American journal of veterinary research最新文献

Objective: To extend the literature on the relationship between emotional intelligence and self-reported levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among veterinary medicine students across universities in the Midwestern US.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed via email to individuals enrolled in veterinary medicine programs in the Midwestern US. Participants completed a 57-item survey, which included demographic information as well as targeted psychological variables of stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional intelligence. The survey was open for a 1-month collection period and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and independent-samples t tests.

Results: Key findings from 184 completed surveys included self-reports of moderate to high levels of stress (89.1%), anxiety (58%), and depression (29.8%) in veterinary medicine students. Additionally, negative relationships were found between reported levels of stress and emotional intelligence (r [182] = -0.362; P < .01) as well as screening positive for depression and emotional intelligence levels (r [182] = -0.349; P < .01).

Conclusions: This study supports the hypothesis that emotional intelligence is negatively correlated with stress and depression among veterinary medicine students. Further research into this correlation is warranted as well as exploration of a possible causal relationship between emotional intelligence and reduced self-reports of stress and depression.

Clinical relevance: Considering these findings, veterinary medicine programs may consider using emotional intelligence as a means to identify at-risk students and get them needed support and as a guide to including mental health curriculum into their curriculum.

Objective: To investigate the safety and complication rate of 2 vessel-sealing devices (VSDs) used for hepatic surgery in dogs.

Methods: This was a retrospective study from 6 institutions from January 2012 through June 2024 including dogs that underwent a complete or partial liver lobectomy or a liver biopsy using a VSD as the sole method. Surgical complications based on the type of liver lobectomy, severity of complication, type of VSD used, mass size, and liver lobe location were reported as the percentage of dogs experiencing the event of interest. Group differences were compared using a 2-tailed Fisher exact or χ2 test. Maximal tumor diameter in relation to complication type was assessed using a Kruskal-Wallis test. Statistical significance was set at P = .05.

Results: 58 dogs were included in the study. For liver lobectomy cases, complications occurred in 42 of 48 dogs and were mostly minor. No differences in complications were noted based on liver mass size, liver lobe location, type of liver lobectomy performed, severity of complication, or type of VSD used. Intra- or postoperatively, biliary leakage occurred in 4 of 48 dogs. The complication rate for dogs undergoing a liver biopsy was 5 of 10 and consisted of minor bleeding in 90% of the cases.

Conclusions: Despite the high incidence of minor complications, VSD can be safely used for hepatic surgery in dogs. The ability of the 2 VSDs used to seal bile ducts when a liver lobectomy is performed requires further investigation.

Clinical relevance: VSDs can be considered an alternative method for performing liver lobectomies in dogs.

Objective: Whole-slide imaging (WSI) uses a machine to scan and convert the contents of a glass slide into a series of digital images that can be viewed on a computer. Students' interactions with this technology are typically limited to interpreting scanned slides. This does not address the preanalytical aspects of sample submission, where errors most frequently occur, and it does not expose future clinicians to technology they may encounter in general practice.

Methods: In this study, 251 clinical veterinary students experienced WSI while learning about cytology and hematology specimen submission. Preliminary experience and opinions were collected through a pretest survey. Students scanned the glass slide(s) using a commercially available digital slide scanner and submitted the case for interpretation by a remote pathologist unaffiliated with their own institution. A posttest survey collected experiences and opinions about WSI after the activity concluded.

Results: In the postscanning survey, students reported they were more confident in the following: providing clinically relevant information to pathologists; understanding the essential components of reports, utility, and limitations of WSI; and being prepared to submit specimens in general practice. They reported they were more motivated to provide relevant information to pathologists than in the prescanning survey. Their recognition accuracy of incomplete submission forms improved. Most reported that the experience was good to excellent.

Conclusions: Clinical veterinary students had a positive experience using WSI to enhance cytology and hematology sample submission training.

Clinical relevance: Veterinary pathology education is enhanced by incorporating WSI into sample submission training.

Objective: To compare dogs with naturally occurring hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing syndrome [CS]) and those receiving prednisolone (PDS; ≥ 0.25 mg/kg/d for ≥ 3 consecutive weeks) therapy to assess whether the 2 forms of glucocorticoid excess exhibit distinct coagulation profiles.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 29 dogs of various breeds, ages, and sexes. The dogs were categorized into 3 groups: a control group (n = 8) and 2 experimental groups (the CS [12] and PDS [9] groups). Reaction time (R), coagulation time (K), α-angle, maximum amplitude (MA), and clot strength (G) were compared between groups using thromboelastography. The correlations of each parameter with Hct and platelet count were also analyzed in each experimental group.

Results: Compared with the control, the CS and PDS groups exhibited increased G as indicated by significantly higher MA and G. The PDS and CS groups had shorter K values than the controls. The R was significantly shorter in the PDS group compared with the other groups. In addition, platelet count showed opposing correlations with MA and G in the PDS and CS groups.

Conclusions: Dogs in the CS and PDS groups exhibited hypercoagulable profiles on thromboelastography, characterized by enhanced G (higher MA and G). The PDS group uniquely demonstrated faster clot formation kinetics, with significantly shorter R (vs controls and CS) and K (vs controls).

