Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To assess the accuracy of an oscillometric monitor in anesthetized pigs and its ability to track changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and to detect arterial hypotension and hypertension in reference to direct measurements.
METHODS
Mean arterial pressure was measured simultaneously from a catheter in a femoral artery and with an oscillometric cuff placed over the metatarsus in 9 anesthetized pigs (∼6 months old, 35 to 55 kg). Pigs were subjected to maneuvers to alter MAP. Paired values for invasive and noninvasive MAP (iMAP and NiMAP) were recorded every 2 minutes. Bland-Altman plots with bias, limits of agreement, and percentage error were constructed using each pair and the average of 5 consecutive values. Concordance was calculated using changes in MAP at 20-minute intervals. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed to test NiMAP for detection of hypotension (< 70 mm Hg) and hypertension (≥ 120 mm Hg).
RESULTS
Bias of NiMAP was −8.59 mm Hg for consecutive pairs and −8.85 mm Hg for averaged pairs, relative to iMAP. Limits of agreement and percentage error were reduced for averages (19%) over individual pairs (26%). Concordance was 82%. The area under the ROC curve for detecting hypotension with NiMAP was 0.936, with a best cutoff value of 63 mm Hg NiMAP. The area under the ROC curve for hypertension was 0.940, with a best cutoff value of 101 mm Hg NiMAP.
CONCLUSIONS
Averaging several consecutive values improves the accuracy of NiMAP measurements.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
This device correctly tracked changes in MAP approximately 80% of the time and appears reliable for diagnosing arterial hypotension.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To perform testing for cytokines involved in dermal inflammatory reactions and to document and compare the effects of an oleander extract (OE), oleandrin, and oclacitinib on biomarkers relevant to allergic reactions. The effects of these compounds under inflamed culture conditions are of direct importance to the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis.
METHODS
Testing involved primary canine dermal fibroblasts and the canine DH82 macrophage cell line; both cell types are important for initiating, regulating, and resolving dermal allergic reactions via cytokine communication.
RESULTS
Under inflamed conditions, OE and oleandrin downregulated key cytokines secreted by canine dermal fibroblasts and the DH82 macrophage cell line; all of which are treatment targets in dermatitis. In the DH82 macrophage cultures, the most noteworthy reductions involved IL-6, IL-12/IL-23p40, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, VEGF, and nerve growth factor-β. Oclacitinib triggered reductions of some cytokines involved in allergic reactions, including TGF-β1, IL-12/IL-23p40, and tumor necrosis factor-α; however, these reductions were less robust than the reductions triggered by OE and oleandrin and accompanied by increases in other cytokines involved in dermal inflammation, including IL-6, interferon-γ, and nerve growth factor-β. In cultures of primary dermal fibroblasts, OE and oleandrin reduced the levels of IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, whereas oclacitinib had little or no effect.
CONCLUSIONS
Oleander extract and oleandrin directly modulate immune responses under inflamed conditions. Moreover, OE and oleandrin appear to provide a more beneficial overall cytokine regulation than oclacitinib under inflamed culture conditions.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
These results suggest that OE and oleandrin are efficacious agents to treat canine atopic dermatitis. Future studies should evaluate the efficacy of these compounds in dogs affected by atopic dermatitis.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To describe the CT features of Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLLs) and their association with trauma in cats. This study aimed to investigate whether MLL fluid in cats accumulates between the dermis and deep fascia near superficial trauma, exhibits a vertical attenuation gradient, and shows no or only mild contrast enhancement on CT images.
ANIMALS
3 young cats: a 1-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat, a 2-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat, and a 3-year-old neutered female British Shorthair cat.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
The clinical presentation of the 3 cats in the study involved recurrent swelling and fluid accumulation affecting at least 1 pelvic limb following trauma.
RESULTS
In all cases, there was a fluid-filled space deep to the skin and superficial subcutaneous layer but superficial to the deep fascial plane overlying the muscular component of the pelvic limbs. The MLL fluid had a vertical attenuation gradient and no or only mild contrast enhancement.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Morel-Lavallée lesions are often initially overlooked, likely due to distraction by concomitant significant bone injuries, and can be mistaken for hematomas, seromas, subcutaneous edema, contusions, or cellulitis, leading to less aggressive treatment. If left untreated, MLLs present a significant risk of extensive skin necrosis compared to other types of subcutaneous swelling.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the CT features of pulmonary metastases in dogs with hemangiosarcoma (HSA) at various sites. Additionally, the CT characteristics of extrapulmonary metastases in the same population were assessed.
