American journal of veterinary research最新文献

Objective: To describe the feasibility, outcomes, and complications of prefemoral cystotomy in 45° dorsolateral recumbency in African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata) for cystolith removal.

Animals: African spurred tortoises that underwent prefemoral cystotomy for cystolith removal by a specialist in herpetological medicine from May 2017 through May 2025.

Clinical presentation: Records for 8 tortoises from 4 different institutions met inclusion criteria. The age of tortoises ranged from 3 to over 30 years, and body weight ranged from 1.5 to 47.9 kg.

Results: Preoperative diagnostic imaging showed 1 to 3 cystoliths, with the longest diameter of the cystoliths ranging from 21% to 65% of the maximum carapacial width. Positioning the tortoises at a 45° dorsolateral recumbency provided adequate exposure to the cystoliths and allowed extraction in all cases. In 2 cases, a circumferential wound protector/retractor was used as a conduit toward the lumen of the urinary bladder to limit celomic contamination. Seven of the 8 tortoises survived to discharge and to last available follow-up, 75 to 1,081 days from surgery. Common postoperative complaints included inappetence (4 cases), decreased urination and defecation (4 cases), and reduced activity (3 cases). Two cases experienced local complications: 1 required wound debridement for dehiscence, and the other developed cellulitis that resolved with medical treatment.

Clinical relevance: Prefemoral cystotomy in 45° dorsolateral recumbency is an effective treatment for cystoliths in African spurred tortoises regardless of urolith or animal size. The technique described herein may reduce some of the challenges associated with treatment of cystolithiasis in chelonians.

Objective: To reassess the 8-hour postdexamethasone (T8) cortisol diagnostic cutoff for suspected naturally occurring Cushing syndrome (CS) in dogs comparing a chemiluminescent cortisol immunoassay (Immulite 2000 XPi; Siemens Healthineers) results before and after the 2020 antibody change.

Methods: Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test results were retrospectively evaluated in dogs with CS and in those with disease mimicking Cushing syndrome (DMCS), with sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and receiver operating characteristic curves assessed. Cortisol concentrations after the antibody change were adjusted using the Siemens Healthineers conversion formula.

Results: 61 dogs with CS and 32 with DMCS were included between January 2016 and October 2020 (old antibody [OA]). Forty dogs with CS and 40 with DMCS were included between November 2020 and January 2024 (new antibody [NA]). The area under the curve for T8 cortisol to differentiate CS from DMCS dogs was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.91 to 0.99) with OA and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.90 to 1.0) with NA. The cutoff associated with the best sensitivity and specificity to diagnose CS was > 35.9 nmol/L (1.3 μg/dL; Se = 88.9%, 95% CI, 78.4% to 95.4%; Sp = 96.9%, 95% CI, 83.8% to 99.9%) with OA and > 33.1 (1.2 μg/dL; Se = 92.5%, 95% CI, 79.6% to 98.4%; Sp = 95.0%, 95% CI, 83.08% to 99.4%) with NA.

Conclusions: The optimal cut point of the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test T8 cortisol for CS diagnosis after the antibody change was > 33.1 nmol/L (1.2 μg/dL), which is lower than the currently accepted cutoff of > 38.6 nmol/L (1.4 μg/dL).

Clinical relevance: New cutoff value of T8 cortisol has been identified for the diagnosis of CS.

Objective: To describe variations in blood glucose concentrations depending on their clinical diagnosis in a large cohort of chelonians.

Methods: Data on species, sex, habitat, blood glucose, appetite, organ category, and disease type data were extracted and analyzed using commercial statistical software. Generalized linear models were built to evaluate the association between blood glucose concentrations and organ system or disease type while accounting for other predictor variables.

Results: After exclusion of healthy chelonians and chelonians missing glucose measurements, 967 chelonians were included in this study. The most represented chelonians were red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans; n = 413), followed by African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata; 102). After multivariable adjustment, compared to chelonians with trauma, chelonians with infectious disease, inflammatory disease, metabolic disease, neoplastic disease, and vascular disease had glucose concentrations that were 33.3% to 48.2% lower. Compared to chelonians with urinary tract involvement, chelonians with different organ systems affected had blood glucose concentrations 16.4% to 61.9% lower. There were no associations between gout, dystocia, or urolithiasis and glucose concentrations. Chelonians with hyperuricemia had blood glucose concentrations 47.8% higher than those without hyperuricemia.

Conclusions: Blood glucose concentrations may vary in chelonian patients depending on the type of disease and the organ affected, among other factors. Certain conditions result in increased or decreased glucose concentrations.

