Diagnostic imaging of unilateral orbital disease in dogs

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Bartonella henselae DNA in two dogs with pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis

Bartonella henselae DNA was detected by means of a quantitative real-time PCR assay in lymph node specimens and blood samples from 2 dogs with pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis. In contrast, in both dogs, antibodies against B henselae were not detected with indirect immunofluorescent antibody assays performed during periods of active disease. Both dogs responded to antimicrobial treatment, although 1 dog required administration of immunosuppressive doses of a corticosteroid for complete clinical recovery. Findings suggest that B henselae may be a possible cause of or cofactor in the development of pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis in dogs.

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Surgical management of a thyroglossal duct cyst in a cat

A large mass on the ventral aspect of the neck of a 14-year-old cat was found to be a thyroglossal duct cyst. Serum thyroxine concentration was within reference limits, and thyroxine concentration of cyst fluid was similar to the serum concentration. Results of radiography and computed tomography suggested that the mass extended from the level of the first vertebra to the manubrium. The cyst was excised, with no evidence of recurrence 15 months after surgery. The cyst differed from thyroglossal duct cysts in humans in that it was relatively larger and did not have a tract extending from the cyst through the hyoid apparatus to the base of the tongue.

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Comparison of cytologic and histologic findings in dogs and cats with splenic lesions

In dogs and cats with splenic lesions, results of cytologic examination of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirates may provide information that precludes the need for surgery. However, the accuracy of diagnoses obtained by cytologic examination of splenic aspirates is not known. A study of splenic aspirates from 29 dogs and 3 cats with splenic lesions revealed that the cytologic diagnosis corresponded with the eventual histologic diagnosis in only 19 (61%) of 31 cases (in 1 case, the aspirate was inadequate for evaluation) and differed in 5 (16%). In 7 (23%) cases, histologic evaluation of tissue architecture was required to distinguish between reactive and neoplastic conditions.

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Hemophagocytic syndrome in dogs

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Husbandry practices affecting risks of foreign animal disease in miniature swine

Miniature swine kept as pets could potentially play a role in initiating or maintaining a foreign animal disease outbreak or contribute to disease transmission. For this reason, an online survey of owners of miniature swine was conducted to obtain information about husbandry practices that might affect the risk of foreign animal diseases, particularly foot-and-mouth disease. Results suggested that miniature pigs kept as pets could be exposed to various factors potentially involved in introducing, establishing, or spreading a foreign animal disease. In addition, veterinary services and carcass disposal methods used by owners reduced the likelihood that sick or dead pigs would undergo an ante- or postmortem examination by a veterinarian.

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Plasma biochemical reference intervals for koi

Plasma biochemical analyses are not commonly performed in fish because of a lack of reference intervals and laboratories that will perform such analyses. For this reason, plasma samples from 71 healthy adult koi were analyzed with an in-house tabletop analyzer to determine reproducibility of the results and establish reference intervals. Intraclass correlation coefficients were excellent for all analytes except alanine amino-transferase, sodium, γ-glutamyltransferase, and phosphorus. Reference intervals were established for most analytes, but further research is needed to establish reference intervals for globulin, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, and albumin concentrations.

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Turnover rates among animal shelter employees with euthanasia responsibilities

Each year, several millions of companion animals are euthanized in shelters, a procedure most typically performed by shelter workers. Because factors associated with turnover rates among employees who have specifically been charged with euthanasia responsibilities are poorly understood, a survey study was conducted to examine the effects of euthanasia rates, euthanasia practices, and human resource practices on the turn-over rate among those employees. Findings of the study suggest several specific avenues that could be pursued to mitigate turnover among employees with euthanasia responsibilities at animal shelters and animal control or veterinary medical organizations.

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