Javma-journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association最新文献

Objective: To demonstrate how to perform a venipuncture technique in small mammals using the proximal jugular vein, which may be useful when working with zoological companion and laboratory animals.

Animals: Proximal jugular venipuncture can be performed in a variety of small mammal species.

Methods: Heavy sedation or anesthesia is required. The patient is placed in dorsal recumbency and the skin disinfected. A small-gauge needle (typically, a 27-gauge needle or smaller is sufficient) on a 1- to 3-mL syringe is inserted 90° to the skin immediately cranial to where the clavicle inserts onto the manubrium. In species with small clavicles (eg, guinea pigs), the needle is inserted where the first rib connects to the manubrium. The needle is inserted to a depth of approximately 1 cm and slowly retracted with negative pressure. When a flash of blood appears in the hub, the needle is maintained at that depth by stabilizing the barrel. If the blood flow stops, the needle is gently inserted or retracted until it resumes. Pressure is held at the site after needle retraction.

Results: Proximal jugular venipuncture is performed with the immobilized patient in dorsal recumbency and utilizes palpable landmarks. Holding the needle at the successful depth by stabilizing the syringe barrel is key for blood collection, and it is important to hold pressure at the site after collection to prevent hematoma formation.

Clinical relevance: Proximal jugular venipuncture is an option for collecting diagnostically useful volumes of blood in several small mammal species and provides palpable landmarks for needle placement while avoiding the need to utilize small peripheral veins or needle insertion into the thoracic cavity (eg, cranial vena cava venipuncture).

Objective: To describe the clinical features of urinary tract infections in pet rabbits, identify the bacterial species involved and their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and investigate risk factors.

Methods: In this retrospective multicentric observational study, data were retrieved from the medical records of 3 veterinary centers located in the Greater Paris region, France, between 2009 and 2025. Inclusion criteria consisted of all rabbits presented for consultation in which a urine culture had been carried out. Signalment and clinical data were analyzed for statistical associations with urine culture results (positive vs negative). Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were retrieved.

Results: 79 rabbits underwent urine bacterial culture. Overall, 34.2% (27 of 79) of rabbits had a positive urine culture, of which 59.3% (16 of 27) were female and 84.6% (22 of 26) had urinary sludge, 9.1% (2 of 22) urolithiasis, 33.3% (8 of 24) consistent ultrasonographic signs of pyelonephritis, and 71.4% (15 of 21) bacteria on urine microscopic examination. Most urine samples were collected by cystocentesis (94.8% [73 of 77]). The presence of bacteria on urine microscopic examination was the only statistically significant parameter associated with urinary tract infection, with a sensitivity of 71% (95% CI, 60% to 82%) and specificity of 90% (95% CI, 82% to 98%) when compared to culture results. In 74.1% (20 of 27) of cases, a single species of bacteria was isolated, with a total of 36 different isolates. The most common bacteria were Escherichia coli (27.8% [10 of 36]), Enterococcus faecalis (19.4% [7 of 36]), and Staphylococcus spp (11.1% [4 of 36]). Resistance was reported for azithromycin (66.2% [15 of 20]), penicillin (57.9% [13 of 19]), sulfonamides-trimethoprim (31.4% [11 of 35]), enrofloxacin (17.9% [5 of 28]), and ceftiofur (17.1% [6 of 35]). Overall, 52.8% (19 of 36) of bacteria were multidrug resistant.

Conclusions: Frequent resistance to empirically used antibiotics was observed. As no risk factors could be identified, larger-scale studies are needed.

Clinical relevance: Bacterial isolation is common, and urine culture should be encouraged to adjust therapy in accordance with antimicrobial stewardship practices.

Objective: To compare blood parameters from samples collected by venipuncture versus a push-pull technique from a peripheral IV catheter (PIVC).

