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Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of hand walking exercise on myoelectrical activity and contractility in normal, healthy horses.

METHODS

Prospective experimental design. A convenience sample of 8 horses were randomized to a control or hand walking treatment group; each horse underwent both treatments. After a 30-minute baseline electrointestinography (EIG), horses were stall rested or hand walked for 15 minutes. Electrointestinography was repeated immediately and at 2 hours. Ultrasonography and auscultation monitored cecal and left ventral colon (LVC) contractions during EIG. Electrointestinography spectral analysis obtained dominant frequency (DF), dominant power (DP), total power (TP) frequency distribution, and changes in slow-wave rhythmic activity.

RESULTS

The median (IQR) DF in cycles per minute (cpm) was higher for the cecum (2.067 cpm; IQR, 0.633 cpm) compared to the LVC (2.0 cpm; IQR, 0.396 cpm) but was unchanged by either treatment. Cecal DP (0.0086 mV; IQR, 0.0070 mV) was higher than LVC DP (0.0068 mV; IQR, 0.0051 mV) in the hand walking group, but DP and TP were unaffected by either treatment over time. Borborygmi at all time points were unchanged in both treatment groups. Ultrasonographic contractions were similar across time in both treatment groups and correlated with borborygmi (ρ = 0.63). Dominant power did not correlate with contractions or borborygmi (P > .2081).

CONCLUSIONS

Brief hand walking as a single strategy to increase gastrointestinal motility did not affect contractility or EIG in normal horses.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Fasting and stall rest may not represent the spectrum of severity of gastrointestinal stasis observed in clinical cases. This model is directly applicable to horses fasted prior to surgical procedures.

Open access
in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To describe a simultaneous surgical approach to the abdominal cavity and perineum for complete vaginectomy performed in dorsal recumbency and to create a schematic for guiding the procedure without the need for patient repositioning.

ANIMALS

3 client-owned dogs with urogenital pathology.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

The first dog, an 11-year-old neutered female Border Collie, presented with stranguria and tenesmus. The second dog, a 13-year-old intact female Cocker Spaniel, was referred for further investigation of a vaginal mass. The third dog, a 12-year-old intact female Border Collie, presented with polyuria/polydipsia and vaginal discharge.

RESULTS

Data concerning complete vaginectomies performed in dorsal recumbency between June 2023 and June 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. A single intraoperative complication, involving perforation of the caudal urethra, was encountered in the third dog. Postoperative complications included intermittent urinary incontinence responsive to medical treatment in the first dog and transient self-limiting urinary incontinence in 2 dogs. Long-term follow-up revealed excellent outcomes with satisfactory cosmetic results for the first, second, and third dogs, with follow-up periods of 12, 8, and 4 months, respectively. No complications related to positioning were encountered, and no conversions were required.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The combination of ventral midline celiotomy with episiotomy in dorsal recumbency is a feasible, well-tolerated technique that provides optimal surgical access and visualization. Eliminating the need for intraoperative repositioning reduces anesthetic and surgical times while maintaining sterility, stability, and continuous monitoring.

Restricted access
in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To report clinical signs, biological anomalies, treatment, and outcome in domestic ferrets with cholecystitis, describe the ultrasonographic features of cholecystitis, and compare the ultrasonographic appearance of the hepatobiliary system between diseased and healthy ferrets.

METHODS

11 ferrets with confirmed cholecystitis and abdominal ultrasonography were retrospectively included. Ten healthy ferrets were prospectively recruited to undergo hepatobiliary abdominal ultrasonography. Comparisons of explanatory variables (group, age, body weight, and sex) were performed.

RESULTS

The most common clinical signs were nonspecific, and icterus was observed in 1/4 of diseased ferrets. Compared with healthy individuals, diseased ferrets showed a larger common bile duct (CBD; ≥ 2.8 mm), a thicker CBD wall (≥ 0.7 mm), a thicker gallbladder (GB) wall, more frequent echoic GB luminal content, visible intrahepatic bile ducts, and a greater GB volume. Bile culture was positive in 9/11 mostly for Escherichia coli (8/9). Bile cytology indicated septic purulent cholecystitis in 7/7 ferrets. Survival time after antibiotic treatment ranged from 6 to 104 weeks, with a median of 36 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Ferrets with cholecystitis presented with nonspecific clinical signs and frequently showed hyperbilirubinemia. Ultrasonography findings such as enlarged CBD, thickened CBD wall, thicker GB wall, GB sludge, visible intrahepatic bile ducts, and enlarged GB may suggest cholecystitis. Escherichia coli was commonly isolated from bile. The medium-term mortality rate was high despite targeted antibiotherapy.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This is the first study describing the clinical signs, biological anomalies, ultrasonographic findings, and outcomes after treatment in a series of domestic ferrets with cholecystitis.

Open access
in American Journal of Veterinary Research

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To study the feasibility of ultrasound-guided intervertebral disc (IVD) injection of contrast medium and methylene blue to aid in intraoperative identification of cervical IVD spaces in dogs.

METHODS

This was a single-center experimental cadaver study using randomly chosen skeletally mature dog cadavers from January 2, 2023, to March 23, 2023. For each cadaver, 1 cervical IVD was randomly selected. The ventral cervical region was ultrasonographically examined, pushing the trachea leftwards. A 50/50 contrast medium (iohexol, 300 mgI/mL) and methylene blue mixture was injected under ultrasound guidance in the IVD and ventral soft tissues. The x-rays and CT scans were performed before and after injection. Each cadaver was dissected using a ventral slot procedure. The cadavers and IVD characteristics, the success rate in ultrasonographically identifying the correct IVD space, time to injection, most caudal IVD space feasibly injectable, and semiquantitative imaging and surgical scores were recorded.