Clinical relevance: When testing blood glucose in unhealthy chelonians, results should be interpreted considering species and disease context.

Objective: To develop and assess predictive equations for calculating lung and lung lobe volumes based on thoracic CT measurements in Shiba Inus, French Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Miniature Dachshunds, and Toy Poodles.

Methods: This retrospective analysis utilized CT data acquired from April 27, 2018, through November 8, 2024, from 5 dog breeds without respiratory or circulatory diseases. Volumes of the 7 lobes and thoracic cavity were measured. The total lung volume (TLV) was defined as the sum of all lobar volumes. Lobar volume proportions, interlobar volume ratios, and TLV-to-thoracic volume ratios were analyzed across breeds. Predictive equations for TLV and lobar volumes were derived using linear regression and lobar proportions.

Results: A total of 47 dogs were included. Significant between-breed differences were observed for all lobar volumes and TLV proportions of the middle, accessory, and caudal part of the left cranial lobe, whereas the TLV-to-thoracic volume ratio showed no differences among breeds. Within breeds, the volume of the entire left cranial lobe, combining cranial and caudal parts, was equivalent to the right cranial lobe in most breeds. Most breeds showed no significant differences in volume between the left and right caudal lobes or between the middle and accessory lobes. Mean error rates obtained from predictive equations were around 20% for all volumes.

Conclusions: This study revealed breed differences in pulmonary lobe volumes and proportions.

Clinical relevance: The baseline data on CT-derived lobar volumes for each dog breed might provide a foundation for future research investigating changes in lobar volumes.

Objective: To assess the association between serum chloride concentration (s[Cl-]) and survival outcomes in cats with stable congestive heart failure (CHF).

Methods: This was a single-institution retrospective study. Medical record reviews of 178 client-owned cats from 2014 through 2024 identified 84 cats meeting inclusion criteria of stable CHF at least 1 week after hospitalization. Cats with significant gastrointestinal disease were excluded. Biochemical parameters, medications, and survival were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methods. Forward stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify independent predictors of death risk.

Results: Hypochloremia was defined as s[Cl-] < 112 mEq/L (the lower limit of the reference range). Fifteen cats were hypochloremic, and 69 cats were normochloremic. Hypochloremia was independently associated with a higher risk of death (hazard ratio, 2.82), and survival was shorter for cats with s[Cl-] < 112 mEq/L (159 days) compared to cats with s[Cl-] > 112 mEq/L (392 days). Diuretic dose was significantly higher in the hypochloremic group but was not an independent predictor of outcome in multivariable modeling. Two other confounders independently predicted outcome in the multivariable model (higher death risk with pimobendan use; hazard ratio, 1.96; lower death risk with normal BUN < 28 mg/dL; hazard ratio, 0.45).

Conclusions: In this cohort of cats with stable CHF, hypochloremia was independently associated with significantly shorter survival and increased mortality risk.

Clinical relevance: Efforts to normalize s[Cl-] in cats with CHF merit consideration.

Objective: To evaluate clinical outcomes and complications of 10-mm radial tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy (TPLO) using a 10-mm radial blade in small dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease.

Methods: This retrospective, observational study reviewed medical records of small-breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease that underwent unilateral or bilateral 10-mm radial TPLO at 2 veterinary referral hospitals from August 2022 through May 2025. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed at 8 to 14 weeks and ≥ 6 months postoperatively. Kinetic gait analysis was performed preoperatively and at 2 to 24 weeks postoperatively in a subset. Long-term outcomes were supplemented by owner interviews ≥ 6 months postoperatively.

Results: Lameness scores improved from 3.2 ± 1.5 preoperatively to 0.9 ± 1.0 (short-term) and 0.1 ± 0.3 at long-term follow-up. Bone healing scores improved from 1.5 ± 0.6 at short-term to 1.0 ± 0.0 at long-term evaluation, indicating complete union in all cases. Peak vertical force, vertical impulse, and symmetry indices improved over time. Owner-assessed outcomes (n = 40) were excellent in 36 stifles (90%) and good in 4 (10%). Complications occurred in 3 stifles (6.0%), 2 major and 1 minor; all resolved without long-term morbidity.

Conclusions: TPLO performed with a 10-mm radial blade was associated with significant improvements in clinical, kinetic, and radiographic outcomes with a low overall complication rate in small-breed dogs, although kinetic data were available only for a subset of cases.

