American journal of veterinary research最新文献

Objective: To assess the prevalence of burnout (BO), secondary traumatic stress (STS), and compassion satisfaction (CS) and identify associated individual, clinic, and dog-handling factors among veterinary professionals.

Methods: A cross-sectional online questionnaire was distributed to veterinary professionals in Canada and US (2023 to 2024). The questionnaire collected individual, clinic, and dog-handling information and measured ProQOL (BO, STS, CS). Logistic regression models examined associations between these factors and ProQOL.

Results: Participants (n = 691) had moderate BO (71.2%), STS (71.8%), and CS (74.3%); 2.4% reported high STS, and none had high BO. Veterinarians had lower odds of moderate/high BO (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.78) and CS (OR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.021 to 0.64) compared with nonveterinarians. Below-normal personality traits were associated with moderate/high BO and/or STS: extraversion (BO: OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.47 to 3.46), agreeableness (BO: OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.29 to 3.18; STS: OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.39), conscientiousness (BO: OR, 3.91; 95% CI, 2.41 to 6.34; STS: OR, 3.81; 95% CI, 2.47 to 5.88), emotional stability (BO: OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.24 to 3.11), and openness (BO: OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.05 to 2.56; STS: OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.26 to 2.81). Stress-reducing certification was associated with moderate/high BO (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.14 to 3.64).

Conclusions: Personality traits and individual factors were associated with ProQOL, whereas handling techniques were not.

Clinical relevance: Findings provide exploratory evidence for workplace strategies to reduce BO and STS and enhance CS while generating hypotheses for future intervention research.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of anesthesia and body temperature changes on a point-of-care viscoelastic coagulation monitoring device (VCM-Vet, Entegrion Corp) parameters in New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Methods: Purpose-bred New Zealand white rabbits were anesthetized in a research facility as part of a randomized, complete crossover study. Each rabbit was anesthetized using isoflurane twice (7 days apart), with or without a heated anesthesia circuit (Heated ZDS Qube; Darvall), over approximately 2 weeks. Lateral saphenous venipuncture was performed within 5 minutes of anesthetic induction (baseline) and at 50 minutes after anesthetic induction (T50) during each event. Fresh whole blood was immediately tested using a single VCM-Vet analyzer, providing 2 tracings per event. Statistical analysis was performed using a linear mixed model with significance at P < .05.

Results: 10 approximately 4-month-old intact male apparently healthy rabbits were included. All rabbits were normothermic (median, 39.3 °C; range, 38.5 to 39.8 °C) at baseline, and all rectal temperatures were lower at T50 compared to baseline (median, 1.6 °C; range, 0.7 to 2.1 °C). There was no statistically significant difference in any clot parameter between baseline and T50 nor between different rectal temperatures; however, there were statistical differences in 4 clot parameters between nonheated and heated anesthetic events.

Conclusions: Anesthesia and mildly decreased body temperature did not significantly impact the viscoelastography assessment.

Clinical relevance: Although thromboelastography reference intervals have been established in rabbits, the use of the VCM-Vet analyzer is understudied in this species. Future research is needed to determine VCM-Vet reference intervals for rabbits.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between goniometric stifle range of motion (gROM), active stifle range of motion (aROM), and stifle osteoarthritis (sOA) in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) and to assess the association between gROM and aROM in CCL-affected and control dogs.

Methods: Dogs weighing 20 to 40 kg with CCLD before surgery (CCL-Dogs) and orthopedically healthy controls (C-Dogs) were enrolled between August 1, 2020, and August 1, 2021. Objective gait analysis was performed on a treadmill using a 2-D marker-based system. Goniometric stifle extension (gSE) and goniometric stifle flexion (gSF) were measured 3 times by 3 observers. sOA was scored on a scale from 1 (none) to 4 (severe). Spearman rank correlation (r) described associations between sOA, gROM, and aROM.

