Topics in companion animal medicine最新文献

Chronic elevation in the systolic blood pressure (SBP) adversely affects the lifespan in the dog by causing injury to the eye, heart, kidney and brain. Understanding the association between SBP and target organ damage (TOD) helps in risk categorization and treatment planning. Therefore, a prospective study was undertaken to find the association between SBP and renal resistive index (RI) in naturally occurring cases of canine systemic hypertension. Based on the ACVIM guidelines 2018, dogs (n=135) were categorized into four risk groups of SBP, viz., A (minimal), B (low), C (moderate), and D (high). Ophthalmoscopy and echocardiography were used to assess ocular and cardiac changes, respectively. Nephrosonography, urinalysis, and RI were used to assess kidney damage. Odds ratio (OR) was used to quantify the risk of TOD for different categories of SBP. One-way Anova with Tukey's post-hoc test was used to test the effect of different SBP risk groups on urine protein creatinine ratio (UPC) and RI as well as the effect of number of TOD on the RI. Pearson's correlation test was done to see the relation of SBP with UPC and RI. Tortuous retinal vessels were common in group B with an OR of 11 (95% CI: 0.59-207). Retinal hemorrhage and left ventricular hypertrophy were common in group D with an OR of 13 (95% CI: 0.67-234) and 11 (95% CI: 0.61-207), respectively. A significant strong positive correlation of SBP with UPC (R²=0.65) and RI (R²=0.58) was observed. The renal RI significantly increased when the number of TOD was ≥ 2. It was concluded that SBP and RI are associated with the number and severity of TOD and might be valuable in risk classification in hypertensive dogs.

Platelets contain a multitude of growth factors and play a crucial role in physiological processes such as thrombogenesis, tissue repair, and angiogenesis. As a result, platelet-derived products have significant potential for efficient utilization in the realm of regenerative medicine due to their therapeutic and biological attributes. Numerous studies have already substantiated the therapeutic viability of platelets in various canine ailments. The existing literature indicates a substantial surge in the clinical application of canine platelets, positioning platelet-derived products as a viable alternative to conventional therapeutic agents. Platelet concentrates, including platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin are commonly used as a therapeutic modality in clinical cases. These therapeutic derivatives exhibit effectiveness in tissue regeneration and can serve as complementary therapies. Notably, they offer a cost-effective and easily accessible therapeutic option, which has demonstrated its benefits in chronic inflammatory disorders such as osteoarthritis and tendinitis, ophthalmic conditions, wound healing, and mandibular injuries in canine patients. The broad spectrum of therapeutic effects displayed by platelets is providing researchers with novel perspectives for crafting therapeutic models in future investigations. This review centers on exploring the therapeutic potential of canine platelets across diverse disorders. Further exploration into platelet products, encompassing their preparation and applicability in canine medicine, is imperative. These inquiries hold the promise of unveiling fresh horizons for the domain of regenerative medicine.

One of the current leading causes of death in pet cats is neoplasia. The scarcity of data on tumor prevalence in cats from south-eastern Europe led to this retrospective study which reports an abundant collection of tumors diagnosed in cats living in Croatia. Archived histopathology findings (diagnosis, cell origin, and biological behavior), and epidemiological data (breed, sex, age, and anatomical site of the tumor) of the cats diagnosed with at least one tumor were collected and statistically analyzed.

For the research, 2338 archived feline samples, obtained from 2009-2019, have been reviewed. In 659 samples (28.1%) one or more tumors were diagnosed. Tumors have most often affected non-pedigree cats, cats between 7 and 15 years of age, and female cats. Most tumors showed malignant behavior (85.7%). The most frequent diagnoses were mammary adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Regarding origin, most samples were epithelial (46.9%), but mesenchymal (28.7%) and lymphoid tumors (17.0%) were also frequently found. Tumors most often occurred in the skin and subcutis, mammary gland (in females), digestive system, and hemolymphatic system (in males). Statistical analysis did not reveal breed, sex, and age predisposition, but female animals and non-pedigree cats were significantly more likely to develop malignant tumors.

This detailed study gives insight into the most frequent tumors that occur in cats from Croatia, and the data reported here is likely applicable to other countries. This data will contribute to clinical veterinary oncology, as it presents the most extensive tumor index of cats in south-eastern Europe.

Objective

To describe a dog presented with spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to chronic pulmonary changes associated with a history of resolved canine heartworm disease.

