to take a step in the direction of this knowledge.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To examine preferences of veterinary clinical pathologists, clinicians, and students for cytology report formats.
SAMPLE
24 clinical pathologists, 1,014 veterinarians, and 93 veterinary students who were members of the Veterinary Information Network.
METHODS
Members of the Veterinary Information Network responded to an online survey invitation, made available between July 11, 2023, and July 24, 2023. Respondents were randomly directed to 1 of 4 sets of cytology reports, each containing a traditional narrative format, narrative format with terms expressing a degree of confidence and associated numerical ranges, and template format with similar estimates of confidence. Respondents ranked the reports in order of preference and then provided comments about their top-ranked choice. Responses were analyzed mostly with descriptive statistics or comparisons of proportions.
RESULTS
14 of 24 clinical pathologists preferred the traditional narrative format, whereas 449 of 1,042 veterinary clinicians and veterinary students preferred the template format. Respondents (460/1,131) ranked the template format as most preferred, but the narrative format with terms expressing a degree of confidence ranked highest overall. Many respondents appeared to misunderstand the degree of confidence estimates being expressed numerically. Respondents choosing each format often stated that their preferred choice was “easiest to understand” and “most comprehensive.”
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Given the preferences of veterinary clinicians and veterinary students for a template format, clinical pathologists should consider modifying the way they report evaluations of cytologic specimens. Template formats should help standardize reporting of cytologic specimens, thereby improving communication between clinical pathologists and clinicians. However, both clinicians and clinical pathologists need to better understand the purpose of terminology expressing degrees of confidence in such reports.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To describe the signalment, clinical findings, presumptive or definitive diagnosis, and outcome in cats with central cord syndrome (CCS).
ANIMALS
22 cats.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
Cats evaluated for CCS at 7 referral hospitals between 2017 and 2021 were included. Information retrieved from medical records included signalment, physical and neurological examination findings, diagnostic investigations, definitive or presumptive diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
RESULTS
Median age at presentation was 9 years. Two neuroanatomical localizations were associated with CCS: C1-C5 spinal cord segments in 17 (77.3%) cats and C6-T2 spinal cord segments in 5 (22.7%) cats. Neuroanatomical localization did not correlate with lesion location on MRI in 8 (36.3%) cats. The most common lesion location within the vertebral column was over the C2 and C4 vertebral bodies in 6 (27.2%) and 5 (22.7%) cats, respectively. Peracute clinical signs were observed in 11 (50%) cats, acute in 1 (4.5%), subacute in 4 (18%), and chronic and progressive signs were seen in 6 (40.9%) cats. The most common peracute condition was ischemic myelopathy in 8 (36.3%) cats, whereas neoplasia was the most frequently identified chronic etiology occurring in 5 (22.7%) cats. Outcome was poor in 13 (59%) cats, consisting of 4 of 11 (36.6%) of the peracute cases, 3 of 4 (75%) of the subacute cases, and 6 of 6 of the chronic cases.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Central cord syndrome can occur in cats with lesions in the C1-C5 and C6-T2 spinal cord segments. Multiple etiologies can cause CCS, most commonly, ischemic myelopathy and neoplasia. Prognosis depends on the etiology and onset of clinical signs.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To assess the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture in combination with Chinese herbs for treatment of horses affected with anhidrosis.
ANIMALS
44 horses affected with anhidrosis for up to 3 years’ duration were enrolled. Inclusion required both compatible clinical signs and results of a quantitative intradermal terbutaline sweat test.
METHODS
Study horses were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group 1 (n = 19) was treated with daily Chinese herbs and 4 weekly acupuncture sessions. Group 2 (n = 25) was given daily hay powder as a placebo and 4 weekly sham acupuncture sessions. Horses were tested by quantitative intradermal terbutaline sweat test within 2 days after treatment completion and again 4 weeks following treatment.
RESULTS
Terbutaline-induced sweat responses (mg) were not different between groups within 2 days and 4 weeks after treatment. Two days after treatment, ratios of sweat responses (compared to baseline) were higher (P < .05) in the treatment group compared to the placebo group at terbutaline concentrations of 1.0, 100, and 1,000 µg/mL. The number of horses responding to treatment was higher in the treatment group (5/19 [26%]), compared to horses in the placebo group (1/25 [4%]) for 1 of 5 terbutaline concentrations 2 days (10 µg/mL) or 4 weeks (0.1 µg/mL) after treatment.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Ratios of sweat responses were higher in treatment horses 2 days after treatment, compared to baseline, but not 4 weeks later. The efficacy of a traditional Chinese veterinary medicine protocol for anhidrosis treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbs was low but higher in treated horses compared with placebo.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Perform a cadaveric experimental pilot study to measure and compare potential radiation exposure to an orthopedic surgeon from 2 different-generation mini C-arm models during a simulated orthopedic surgery.