Clinical relevance: These findings emphasize the need for functional coagulation monitoring to distinguish specific thrombotic risks associated with the source of glucocorticoid excess.

Objective: To compare the prevalence of incidental pathologies during gastrointestinal foreign body retrieval surgery in 2 groups of dogs and to assess correlation between incidental pathological findings, patient age, and if this was the dog's first foreign body retrieval procedure.

Methods: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for dogs undergoing foreign body retrieval surgery from January 2023 through August 2025. Dogs were distributed into 2 groups: (1) younger than 8 years of age or (2) 8 years of age and older. The prevalence of incidentally found intraoperative findings was compared between groups. Dogs 8 years of age and older were reviewed to correlate whether the surgery was their first instance of surgical foreign body retrieval.

Results: 313 dogs were included; 7.6% of dogs under 8 years had incidental intra-abdominal pathology compared to 56.7% of dogs 8 years and older undergoing their first surgical foreign body retrieval. Senior dogs with a history of foreign body retrieval had a 5.9% incidence of pathologic findings. Pathologic findings were 16 times more likely in dogs 8 years and older undergoing their first foreign body retrieval surgery.

Conclusions: Dogs 8 years of age and older undergoing their first surgical foreign body retrieval were significantly more likely to exhibit pathologic findings than those with previous foreign body retrievals and dogs less than 8 years of age.

Clinical relevance: Preoperative discussions for geriatric dogs undergoing first-time foreign body surgery should address the increased likelihood of abnormal findings intraoperatively, potential need for additional surgical procedures, and risks of associated procedures.

Objective: Because dogs with P-glycoprotein (P-gp) deficiency experience enhanced susceptibility to adverse reactions caused by P-gp substrate drugs, this study's purpose was to validate and employ a competitive efflux assay to assess clinically relevant drugs as P-gp substrates.

Methods: A competitive efflux assay employing a cell line expressing canine P-gp was used in these studies. Intracellular fluorescence was detected flow cytometrically following the coincubation of experimental drugs with 2 intrinsically fluorescent P-gp substrates (rhodamine 123 or calcein AM) that bind different sites within the P-gp binding pocket. The fluorescence intensity was determined for cells treated with each experimental drug and fluorescent P-gp substrate combination and compared to the fluorescence intensity of cells treated with rhodamine 123 and calcein AM alone. Additionally, assay validation parameters were assessed.

Results: Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) ratios < 2 indicate non-P-gp substrates [cisplatin (negative control), ropinirole, doxycycline, and trilostane]; MFI ratios from 2 to 5 indicate weak canine P-gp substrates (apomorphine, capromorelin, and enrofloxacin); MFI ratios > 5 but < 10 indicate moderate P-gp substrates (trazodone); and MFI ratios > 10 indicate strong P-gp substrates [loperamide (positive control), and moxidectin]. Assay specificity, precision, and linearity were within established acceptance criteria.

Conclusions: Several clinically relevant drugs were identified as P-gp substrates. The competitive efflux assay is a useful tool for screening drugs as canine P-gp substrates.

Clinical relevance: These results imply that P-gp-deficient dogs may be at increased risk of adverse effects if treated with apomorphine, capromorelin, enrofloxacin, or moxidectin, depending on the dose administered.

Objective: To describe the surgical technique, complications, and outcomes of laparoscopic iliosacral lymph node (ISLN) extirpation in dogs with apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA), with or without intraoperative lymphangiography.

Animals: 18 client-owned dogs underwent laparoscopic ISLN extirpation (19 procedures) between March 2012 and May 2024. Dogs were included if medical records were complete, the dogs were diagnosed with AGASACA, and an attempted laparoscopic ISLN extirpation was performed.

Clinical presentation: Dogs were evaluated for staging and/or management of suspected metastasis to ISLNs. The study population included 11 male castrated and 7 female spayed dogs with a mean age of 9.95 ± 1.8 years (range, 7 to 14 years). Pertinent physical examination abnormalities included firm, irregular, or nodular masses involving one or both anal sacs, perianal subcutaneous tissues, or prior anal sacculectomy sites.

Results: 16 of 19 procedures (84.2%) were completed totally laparoscopically, while 3 of 19 (15.8%) required reactive conversion to open celiotomy. Intraoperative lymphangiography was attempted in 6 of 19 procedures (31.6%) using indocyanine green, methylene blue, or both. Indocyanine green was successful in 2 of 3 cases (66.7%), whereas methylene blue was unsuccessful in all attempts. Intraoperative surgical complications occurred in 9 of 19 procedures (47.3%), and most were mild and self-limiting. Histopathology confirmed metastatic ISLN(s) in 14 of 19 cases (73.7%). All dogs survived to discharge, and 18 of 19 cases (94.7%) survived beyond 14 days postoperatively.

Clinical relevance: Laparoscopic ISLN extirpation, with or without intraoperative lymphangiography, is a viable diagnostic and treatment approach for dogs with AGASACA, supporting the increasing role of minimally invasive surgery in veterinary surgery including oncologic staging.