METHODS
Retrospective, observational, and descriptive study conducted from April 2013 to January 2024. Dogs with histologically confirmed HSA and suspected or cytologically/histologically confirmed lung metastases were included. Dogs were excluded if they had a second primary tumor or only 1 unsampled pulmonary nodule.
RESULTS
33 dogs were included, with 26/33 [78.8%] having more than 10 metastatic pulmonary nodules. Most nodules were generalized (24/33 [72.7%]), miliary (29/33 [87.9%]) to subcentimetric (32/33 [97%]) in size, well-defined margins (29/33 [87.9%]), or a perilesional halo sign (24/33 [72.7%]). When more than 10 nodules were present, a generalized distribution was prevalent, while a peripheral location was more common when 2 to 10 nodules were present (P < .0001). In 32/33 (97%) cases, a pulmonary vessel was directly connected to the nodule (feeding vessel). After contrast administration, most lung metastases appeared homogenous (26/33 [78.8%]), although some showed areas of intense enhancement (5/33 [15.1%]) a feature also observed in extrapulmonary metastases with varying frequency (0% to 85.7%).
CONCLUSIONS
Pulmonary HSA metastases were characterized by generalized, small (miliary/subcentimetric), well-defined nodules, commonly associated with a halo sign and feeding vessel. Intralesional areas of spotty postcontrast linear or amorphous strong hyperdensity were frequently observed especially in extrapulmonary metastases.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
These features may help radiologists and clinicians orient their diagnosis toward metastatic HSA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate nonsurgical management outcomes of cleft palate (CP) in dogs and identify any association between cleft size, prevalence of clinical signs, and quality of life (QoL).
METHODS
65 dogs treated conservatively for CP from January 2006 through December 2023 were retrospectively identified. Diet, activity, medical history, and QoL were recorded for dogs that survived to the transition to solid food. Results were compared to those from 24 control dogs. Measurements of cleft area, width, and percentage of the hard palate occupied by the cleft were made with the use of calibrated photographs. Clefts were divided into 3 types: wide throughout, wide rostrally, and slit throughout.
RESULTS
Sneezing was the most frequent clinical sign (43 of 65 over the past month, 34 of 65 when most affected). There was a greater frequency of material lodging in the cleft in the wide-throughout clefts (13 of 16 dogs) compared to the slit-throughout clefts (7 of 19 dogs). Veterinary removal of material was required in 10 of 68 episodes (7 of 31 dogs). There was no correlation between cleft size and prevalence of clinical signs or QoL. Sixty-three percent of dogs had a perfect QoL on a weighted scale, while 83.3% had a perfect score on a visual analog scale. Sixty-four of 65 owners would adopt another dog with a CP.
CONCLUSIONS
Measures of QoL were favorable among dogs treated conservatively for CP.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Conservative management appears to be a viable option for treatment of CPs in some dogs.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate outcome in 60 dogs with cystine urolithiasis treated with surgical removal with and without castration and postoperative therapeutic diet to determine frequency of recurrence and urolith-free duration.
METHODS
Patient records were reviewed for dogs with documented cystine urolithiasis from September 2010 to December 2020. Medical records, client interviews, and referring veterinarians were contacted to document the absence of clinical signs associated with subsequent urolith formation and to evaluate risk factors for urolith reoccurrence.
RESULTS
80 patients were identified with cystine uroliths, with 60 qualifying for inclusion in the study. Seven dogs were neutered prior to surgery, and 25 dogs were neutered at the time of the first surgery. Recurrence occurred in 20 dogs; 17 of those patients were intact (85%) at the time of recurrent urinary signs. Of the 20 dogs with recurrence, 50% (10 of 20) were being treated with dietary modifications.
CONCLUSIONS
The risk of recurrence among neutered pets was 23% versus 47% for intact pets, but this difference was not statistically significant; however, neutered pets had a longer urolithiasis-free duration. There was no statistically significant difference in risk of recurrence and urolith-free duration between pets with and without therapeutic diet management, (30% vs 32.5%) respectively. Multivariant analysis showed no significant interaction between surgical intervention with therapeutic diet, with nonsignificant hazard ratios (HRs) for neuter status (HR = 0.503), diet (HR = 1.056), and their interaction (HR = 4.32 to 9).
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Sexually intact (vs castrated) male dogs should be monitored more closely for recurrence of surgical cystine urolithiasis.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To investigate radiographic detection by excretory urography of morphological changes in the urinary bladder associated with urachal anomalies in calves.
METHODS
Excretory urography was performed to detect morphological changes in the urinary bladder of 13 calves, of which 6 were nondysuric with swelling of umbilical region and 7 were dysuric without clinical umbilical swelling from November 2022 through April 2024.
