American journal of veterinary research最新文献

Objective: To evaluate whether rabbit-appeasing pheromone (RAP) use can help pet rabbits cope with transport.

Methods: This controlled experimental study was performed from April 18 through June 12, 2024. Rabbits underwent a 30-minute car trip in a crate sprayed with RAP in mist form or the control. Rabbits were video recorded to assess their behavior. Blood was sampled 2 days before transport, immediately after, 2 days after, and 8 days after to dose corticosterone. Statistical analysis was performed to assess differences between groups.

Results: Twenty-four 5-month-old New Zealand white rabbits (6 castrated males, 6 entire males, and 12 entire females) were divided between RAP (n = 12) and control (12) groups. Video analysis revealed that controls kept ears pushed back longer than RAP-treated rabbits (mean difference, 512.88 seconds; 95% CI, 64.39 to 961.38 seconds), and they also tended to be more agitated (mean difference, 88.71 seconds; 95% CI, -7.62 to 185.05 seconds), whereas RAP-treated rabbits kept ears in erect position longer (mean difference, 544.47 seconds; 95% CI, 111.56 to 977.39 seconds). The RAP group tended to have higher corticosterone levels after transport compared to the controls (mean difference, 33.14 ng/mL; 95% CI, -5.64 to 71.93 ng/mL), but levels became equivalent after 2 and 8 days.

Conclusions: The results indicate that RAP modified the rabbit behavior and neuroendocrine stress response, suggesting a shift toward an adaptive coping strategy in response to transport.

Clinical relevance: Spraying RAP into the transport crate seems to be a promising method in helping pet rabbits cope with this event.

Objective: To examine the effects of botulinum toxin inoculation into the deep digital flexor (DDF) muscle on foot biomechanics.

Methods: 6 healthy horses were injected with botulinum toxin in the DDF of 1 forelimb. The opposite forelimb was untreated. Ground reaction forces (GRF) were measured using a pressure sensor in regions of interest, including the dorsal hoof wall (toe). The location of the center of pressure (COP) was measured relative to the dorsal hoof wall during static standing and at peak stance during walking. Repeat measurements 3, 7, 14, 28, and 42 days after injection were compared to baseline (pretreatment) using Friedman tests with Dunn multiple comparisons.

Results: There was a median 122-N (IQR, 66 to 254) reduction in the peak GRF at the toe at 7 days after Botox injection. The COP was shifted palmarly by 10 mm (IQR, 8 to 16) during stationary stance and by 6 mm (IQR, 3 to 7) during ambulation at day 7 compared to baseline. These changes were no longer significantly different to control by 14 days. No significant changes were seen in untreated limbs.

Conclusions: Treatment with botulinum toxin transiently reduced peak GRF at the toe and caused a palmar shift in COP at rest and during ambulation.

Clinical relevance: These biomechanical effects of DDF botulinum toxin inoculation would be expected to reduce mechanical stress on the dorsal lamellae and could be useful for treatment of acute laminitis to help reduce distal phalangeal rotation.

Objective: To compare creatinine concentrations measured using a point-of-care unit (Nova StatSensor; NSS) to those from a comparison method (CM) chemistry analyzer from pigs presented at a referral institution.

Methods: A clinical prospective study was performed including 61 pigs admitted to Cornell Nemo Farm Animal Hospital for clinical reasons. Heparinized blood samples were obtained by venous aspiration, and whole-blood samples were obtained via ear prick. Creatinine concentrations were subsequently measured in triplicate on the NSS (on heparinized venous samples [NSSven] and ear prick samples [NSSear]) and compared to the CM. Paired t tests and intraclass correlation coefficients were performed. A Bland-Altman plot was graphed based on a linear mixed-effects model to estimate agreement between tests. Equivalence testing was performed.

Results: NSSven (n = 110) and NSSear (71) from 61 nonazotemic pigs were analyzed. The mean creatinine ± SD was 1.3 ± 0.52 mg/dL from the CM, 1.1 ± 0.43 mg/dL from the NSSven, and 1.2 ± 0.42 mg/dL from the NSSear. Bias existed between average NSSven (-0.17 mg/dL) and NSSear (-0.21 mg/dL) and the CM. The 95% CI of the limit of agreement between the NSSven and CM was -0.88 to 0.54 and -1.04 to 0.62 between the NSSear and CM. The tests were not equivalent at 0.3 mg/dL.

Conclusions: The NSSven, NSSear, and CM results are different and not equivalent in nonazotemic pigs.

Clinical relevance: The use of this device for screening of creatinine in pigs is discouraged based on the results in this population.

Objective: To evaluate hematological changes in dogs with acute kidney injury caused by different underlying disease processes treated with intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) over 12 to 24 hours after the session.

Methods: Client-owned dogs with acute kidney injury treated with IHD from February 2021 through July 2025 were prospectively enrolled in this observational study. Blood was collected from each dog before IHD (T0), after IHD (T1), and 12 to 24 hours after IHD (T2). Hematocrit, RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, reticulocyte count, platelet count, and WBC count were evaluated at all time points.