SAMPLE
16 radiation dosimeters.
METHODS
Mock surgery setups were constructed with a canine cadaver thoracic limb and 2 different-generation mini C-arm models. Four radiation dosimeters were placed near the mini C-arm to mimic common locations of radiation exposure during image acquisition. One mini C-arm was placed in auto technique mode, and 100 static images were acquired. The dosimeters were replaced, and a 5-minute-long dynamic image was acquired. The same protocols were repeated for the second mini C-arm. The dosimetry badges were then submitted for radiation exposure quantification.
RESULTS
All but 1 dosimeter had radiation exposure levels below the detectable limits of the dosimeter. The dosimeter closest to the primary x-ray beam of 1 mini C-arm during dynamic image acquisition had a reading of 1 mrem.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Intraoperative radiation exposure from the mini C-arm is low, specifically to areas not protected by lead and in close proximity to the primary x-ray beam. That being said, surgeons should always practice the principles of ALARA (ie, as low as reasonably achievable) to minimize radiation exposure in the workplace.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To describe a case of caudal duplication successfully operated with long-term follow-up.
ANIMAL
A 12-week-old female Chihuahua mix.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES
The dog of this report presented for evaluation of duplicate external organs, including 2 anuses, 2 vulvas, and 2 tails. The dog was clinically normal except for signs of cystitis. Contrast CT identified complete urogenital and anorectal duplication, characterized by duplication of the cecum, descending colon/rectum, urinary bladder, urethra, uterus, and ovaries, with left-sided rectovestibular fistula.
TREATMENT AND OUTCOME
Exploratory laparotomy was performed to remove the left cecum and colon, the left ureter was transected and implanted into the right urinary bladder, the left bladder and urethra were removed, and bilateral ovariohysterectomy removed 4 ovaries and 2 uteruses. Following abdominal closure, the left anus and vulva with remaining portions of distal rectum and urethra, respectively, were removed en bloc with both tails. Long-term follow-up at 5 years showed the dog to be clinically normal.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Caudal duplication is extremely rare in veterinary medicine, and this report details successful surgical correction with good long-term follow-up.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To compare dexmedetomidine-ketamine (DK; 0.1 and 10 mg/kg, respectively) with midazolam (M; 1.0 mg/kg) or 0.9% sodium chloride (S; 0.2 mL/kg) administered IM in the forelimb (F) or hindlimb (H) in eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina).
ANIMALS
20 clinically healthy, captive adult eastern box turtles.
METHODS
In a randomized, blinded, complete crossover study with 1-week washout periods, turtles were administered each of 3 treatments: F-DKS, F-DKM, or H-DKM. Palpebral reflex, muscle tone, and withdrawal responses were serially assessed and used to calculate cumulative sedation scores at each 5-minute time point. The ability to intubate was evaluated. At 60 minutes, atipamezole (1.0 mg/kg) and either flumazenil (F-DKM, H-DKM; 0.05 mg/kg) or 0.9% sodium chloride (F-DKS; 0.5 mL/kg) were administered IM.
RESULTS
All treatments resulted in clinically relevant anesthetic effects. F-DKM produced significantly higher sedation scores than H-DKM or F-DKS at all time points between 10 and 60 minutes (P < .05). Sedation score variability was observed with all treatments with significantly higher variability for H-DKM (P < .05). Intubation was successful in 32, 89, and 11% of turtles in F-DKS, F-DKM, and H-DKM, respectively. Median (range) recovery time was 10 (5–22), 16 (7–45), and 12 (4–28) minutes for F-DKS, F-DKM, and H-DKM, respectively.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
In eastern box turtles, forelimb dexmedetomidine-ketamine resulted in clinically relevant anesthetic effects that were heightened with the addition of midazolam. Hindlimb administration of midazolam-dexmedetomidine-ketamine resulted in reduced and more variable anesthetic effects compared to forelimb administration, supporting a hepatic first-pass effect.