RESULTS
The urinary bladder was delineated in all 13 calves after excretory urography. The aspect ratios (length:height), which objectively evaluate the shape of the urinary bladder, ranged from 1.08 to 2.43 (1.90 in average) and 1.34 to 11.89 (4.75 in average) in nondysuric and dysuric calves, respectively. The ratios of calves with nondysuric were significantly lower than those of dysuric (P < .05).
CONCLUSIONS
Excretory urography could play an important role in evaluating abnormal morphological changes due to urachus anomalies in the urinary bladder of calves.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Among calves with dysuria, urachal anomaly should be included in the differential diagnosis. Excretory urography is proposed as an alternative option for early diagnosis among calves presenting with dysuria to improve livestock productivity.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To provide a video tutorial on how to perform a temporary palatopexy in an anesthetized brachycephalic dog.
ANIMALS
Brachycephalic dogs.
METHODS
To perform a temporary palatopexy, needle drivers, forceps, intubation equipment, and absorbable suture material are needed. In an anesthetized and ideally intubated patient, buried sutures are placed, tacking the free edge of the soft palate to the junction of the hard and soft palate.
RESULTS
Temporary palatopexy pulls the soft palate out of the airway to improve airflow and manage brachycephalic upper airway crises.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Temporary palatopexy can be used for brachycephalic obstructive airway crises in an attempt to avoid prolonged intubation, temporary tracheostomy, emergent palatoplasty, euthanasia, or death. This is not intended to replace permanent palatoplasty but to allow time for stabilization/transfer or delay palatoplasty due to the higher complication rate of emergent palatoplasty.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The investigators' hypothesis is that Jack Russell Terriers (JRTs), Miniature Pinschers (MPs), and Brussels Griffons (BGs) without underlying cardiac disease have breed-specific vertebral heart size (VHS) reference intervals.
METHODS
The electronic medical records of IDEXX Telemedicine Consultants were searched for JRTs, MPs, and BGs undergoing radiography from January 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023. The study range was expanded to January 1 2022, through June 30, 2023, for BGs only to improve case volume. Dogs were included if they had 2- or 3-view thoracic radiographs performed and no evidence of cardiopulmonary or systemic disease. The VHS and vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) measurements were performed by the same board-certified cardiologist for all images.
RESULTS
During the study period, a total of 991 JRTs, 750 MPs, and 399 BGs were identified. Of these, 689 JRTs, 512 MPs, and 267 BGs were excluded, leaving 302 JRTs, 238 MPs, and 132 BGs available for analysis. The reference intervals for JRTs were 9.7v to 11.8v for VHS and 1.8v to 2.6v for VLAS. The reference intervals for MPs were 9.6v to 12.2v for VHS and 1.7v to 2.4v for VLAS. The reference intervals for BGs were 9.3v to 11.9v for VHS and 1.7v to 2.4v for VLAS.
CONCLUSIONS
Jack Russell Terriers, MPs, and BGs have breed-specific VHS and VLAS reference intervals.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Clinicians should be aware of these results to accurately diagnose cardiac disease in these 3 breeds.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to compare the accuracy of kinematic measurements obtained using the 2-D video-based kinematic motion analysis (KMA) software Kinovea (version 0.9.5; http://www.kinovea.org) with 3-D KMA in healthy dogs.
METHODS
In this prospective study, 3-D marker–based KMA (VICON-Nexus, version 2.12.1, and Procalc, version 1.6; VICON Motion Systems Ltd) was performed on healthy dogs (body weight ≥ 20 kg; height at withers > 50 cm) walking on a treadmill (study period: November 2022). Simultaneously, dogs were video recorded by 1 smartphone (iPhone SE; Apple Inc) at a 1.50-m distance perpendicular to the shoulder (60 frames per second; 1,920 X 1,080 pixels) for KMA using Kinovea. Joint angle and joint angle velocity of the shoulder, elbow, carpus, hip, stifle, and tarsus were calculated for 6 synchronized gait cycles. Each gait cycle was divided into 10 increments. The difference between 3-D KMA and Kinovea was assessed for each parameter using robust linear mixed-effects models.
RESULTS
34 dogs were included. The estimated joint angle difference between 3-D KMA and Kinovea was less than 2° for all shoulder and elbow gait cycle increments. For the carpus, hip, stifle, and tarsus, the difference was less than 2° in 9, 5, 4, and 4 out of 10 gait cycle increments, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Kinovea provides accurate kinematic data for the shoulder and elbow of healthy dogs. Carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal kinematics were less accurate.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The use of Kinovea for clinical and research purposes remains limited. Future Kinovea-based studies are needed to investigate the accuracy of carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal kinematics.