Methods: This prospective nonrandomized clinical study included dogs that required hospitalization with IV fluid therapy. Dogs were prospectively enrolled if they met the study criteria and owner consent was obtained. To be included, dogs had to weigh ≥ 10 kg and require hospitalization with IV fluid therapy. Exclusion criteria included confirmed or suspected coagulopathy or clinically relevant anemia (Hct < 0.30 L/L) or thrombocytopenia (platelet concentration < 100 X 109/L). At the time of hospitalization, paired blood samples were collected via venous venipuncture and with the use of a push-pull technique with a freshly placed 20-gauge, 1.1 X 30-mm PIVC. Blood samples were submitted for CBC and biochemistry profiles. Samples were again collected after a minimum of 24 hours of hospitalization, with IV fluids and medications administered through the PIVC.

Results: 70 dogs were included, with 33 completing both time points. The venipuncture and PIVC methods had an overall positive correlation at both the T0 and T24 time points. Statistically significant, but not clinically relevant, differences were noted for several parameters. Leukogram indices were more likely to have discordant results. Despite observed differences, all blood indices with PIVC collection fell well within acceptable variation for clinical decision-making.

Conclusions: This push-pull PIVC sampling protocol is an effective and clinically appropriate method of blood collection in hospitalized dogs.

Clinical relevance: This protocol may be used to reduce venipuncture in hospitalized dogs.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus negatively impacts pig health and well-being, the mental health and emotional well-being of animal caretakers, and producer economics. In response, a vision of "A World Without PRRS" has been cast, calling for elimination of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus from the US swine herd. This Viewpoint provided an opinion regarding the road map to success and identified essential tactics.

Objective: To provide a video tutorial on ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis and injection of the canine radiocarpal and tarsocrural joints.

Animals: Dogs undergoing arthrocentesis or intra-articular injections for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Methods: The radiocarpal joint is visualized in long axis and the tarsocrural joint in short axis with a 70% isopropyl alcohol medium and linear array probe with a frequency range of 3 to 22 MHz and footprint of 25.5 mm after clipping a window and preparing the region sterilely. The needle is inserted, bevel up, in long axis with the probe angled at the appropriate trajectory to enter the visible joint space. The needle is advanced until the tip is visualized entering the joint. Aspiration to obtain synovial fluid can further confirm needle placement or provide diagnostic sampling prior to injection. The aspirate syringe is exchanged for that containing the therapeutic agent, and injectate can then be visualized entering and/or expanding the joint upon injection.

Results: Ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis will help to avoid surrounding vasculature and soft tissue structures, confirm needle placement, and target fluid pocketing. Needle guidance into a joint can reduce iatrogenic tissue damage from inappropriate needle placement and/or by minimizing attempts.

Clinical relevance: For arthrocentesis, ultrasound guidance can maximize joint fluid volume acquisition for diagnostic purposes while avoiding blood contamination. For joint injections, ultrasound will help ensure intra-articular delivery of the injectate, particularly when synovial fluid aspirate feedback is inhibited (dry joint or obstructive synovial proliferation). Imaging guidance can help reduce iatrogenic tissue damage and procedure time.

Objective: The objective of this video is to demonstrate a reliable technique for obtaining diagnostic venogram images of the equine foot. Venogram studies are indicated to assess vascular contrast filling of the equine digit, primarily in cases of laminitis.

Animals: A healthy university-owned horse was used for demonstration purposes. The protocol was approved by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University IACUC.

Methods: The horse's shoes are removed, and the foot is cleaned of debris. The horse is sedated and a medial and lateral abaxial nerve block performed. The pastern is clipped if the hair coat is long. An aseptic scrub is performed on the pastern, and the horse is placed on radiographic positioning blocks. An Esmarch tourniquet is placed at the fetlock, and a 21-gauge butterfly catheter is inserted into the palmar digital vein. Iodinated contrast is injected; immediately following contrast injection, radiographic views are obtained. Weight-bearing lateral-medial, weight-bearing dorsal-palmar, upright pedal/dorsoproximal-palmarodistal oblique, unloaded lateral-medial, unloaded dorsopalmar, and late weight-bearing lateral-medial and dorsopalmar images are our standard views. The tourniquet is removed, followed by removal of the butterfly catheter and a light bandage placed over the venipuncture site.

Results: Radiographic images are obtained and reviewed by clinicians to determine whether there is decreased or abnormal vascular contrast filling of the foot.