RESULTS

20 canine cadavers were used. The IVD injections were successfully performed in the correct IVD space in all cadavers. The median time to injection was 3.95 minutes (Q1 to Q3, 3.22 to 5.88 minutes). The contrast medium was clearly visible on at least 1 radiographic projection in all but 1 case and on the CT in all cases. During surgical dissection, the dye was clearly visible in all but 1 case. The dogs’ weight was significantly different between most caudal IVD spaces feasibly injectable.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonographical cervical IVD space identification and mixture injection are feasible and might help intraoperative cervical IVD space identification in dogs.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This technique could be used presurgically in patients with cervical IVD diseases.

Open access
in American Journal of Veterinary Research

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to report the impact of production practices and sanitary management on the prevalence of Neospora caninum (N caninum) and bluetongue virus (BTV) in Creole goats from the tropical dry forest of Utcubamba, Peru.

METHODS

354 blood samples were obtained from male and female goats of diverse ages reared under an extensive productive system. The diagnosis of N caninum and BTV was conducted through a commercial ELISA kit (iD.vet) with readings taken on a Bio-Rad iMark microplate reader at 450 nm. Additionally, a survey was conducted with 18 goat producers to categorize them based on social, technical (production, health, reproduction, nutrition, and infrastructure), environmental, and economic factors.

RESULTS

The overall seroprevalence of N caninum and BTV in goats was 6.21% and 7.06%, respectively, Notably, group II farmers had the highest prevalence rates at 7.69% for N caninum and 23.08% for BTV. This group comprises producers with fewer than 21 goats, while group III includes 14.3% of producers with over 60 goats and better infrastructure.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the presence of N caninum and BTV in goats of Utcubamba, Peru. Group II displayed the highest prevalence rates, suggesting that herd size and management infrastructure influence disease prevalence.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In the tropical dry forest of Utcubamba, inadequate management of N caninum carrier agents (eg, nondewormed dogs) heightens transmission risk, while the tropical climate supports BTV vectors. Effective diagnosis and health management strategies, including vector control and biosecurity practices, are crucial for ongoing herd health monitoring.

Open access
in American Journal of Veterinary Research

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of levomethadone/fenpipramide and metamizole alone and in combination on acute nociception.

METHODS

8 healthy, adult Beagles were used in 2 separate randomized, complete crossover, experimental trials (threshold testing and determination of minimal alveolar concentration [MAC]) with masked observers. In both trials, treatments were 0.2 mg·kg−1 levomethadone/fenpipramide (L), 75 mg·kg−1 metamizole (M), or their combination (LM). In conscious dogs, mechanical thresholds were determined using constantly rising force. Thermal thresholds were measured via ramped contact heat. The MAC of sevoflurane was determined using the bracketing method with electrical stimulus (50 V, 50 Hz, 10 ms) before and 1 and 4 hours after treatment.

RESULTS

Mechanical thresholds in L and LM were significantly increased above baseline (BL) for 165 minutes and above M for 135 minutes. Percent thermal threshold excursion significantly increased above BL in L for 75 minutes and in LM for 135 minutes. In L and LM, the percent thermal threshold excursion was significantly higher than in M from 15 to 75 or 135 minutes, respectively. In L and LM, the MAC of sevoflurane was significantly reduced at 1 hour compared to BL and M.

CONCLUSION

Duration but not the magnitude of thermal antinociception of levomethadone/fenpipramide was increased by metamizole. Mechanical antinociception in awake dogs and anesthetic-sparing effects of levomethadone/fenpipramide were not altered.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Coadministration of levomethadone/fenpipramide and metamizole to increase antinociception is not justified.

Open access
in American Journal of Veterinary Research

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To determine the normal fecal microbiome of healthy rabbits in comparison to rabbits with gastrointestinal (GI) disease. Next-generation DNA sequencing was used to identify the primary bacteria and fungi in the microbiome.

METHODS

Fecal pellets from 25 clinically healthy rabbits and 25 rabbits experiencing GI disease were collected. Next-generation DNA sequencing was performed targeting the ITS-2 region for mycobiome, and the V1–V3 region of the 16S rRNA for bacteriome analysis. ITS-2 stands for internal transcribed spacer 2, a region of DNA in fungi that is used to identify and classify species.

RESULTS

In healthy rabbit feces, Bacteroidales sp, Odoribacter sp, Paraprevotella xylaniphila, Lachnospiraceae sp, Papillibacter sp, Akkermansia sp, and Ruminococcus sp were noted to be more prevalent. Comparatively, Lachnoclostridium sp, Anaerotruncus sp, Subdoligranulum sp, and B uniformis were found in greater abundance in rabbits with GI disease. Only 1 fungal species, Malassezia restricta, was significantly enriched in the GI disease group.

CONCLUSIONS

Next-generation DNA sequencing technology can be used to evaluate the microbiome of the rabbit GI tract through fecal material and can provide a clinically accessible testing method for veterinarians.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Numerous bacteria and fungi in the fecal samples of healthy rabbits were identified that could be considered markers of gastrointestinal health; similarly, specific bacteria and fungi were noted in greater abundance in rabbits with GI disease, which should be further investigated for their importance in causing, contributing to, or as the result of clinical disease. These findings support the use of next-generation DNA sequencing in order to diversify our understanding of the microbiome of rabbit feces, aid in clinical diagnosis, and provide support for the need for more specific probiotic supplements for rabbits.

Open access
in American Journal of Veterinary Research

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.

Open access
in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
in American Journal of Veterinary Research