Results: In total, 30 dogs with 82 IHD sessions were included in the study. Median RBC count (X 1012/L) and median hemoglobin concentration (mmol/L) decreased from 4.00 (2.82 to 7.22) and 9.25 (6.60 to 17.20) at T0 to 3.74 (2.39 to 7.04) and 9.00 (5.50 to 16.80) at T1, respectively. Median WBC count (X 109/L) of 19.34 (6.49 to 55.47) at T0 decreased to 17.6 (4.57 to 73.22) at T1 and increased to 20.11 (7.48 to 55.47) at T2. Median platelet count (X 109/L) of 99 (5 to 767) at T0 decreased to 69 (1 to 633) at T1 and increased to 84 (4 to 604) at T2.

Conclusions: Hematological changes during IHD were mild and transient. Only the platelet count decreased moderately.

Clinical relevance: Most of the hematological changes did not appear clinically relevant and resolved within 24 hours. However, the moderate decrease in platelet count could potentially predispose dogs undergoing IHD to an increased risk of bleeding.

Objective: To report the changes in veterinary surgeon schedules, workflow, and job satisfaction associated with the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 through 2021.

Methods: A voluntary, nonincentivized, anonymized 40-question internet survey was deployed from November 2021 through February 2022. Veterinary surgeons were surveyed regarding schedule alterations and support implemented by their employers during the pandemic as well as changes in their job satisfaction. Associations between demographics and responses were analyzed.

Results: 333 respondents, including veterinary surgeons and residents, participated. Most respondents worked in private clinical practice (211 of 320 [65.9%]), followed by academia (95 of 313 [30.3%]). The pandemic significantly affected the work schedule of 245 of 333 respondents (77%), especially those in private practice and influenced by employment position, such as staff surgeon versus owner. 185 of 245 surgeons (76%) reported a stressful work environment, and 244 of 320 (78%) reported an increased caseload. 244 of 320 respondents (76%) felt management responses were supportive of employees; however, only 195 of 314 surgeons (62%) believed their safety was prioritized. While overall job satisfaction decreased from prepandemic levels, 147 of 247 respondents (60%) reported that at least 1 positive change in their work environment occurred due to coronavirus disease 2019 protocols, including the introduction of curbside care and remote meetings.

Conclusions: The pandemic affected the working conditions of veterinary surgeons, increasing caseloads and stress. Respondents generally felt supported by their employers who implemented positive changes.

Clinical relevance: Work environment strategies identified as positive should be embraced as workplace stress and higher caseloads have impacted job satisfaction in veterinary surgery.

Objective: To determine the effect of repeated IV administration of dexamethasone (0.06 mg/kg, q 24 h, twice) on WBC parameters in healthy adult horses.

Methods: This prospective, longitudinal study was conducted from October 7 through November 5, 2024. Five warmblood mares received an IV dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection (DMI) at 0 and 24 hours and an IV injection with 0.9% sodium chloride solution at 48 and 72 hours. Blood samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, 24, 30, 36, 48, 72, 96, and 168 hours, and WBC parameters were evaluated using linear mixed-effects models.

Results: Leukocyte count, neutrophil count, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were increased at 6 hours after DMI. Mean leukocyte count peaked 6 hours after DMI and exceeded the reference interval; however, not all horses had peaks above the reference interval. Neutrophilia was observed in all horses, with peak values 6 hours after DMI. Lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts were decreased at 6 hours after DMI, with complete suppression of eosinophils. Myeloperoxidase index was increased only at 6 hours after the second DMI. Neut-X was decreased at 12 hours after DMI, and Neut-Y did not change up to 156 hours after the first DMI. Most parameters returned to baseline at 48 to 72 hours.

Conclusions: Repeated IV dexamethasone administration induces recognizable changes in leukograms in healthy horses with transient neutrophilia combined with increased leukocyte counts and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios and decreased lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts.

Clinical relevance: Recognition of glucocorticoid-induced changes is important for accurate interpretation of hematologic findings in horses receiving glucocorticoids.

Objective: To investigate associations between contralateral (left-right) hoof width asymmetry and vertical movement asymmetry in racing Thoroughbreds. We hypothesized that forehoof differences would be associated with poll and withers movement asymmetry and hind hoof differences with pelvis movement asymmetry.

Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included 169 Thoroughbred racehorses recently retired from clockwise racing and assessed the day of scheduled farriery work. Contralateral hoof width differences were quantified and movement asymmetry during trot measured using inertial sensors placed on the poll, withers, and pelvis. A primary outcome was the difference in upward movement amplitude between the left and right stance phases (upDiff). Based on measured contralateral hoof width differences, horses were categorized post hoc by the side of the wider hoof, and between-group differences in movement asymmetry were quantified using effect sizes (Cohen d).

Results: 70% of horses had wider right forehooves and 65% wider right hind hooves. Forehoof width asymmetry was associated with differences in upDiff at the poll (Cohen d = 0.82) and withers (Cohen d = 0.73), with greater vertical displacement during stance of wider hoof. Hind hoof width asymmetry was not associated with pelvic upDiff but at the poll (Cohen d = 0.57) and withers (Cohen d = 0.60).

Conclusions: Forelimb hoof width asymmetry was associated with poll and withers movement asymmetry, whereas hind hoof width asymmetry was not associated with pelvic movement asymmetry.

Clinical relevance: Assessment of forehoof width asymmetry may aid interpretation of head and withers movement asymmetry during lameness evaluation and inform hoof care and training management in racehorses.