Objective: To quantify platelets, leukocytes, cytokines, and growth factors in ProVet autologous platelet concentrate (APC). We hypothesized that APC would contain significantly increased leukocytes and platelets compared to whole blood and significantly increased concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors compared to serum.

Methods: Blood was obtained from 6 horses and processed to produce APC. Leukocyte and platelet concentrations were quantified in whole blood and APC. Cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-1Ra, and growth factors, including PDGF-BB, TGF-β1, VEGF, and IGF-1, were quantified in serum and APC using immunoassays.

Results: Median leukocyte concentrations were significantly higher in APC (51.60 X 103 cells/μL) compared to blood (7.43 X 103 cells/μL; P = .0006). Median platelet concentrations (883.00 X 103 platelets/μL) were significantly higher in APC compared to blood (120.0 X 103 platelets/μL; P = .001). IL-1Ra was significantly concentrated in APC (53.12 ng/mL) compared to serum (below the limit of detection; P = .001), and the IL-1Ra:IL-1β ratio was significantly higher in APC (1,169) compared to serum (11.86; P = .0073). The median concentration of TGF-β1 was significantly higher in APC (12,480 pg/mL) compared to serum (6,943 pg/mL; P = .0003), whereas the median concentrations of IGF-1 (APC = 52.88 ng/mL and serum = 115.20 ng/mL; P = .0003) and PDGF-BB (APC = 1,388.41 pg/mL and serum = 1,707.24 pg/mL; P = .0017) were significantly lower in APC compared to serum.

Conclusions: ProVet APC is a leukocyte-rich PRP containing elevated concentrations of IL-1Ra and TGF-β1. This portable, self-contained system provides equine practitioners with an easy way of producing PRP in the field.

Clinical relevance: This study provides equine veterinarians with critical information about the constituents of a new orthobiologic.

Objective: To determine if sacrococcygeal epidural injection (SCEI) provides analgesia after feline ovariohysterectomy (OVH).

Methods: Systemically healthy intact cats were randomly assigned to control or epidural groups (n = 29 each). After standard analgesic premedication IM, propofol induction, and OVH under isoflurane, the epidural group underwent SCEI [0.75 mL/kg total volume, 0.1 mg/kg preservative-free morphine, and 0.93 mg/kg preservative-free ropivacaine] using electrolocation. Extubation was 0 hours. A blinded anesthesiologist assessed pain using the Feline Grimace Scale and the short form of the Universidade Estadual Paulista-Botucatu multidimensional pain assessment scale (UFEPS-SF), as well as urination and pelvic limb neurological function, at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 20 hours. Rescue analgesia consisted of robenacoxib. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses estimated differences between groups in time to rescue analgesia, normal pelvic limb neurological function, and urination. The χ2-association test evaluated the need for robenacoxib. Linear mixed effects models with post hoc Tukey tests compared pain scores between groups and over time.

Results: The SCEI had a significant effect on "survival" (robenacoxib unnecessary through 20 hours). Robenacoxib was required in 83% and 21% of cats in the control and epidural groups, respectively. Mean Feline Grimace Scale and (UFEPS-SF) scores were greater in the control group at 1 hour and 1 to 4 hours, respectively. Time to urination was significantly greater in the epidural group.

Conclusions: The SCEI provides analgesia for up to 20 hours after OVH but delays urination.

Clinical relevance: The long duration of SCEI is similar to a single dose of an NSAID, providing a useful alternative if these are contraindicated.

Objective: To evaluate clove oil (CO) as an immersion anesthetic agent in mystery snails (Pomacea bridgesii).

Methods: Initial pilot trials evaluated CO (0.2 to 1 mL/L) and CO combined with ethanol (CO-E; 0.05 to 4 mL/L and 10 to 50 mL/L) in 40 mystery snails. Subsequently, a randomized, blinded, complete crossover study compared CO 0.5 mL/L and CO-E 0.5 and 10 mL/L in 28 snails.

Results: CO 0.5 mL/L resulted in 11 of 24 anesthetized with a median time to anesthesia of 30 minutes (20 to 85 minutes), time to first movement of 89 minutes (9 to 175 minutes), time to full recovery of 325 minutes (168 to 1,200 minutes), and median heart rate of 30 beats/min (20 to 40 beats/min). CO-E 0.5 mL/L and 10 mL/L resulted in 9 of 21 anesthetized. Adding ethanol to the CO immersion bath did not produce any significant differences in anesthetic parameters compared with CO alone. However, CO-E resulted in a 21% mortality rate (5 of 24) compared to 5% (1 of 21) with CO treatment. Gill necrosis was evident in all snails that died following CO-E anesthesia.

Conclusions: CO is a safe but inconsistent anesthetic agent for mystery snails at 0.5 mL/L, whereas CO 0.5 mL/L combined with ethanol 10 mL/L is not a safe anesthetic protocol in this species.

Clinical relevance: While CO is frequently used interchangeably with eugenol, it is less effective than eugenol as an anesthetic in mystery snails, and combining it with ethanol resulted in high mortality.