Clinical relevance: The 10-mm radial TPLO achieved excellent clinical, kinetic, and radiographic outcomes with a low complication rate in small-breed dogs.

Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and debilitating degenerative joint disease in both humans and companion animals, leading to chronic pain and mobility loss. The inflammation has been identified to play a critical role in OA progression. Our prior work revealed that cyclin-dependent kinase 9 acts as a key regulator of early inflammatory gene activation and found an effective inhibitor, flavopiridol. To develop flavopiridol into an effective prevention and treatment of OA, this study focuses on the pharmacokinetics of our flavopiridol formulations upon IA injection.

Methods: 12 male 14-week-old Lewis rats (n = 4 per group) received IA administration of flavopiridol in either free form or encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticles. Blood samples were collected via the saphenous vein at multiple time points. Plasma flavopiridol concentrations were quantified using a validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry assay. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by noncompartmental analysis.

Results: Free flavopiridol exhibited a higher peak plasma concentration and a shorter elimination half-life than that of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticle encapsulated formulations. In contrast, microparticle formulation provided sustained release of flavopiridol for at least 3 weeks, with a significantly lower mean peak plasma concentration and prolonged elimination half-life.

Conclusions: Free flavopiridol has a short elimination half-life and limited systemic retention. In contrast, IA administration of microparticle encapsulated inhibitors offers sustained release and prolonged drug exposure at the target site while minimizing systemic side effects.

Clinical relevance: The microparticle-based sustained-release formulation provides a promising means for the prevention and long-term treatment of joint inflammation and OA in both humans and animals.

Objective: A commercially available Histoplasma urine antigen enzyme immunoassay (MV antigen EIA; MiraVista Diagnostics) is widely used to support the diagnosis of histoplasmosis in dogs; however, a standardized urine collection technique does not exist. The objective was to evaluate agreement between 3 urine collection techniques (free catch [FC], cystocentesis [cysto], and iatrogenically hospital-contaminated cystocentesis [contam]) using the MV antigen EIA in dogs and to determine associated false-positive rates (FPRs).

Methods: Participants were 30 dogs suspected of histoplasmosis and 30 temporally matched, healthy controls. In this 12-month prospective study (December 2023 to 2024), 3 urine samples (FC, cysto, and contam) were collected within 24 hours from each dog. Agreement between methods was assessed using the McNemar test and Cohen κ coefficients. False-positive rates were calculated using clinical diagnosis as the reference standard.

Results: 3 clinically ill dogs were definitively diagnosed with histoplasmosis. Agreement was substantial between cysto and contam samples (κ = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.97) and moderate between cysto and FC (κ = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.82) and FC and contam samples (κ = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.75). The overall FPR was 16% (9 of 57; 95% CI, 6 to 25%). The cysto samples had the lowest FPR (4% [2 of 57]; 95% CI, 1 to 12%), followed by FC (7% [4 of 57]; 95% CI, 3 to 17%) and contam (11% [6 of 57]; 95% CI, 5 to 21%).

Conclusions: While all collection techniques demonstrated reasonable agreement, FC and contam samples were more prone to false positives.

Clinical relevance: Clinicians should confirm contam low-level positive results with sterile cysto to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making for histoplasmosis in dogs.

Objective: To describe the prevalence, age at first radiographic detection, severity, and progression of thoracic spondylosis deformans (SD) in search-and-rescue (SAR) dogs enrolled in a long-term medical surveillance program.

Methods: This retrospective case series analyzed thoracic radiographs from 127 SAR dogs. All dogs participated in a 15-year medical surveillance program beginning in 2001. Thoracic radiographs and health data were submitted annually by handlers when available; however, radiographs were not submitted each year consistently, and some data points were missing. One board-certified radiologist reviewed the radiographs for the presence, severity, and progression of thoracic SD. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize signalment and radiographic findings.

Results: Of the 127 dogs evaluated, 81 (63.8%) had thoracic SD identified on radiographs. The average age at first detection was 8.7 years (range, 2.0 to 15.8 years). Severity was classified as mild in 52.9% of cases, moderate in 32.8%, and severe in 14.2%. Radiographic progression occurred in 40% of affected dogs. The condition was observed across multiple breeds, including German Shepherd Dogs and Labrador Retrievers.

Conclusions: Thoracic SD, an enthesopathy, is a common and sometimes progressive finding in SAR dogs.

Clinical relevance: Although historically considered an incidental finding, the identification of thoracic SC may inform long-term musculoskeletal monitoring and clinical management strategies for SAR and other working dogs.