Case or series summary

A 7-year-old 25.2kg female spayed German Shepherd mix was presented for management of spontaneous pneumothorax. The dog had a history of heartworm disease that underwent therapy prior to adoption, and the dog was heartworm antigen negative (SNAP 4Dx) during hospitalization for the pneumothorax. An exploratory thoracotomy was performed due to an unresolving pneumothorax requiring multiple thoracocenteses. Perioperatively, the lungs did not expand with positive pressure ventilation and diffuse, multifocal to coalescing areas of darkened tissue that were grossly consistent with necrosis and/or hemorrhage were noted. The dog was euthanized intraoperatively due to an assumed poor prognosis. Histopathologic examination findings were consistent with chronic reactive changes related to previous heartworm infection. No neoplastic or infectious etiologies were identified.

New or unique information provided

Spontaneous pneumothorax is a known complication of active heartworm infection. However, this case represents the first report of spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to chronic pulmonary changes caused by resolved heartworm infection.

Dioctophyme renale (D. renale) is a nematode that parasitizes the kidney of mammals. Treatment is often surgical, with removal of the affected organ. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, and surgical aspects, the interval between diagnosis and treatment, the occurrence of pre- and intraoperative complications, and the postoperative survival time of dogs parasitized by D. renale undergoing therapeutic nephrectomy. Records of fifty-two dogs treated in a single hospital service were analyzed. We collected epidemiological data, laboratory results, diagnostic method, anesthetic protocol, surgical technique and time, type of antimicrobial prophylaxis, pre- and intraoperative complications, location and number of parasites, and postoperative survival time. Of the 52 dogs undergoing right nephrectomy by laparotomy, 61.5 % were female and 63.4 % were adults. Although the most common clinical sign was hematuria (25 %), 61.5 % of the patients were asymptomatic. Eosinophilia and increased serum urea were the only laboratory changes found. The interval between diagnosis and surgery was 27.4 ± 23 days and no patient showed changes suggestive of surgical emergency. The most common surgical approach was the right paracostal (61.5 %), and a continuous suture pattern was predominant. Intraoperative complications occurred in 9.6 % of the procedures, varying from mild to severe hemorrhage. Mean postoperative survival was 835.5 ± 428 days. Dioctophymosis was effectively controlled by nephrectomy of the affected kidney, allowing a mean survival of more than 830 days. No serious complications caused by intervals between diagnosis and treatment have been reported. This is the largest retrospective study evaluating dogs infected with D. renale that were surgically treated.

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of zoonotic enteroparasites in the feces of dogs from public shelters, squares, parks, and public roads in the city of Guarapuava, Paraná, Brazil, and to evaluate the perception of dog guardians regarding zoonoses and their risk to public health. Fecal samples were collected, coproparasitological examinations were performed to detect zoonotic enteroparasites, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. Questionnaires were given to guardians who walked their dogs in parks, squares, and public roads, as to assess their perception of zoonoses. A total of 333 samples were collected, of these 75, 123, and 135 of them were from public shelters, squares and parks, and public roads, respectively. One or more parasites were identified in 166 (50 %) samples, of which 58/75 (77 %) were from public shelters, 50/123 (41 %) from squares and parks, and 58/135 (43 %) from public roads. The parasites detected included Ancylostoma spp., Giardia spp., Trichuris spp., Toxocara spp., and Cystoisospora spp., with Ancylostoma spp. having the highest occurrence. PCR was performed on 161 samples for convenience due to financial limitations, because only a portion of the study was funded by the municipal government, of which 15.6 % were positive for Giardia spp., and all were negative for Cryptosporidium spp. In total, 246 guardians were interviewed, of which 36 % said they did not collect their animals' feces during walks, 20 % did not use anti-helminthics on their dogs, and 23 % did not know which diseases could be transmitted by feces. Therefore, we conclude that there is a high infection rate of parasites with zoonotic potential in public places, showing the need to raise awareness among guardians about the diseases transmitted by dog feces, correct vermifugation and the importance of collecting feces in public places.

Respiratory disease is one of the primary reasons for pet owners to seek veterinary attention for their rats. While chronic respiratory disease complex is most often responsible for respiratory signs in pet rats and is well characterized, upper respiratory obstructive disease has been rarely reported in the literature. This report describes 2 pet fancy rats (Rattus norvegicus domestica) presenting with a several day history of progressive respiratory signs that were minimally responsive to supportive therapies, including antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, and fluid and oxygen support. Survey radiographs were performed under sedation in both cases. In the first case, no cause for the clinical signs could be identified, in part due to suboptimal radiographic positioning, although severe aerophagia was noted. In the second case, cervical tracheal luminal narrowing and increased soft tissue opacity along the walls of the trachea were identified. Both rats declined while under sedation, resulting in cardiopulmonary arrest in the first case and humane euthanasia in the second. On necropsy, the first case had a oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma originating from the Zymbal's gland, which was obstructing the larynx. The second case had an intra-luminal tracheal mass obstructing the airway. This was mostly likely B-cell lymphoma or a plasma cell tumor, although definitive diagnosis was unable to be obtained. For future such cases empiric management of respiratory disease in rats with antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, and supportive care is often appropriate based on the high prevalence of infectious agents, however, other noninfectious causes should be considered, such as neoplastic processes leading to upper airway obstructive disease and diagnostic imaging may be indicated.