Results: 15 CCL-Dogs and 10 C-Dogs were included. These preliminary data demonstrated that in CCL-Dogs, gROM (r = -0.644) and gSE (r = -0.751) showed significant correlations with sOA. No significant correlations were found between sOA and active stifle flexion (r = -0.160), active stifle extension (r = -0.138), aROM (r = 0.036), or gSF (r = 0.198). No significant correlation was observed between aROM and gROM in either CCL-Dogs (r = -0.346) or C-Dogs (r = -0.127).

Conclusions: In C-Dogs and CCL-Dogs, aROM and gROM are not associated. In CCL-Dogs, sOA is associated with reduced gROM and gSE, indicating that gROM rather than aROM reflects joint impairment.

Clinical relevance: Goniometric measurement of stifle extension may serve as a practical indicator of osteoarthritic severity and functional limitation in dogs with CCLD.

Objective: To establish an ultrasound protocol for identifying the muscular structures of the ventromedial hip region that contribute to coxofemoral joint stability, with comparative MRI and gross anatomic dissection confirmation of accurate structure identification.

Methods: High-frequency B-mode ultrasonography and 3-Tesla MRI were utilized to bilaterally investigate the muscular anatomy of the ventromedial hip region in 5 normal adult canine pelvis cadaver specimens (n = 10) from September 1, 2024, through August 30, 2025. Ultrasonographic and MRI appearance and anatomic relationships of the evaluated structures were documented and assessed for consistency. Structure identification was confirmed through ultrasound-guided dye placement (using 2 separate specimens for each evaluated structure) followed by gross anatomical dissection.

Results: High-quality ultrasound and MRI images of the pectineus, iliopsoas, adductor longus, adductor magnus et brevis, gracilis, and external obturator muscles were acquired in all specimens. The ultrasonographic approach for evaluating muscles of the ventromedial hip region was documented. Specimen dissection immediately following ultrasound-guided dye injections confirmed accurate identification of all 6 muscles on both attempts, performed separately by 2 clinicians. Structure identification and anatomical descriptions were consistent amongst MRI, ultrasound, and dissection.

Conclusions: This study provides foundational knowledge in ultrasound and MRI anatomy of the ventromedial hip region and demonstrates methods for effective ultrasonographic evaluation of this region.

Clinical relevance: These findings provide a foundation for diagnosing soft tissue injuries in the ventromedial hip region and guiding rehabilitation strategies in dogs with hip disease.

Objective: To compare IM and IV administration of 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) for PET-CT imaging of atherosclerosis in orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica) and to evaluate the effects of uptake time and acquisition duration on image quality using a reduced radiotracer dose.

Methods: From June to July 2025, parrots underwent 2 18F-NaF micro-PET-micro-CT scans at the University of California-Davis, each in a cross-over design (IM vs IV). A 0.1-mCi dose was used with a 30-minute uptake period and 30-minute dynamic acquisition. Images were reconstructed into 5-, 10-, and 15-minute frames to assess the effects of acquisition duration and uptake time. Standardized uptake values and target-to-background ratios were calculated in arterial lesions and control tissues.

Results: Eight older parrots were scanned. Atherosclerotic lesions were identified in 6 of 8 parrots. Both image noise and background activity were higher in IM than IV scans, particularly at shorter acquisition durations. Lesion conspicuity and quantitative stability improved at longer uptake times (≥ 45 minutes) and acquisitions (≥ 10 minutes). The IM administration produced slower equilibration but comparable or higher late-phase lesion uptake, consistent with gradual tracer release.

Conclusions: The IM 18F-NaF administration provides diagnostic-quality PET images with lesion detectability approaching that of the IV administration, while being technically simpler and safer for parrots.

Clinical relevance: An optimized protocol for PET imaging in psittacine birds using a similar scanner is proposed with the administration of approximately 0.3 mCi 18F-NaF IM or IV, a 1-hour uptake period, and a 10- to 15-minute acquisition to balance image quality, diagnostic sensitivity, procedural simplicity, and radiation safety.