Clinical relevance: Findings from the venogram study can guide shoeing and other treatment choices, particularly for laminitic horses.

Objective: To describe veterinary workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding AI in veterinary medicine, with an emphasis on diagnostic imaging.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional survey was administered from February through July 2023 with Qualtrics. A convenience sample of general and emergency practitioners, board-certified and board-eligible specialists, interns, residents, technicians, and students was recruited predominantly in Canada and the US.

Results: Responses from 673 participants were analyzed. Most respondents reported no or minimal formal AI training (90.5%) and a basic understanding of AI (66.1%). Twenty-five percent reported AI was used at their workplace. Most believed AI will alter veterinary medicine (72.3%) and improve veterinary radiology (56.6%), and most did not believe AI will completely replace radiologists (85.2%).

Conclusions: Veterinary workers reported limited AI knowledge but generally optimistic attitudes toward adoption and strong interest in education and evidence-based validation of AI tools.

Clinical relevance: With the use of AI in veterinary medicine rapidly growing, it may be beneficial to include AI training in the curriculum for veterinary students and technicians and in continuing education for currently practicing veterinarians to ensure the responsible and successful implementation of AI into the field.

Objective: To describe the prevalence of postrace airway abnormalities in a population of barrel racing horses competing in Oklahoma.

Methods: A descriptive field study was conducted at a single event. Horses underwent resting endoscopy within 60 minutes of competition. Recordings were evaluated and numerical and/or binary scores assigned for pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia, recurrent laryngeal neuropathy, dorsal displacement of the soft palate, epiglottic entrapment, and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. Clients completed a questionnaire detailing the horse's medical history and run time. A linear regression model was used for analysis of pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia, recurrent laryngeal neuropathy, and effect of medications on run time. A Poisson regression was used for analysis of combined exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage scores. A logistic regression was used for analysis of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage and dorsal displacement of the soft palate binary scores.

Results: Airway examinations were evaluated for 106 horses. Abnormalities, including recurrent laryngeal neuropathy, severe pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia, and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, were diagnosed in 83 horses (78.3%). The most common abnormality detected was pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia (104 of 106 horses [98.1%]), though only 25 of 104 (24.0%) were severe and included in the 78.3% prevalence. Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy was identified in 65 of 106 horses (61.3%). Presence of pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia or recurrent laryngeal neuropathy was not associated with run time. Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage was observed in 30 of 106 horses (28.3%) but had a positive association with run time. Medications did not affect run time.

Conclusions: Mild airway abnormalities were common but not performance limiting in this population of barrel racing horses.

Clinical relevance: Subclinical airway abnormalities detectable on endoscopic evaluation may be common in competitive barrel racing horses. Additional studies using dynamic endoscopy are warranted.

Objectives: To describe the utility of needlescopy as an intraoperative tool in traditional open ear surgeries in dogs and cats.

Animals: This was a retrospective case series of dogs and cats that underwent traditional ear surgeries followed by needle arthroscopy imaging system evaluation at a single hospital between September 2024 and June 2025.

Clinical presentation: 12 client-owned dogs and cats underwent 14 surgical procedures (total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy [10 of 14], ventral bulla osteotomy [3 of 14], and traction avulsion via a lateral approach [1 of 14]); ages ranged from 9 months to 17 years old (median, 8 years), weights ranged from 2.19 to 49.5 kg (median, 4.3 kg), and various breeds were included. Physical examination findings included otorrhea, ear scratching, and various respiratory and neurologic signs.

Results: Needlescope-assisted ear surgery was feasible and improved the confidence of the surgeon intraoperatively. There were no reported complications associated with needlescope use. Intraoperatively, the system was practical and user-friendly, offering improved visualization of the tympanic bulla and pathological tissue and facilitating complete removal of the epithelial lining and polypoid tissue.

Clinical relevance: This study highlighted the clinical utility of the needlescopy in canine and feline ear surgery. Needlescopy appears well suited for integration into routine clinical practice due to the ease of use and excellent visualization of residual pathology.