Hemilaminectomy associated with intervertebral disc fenestration (HF) is the most used spinal decompression surgical technique for the treatment of intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE). The surgical procedure can be hampered by excessive bleeding from the venous sinuses; however, tranexamic acid intravenously (IV) is a possible adjunct to hemostasis in these patients. This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of tranexamic acid in reducing intraoperative bleeding in dogs with thoracolumbar and lumbar IVDE submitted to HF. Sixteen dogs with IVDE undergoing HF were included. These were distributed into a TXA group (tranexamic acid 20 mg/kg IV bolus, followed by 2 mg/kg/h IV continuous infusion) (n = 8) and a control group, with saline solution (n = 8). Blood loss was measured using the gravimetric method. The difficulty of operative visualization due to bleeding was classified by the surgeon. Median blood loss (%) in patients in the TXA group was lower than those in the control group (2.75 ± 1.23 and 4.99 ± 4.44, respectively) (P = .028). Intraoperative visualization difficulty due to bleeding occurred in 10 patients in the control group, and in no patients in the TXA group. A severe arterial thromboembolic complication was recorded, potentially due to tranexamic acid. The use of intraoperative tranexamic acid was effective in reducing bleeding and facilitating operative visualization in dogs with IVDE undergoing hemilaminectomy and intervertebral disc fenestration.

Dogs with canine parvovirus enteritis (CPVE) that develop systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) frequently have a poor prognosis. The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic potential of thrombocyte indices, acute phase proteins, electrolytes, and acid-base markers in CPVE puppies with SIRS (CPVE-SIRS+) at admission. A case-controlled, prospective, and observational study was performed on 36 CPVE puppies. Mean concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, thrombocyte count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), chloride (Cl⁻) and ionized calcium (iCa) were measured and strong ion difference 3 (SID₃)_, A_TOT-albumin and A_{TOT-total protein} were determined in CPVE-SIRS+ survivors and nonsurvivors. A prognostic cut-off value for predicting the disease outcome was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The mean values of MPV, PDW and CRP were significantly higher and the mean values of albumin, Cl⁻ and A_TOT-albumin were significantly lower in CPVE-SIRS+ nonsurvivor than CPVE-SIRS+ survivor puppies on the day of admission, but the thrombocyte count, Na⁺, K⁺, iCa, SID₃ and A_{TOT- total protein} values did not differ significantly. The positive predictive values (PPVs) for survival using cut-off value of MPV (≤15.08 fL), PDW (≤14.85%), CRP (≤180.7 mg/L), albumin (≥1.795 g/dL), Cl⁻ (≥96.00 mmol/L), and A_TOT-albumin (≥7.539) were determined as 100%, 100%, 100%, 80%, 100%, and 80%, respectively with better area under ROC curve and sensitivity. Based on sensitivity, specificity, and PPVs from ROC analysis, it is concluded that the determination of Cl⁻ concentration and MPV at admission followed by CRP will serve as the most appropriate biomarkers in predicting the disease outcome of CPVE puppies that develop SIRS.

Urinary bladder tumors are not common in guinea pigs, but case numbers being diagnosed have increased in the past years. The authors present 3 referred cases of primary urinary bladder tumors in pet guinea pigs diagnosed using diagnostic imaging (CT, radiography, and ultrasonography) and exploratory laparotomy. Excision was not possible in the first case as the tumor was located at the neck of the urinary bladder and the owner opted for intraoperative euthanasia. The second and third cases both had tumors originating from the apex of the urinary bladder. The third guinea pig went into cardiac arrest during surgery and resuscitation was unsuccessful. The tumor was removed from the urinary bladder using partial cystectomy in the second case and 1-month postsurgery ultrasonographic examination showed no signs of tumor reoccurrence. Late recognition is the main reason for a negative outcome, as by this time tumors are already large and extensive. Whenever prolonged symptoms of hematuria are present and urolithiasis has been ruled out, ultrasonography should be undertaken to determine if a urinary tumor is the cause. Rechecks should be scheduled on a regular basis for guinea pigs when a definitive diagnosis can not be made at the initial presentation for vague clinical signs, as outcome and survival can reduce significantly when definitive treatment is delayed.