Objective: To describe the pharmacokinetics of the IV formulation of levetiracetam administered intranasally and calculate the absolute bioavailability. Our hypothesis was that levetiracetam would show near complete absorption following a single intranasal dose.

Methods: 8 healthy dogs (4 female, 4 male) from a canine colony were used in a crossover study comparing the pharmacokinetics of intranasal and IV levetiracetam. The study occurred from August through September 2024. A 100-mg dose of levetiracetam was administered via the intranasal and IV routes on separate occasions. Blood was collected from jugular catheters over a 24-hour period following dose administration. Plasma levetiracetam concentrations were analyzed using high-pressure liquid chromatography. Noncompartmental analysis was performed to describe the pharmacokinetics.

Results: Median (minimum to maximum), maximal concentration, time to maximal concentration, and elimination half-life for the intranasal route were 7.85 µg/mL (range, 3.37 to 14.16), 0.98 hours (range, 0.22 to 1.00), and 2.83 hours (range, 2.44 to 3.76), respectively. Median (minimum to maximum) bioavailability was 61% (range, 34% to 85%). The maximal concentration achieved fell within the human reference interval for levetiracetam in 5 of 8 dogs.

Conclusions: Levetiracetam was absorbed to a moderate degree following the intranasal route of administration and appeared to be well tolerated.

Clinical relevance: Levetiracetam is absorbed via the nasal administration route and could be considered a feasible route of administration for at-home rescue protocols. Although concentrations within the human reference interval were achieved in a majority of dogs, a clinical trial is necessary to determine if this method of administration would be effective in a clinical setting.

Objective: To describe the pharmacokinetic parameters of tramadol and its main metabolites, O-desmethyltramadol (M1) and N-desmethyltramadol, and clinically detectable adverse effects after a single orally administered high dose of tramadol in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Methods: 6 experimental and 1 control healthy intact male rabbits of commercial origin were included in February 2025. Following administration of a 30-mg/kg oral dose of tramadol, plasma concentrations of tramadol, M1, and N-desmethyltramadol were determined by UHPLC-MS at 12 predetermined time points. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using commercial software. Fecal production and sedation were evaluated before and after the experiment.

Results: The mean tramadol maximum plasmatic concentration was 91 ± 38 ng/mL, the average time to reach maximum plasmatic concentration was 40 minutes, the terminal half-life was 4.0 ± 2.4 hours, and the mean area under the curve from the first dose to infinity was 192 ± 45 ng/hmL. The M1 metabolite reached concentrations compatible with previously described analgesic effects in rabbits after 10 minutes and for up to 3 hours after administration in some individuals, whereas tramadol did not reach analgesic concentrations. Mild sedation was detected in 4 rabbits at the 20 minute- to 6-hour time points, and fecal production increased from 24 to 48 hours after tramadol administration. No clinically relevant adverse effects were noted.

Conclusions: Administration of 30 mg/kg tramadol, PO, in rabbits results in plasma concentrations of M1 compatible with analgesia.

Clinical relevance: The short duration of action warrants further studies with long-acting formulations of tramadol.

Objective: To describe the incidence, disease distribution, and factors associated with survival to discharge in bearded dragons (BDs) presenting for emergency evaluation.

Methods: There were 242 BDs retrospectively enrolled. Age, sex, weight, presenting complaints, diagnostics, diagnosis, and outcome were summarized with descriptive statistics. Associations between these factors and survival to discharge were evaluated for prognosis.

Results: Frequently presenting complaints were lethargy (109 of 242 [45%]) and anorexia (97 of 242 [40%]). Females more often presented with celomic distension (12 of 100 [12%]) and were diagnosed with reproductive disease (11 of 100 [11%]). Of the BDs evaluated, 140 of 242 (57.9%) BDs survived to discharge, with equal survival between males (72 of 110 [56.9%]) and females (54 of 100 [54%]). Survival was more common when BDs presented with ocular signs (OR, 0.09 [95% CI, 0.01 to 0.69]). Nonsurvival was more common when BDs presented with lethargy (OR, 2.85 [95% CI, 1.68 to 4.83]), anorexia (OR, 2.36 [95% CI, 1.39 to 4.00]), or poor body condition (OR, 3.94 [95% CI, 1.36 to 11.451]) or were diagnosed with celomic effusion (OR, 6.67 [95% CI, 1.85 to 24.07]), anorexia of unknown cause (OR, 2.79 [95% CI, 1.41 to 5.52]), or lethargy of unknown cause (OR, 2.35 [95% CI, 1.19 to 4.63]).

Conclusions: BDs presented with vague clinical signs. Survival was less likely when a diagnosis could not be reached, required extensive testing, or required surgical intervention.

Clinical relevance: Knowledge of presenting complaints, diagnoses, and their prognosis enables veterinarians to provide targeted care for BD emergencies.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a therapeutic gastrointestinal diet on the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs), metabolizable energy (ME), and palatability of the diet, fermentative metabolites, and fecal microbiome of dogs.

Methods: Sixteen 1-year-old healthy Beagles were used. All animals consumed a control diet for healthy adult dogs for 20 days. On day 21, 8 dogs changed to a therapeutic gastrointestinal diet (test diet), and 8 dogs continued receiving the control diet for 35 days. Fresh feces were collected on days 0, 3, 15, and 30 after changing to the test diet for pH, fermentative metabolites, and microbiota analysis. Feces were collected for ADCs and ME analysis of the diets (days 31 through 35). The palatability of the control and test diets was compared at the end of the study.

Results: The test diet presented greater ADCs of nutrients and ME and resulted in lower fecal pH and greater fecal concentrations of ammonia, total biogenic amines, total short-chain fatty acids, and butyrate. β-Diversity analysis revealed distinct fecal microbiome profiles between the diets on days 3, 15, and 30, with a greater abundance of Turicibacter and Faecalibacterium and lower Streptococcus in the test group. Dogs preferred the test to the control diet in the palatability test.

Conclusions: The test diet presented high ADCs of nutrients, high palatability, and beneficially modulated the fecal microbiome and fermentative metabolites of dogs.

Clinical relevance: Providing a highly digestible and palatable diet with functional ingredients may contribute to the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders of dogs.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the proportion of cats referred for suspected temporomandibular joint (TMJ) luxation that were confirmed as true cases and to identify their final diagnoses. The objective was to highlight potential differential diagnoses to improve diagnostic accuracy and case management.

Methods: A total of 42 cats that were referred to our hospital for suspected TMJ luxation as a chief complaint from April 2020 to February 2025 were included in the study. According to owner reports, these patients commonly exhibited an inability to close the mouth, apparent mandibular deviation, and, in most cases, signs suggestive of oral pain.

Results: Of the 42 cats studied, only 6 had isolated TMJ luxation. The rest had other diagnoses: 19 with end-stage periodontal disease, 5 with malocclusion, 4 with symphyseal separation, and 3 with open-mouth jaw locking resulting from other causes. Two had mandibular fractures, 2 had no significant findings, and 1 had TMJ ankylosis.

Conclusions: End-stage periodontal disease was the most common diagnosis among cats referred for suspected TMJ luxation. Other final diagnoses included TMJ luxation, malocclusion, fractures, mandibular symphyseal instability, open-mouth jaw locking resulting from other causes, and TMJ ankylosis. Diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific signs that mimic other oral diseases and are often linked to complex maxillofacial injuries, requiring thorough exams and advanced imaging.

Clinical relevance: This study emphasizes the importance of considering differential diagnoses in cats presenting with signs resembling TMJ luxation and provides references to guide future clinical evaluation and decision-making.