American journal of veterinary research最新文献

Objective: To determine the efficacy of topical penciclovir 1% cream for the treatment of cats with experimentally induced ocular feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) infection.

Methods: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial was performed using 10 unvaccinated specific-pathogen-free cats with experimental FHV-1 infection induced by topical ocular inoculation. Cats received topical penciclovir 1% cream (n = 6 cats) or a placebo artificial tear gel (4) 3 times daily for 14 days. Cats were monitored after inoculation for 30 days. Ophthalmic examinations were performed every 2 days, and ocular disease scores were calculated. In vivo confocal microscopic ocular examinations were performed to quantify corneal leukocytes. Feline herpesvirus-1 quantitative PCR, viral titers, hemograms, and serum biochemistry panels were performed throughout the study.

Results: No significant differences in clinical ocular disease scores were observed between the penciclovir and placebo groups during the majority of the study period; however, penciclovir-treated cat scores declined more rapidly after study day 14. No significant differences were detected in corneal leukocyte infiltrates between study groups. Ocular viral loads determined by PCR were significantly lower in the penciclovir group on day 3 but were similar on all other sampling days. Hemogram and serum biochemistry values were unremarkable in all cats.

Conclusions: Topical penciclovir 1% cream administered 3 times daily was well tolerated and modestly reduced ocular viral shedding but had minimal effects on clinical ocular disease in cats with experimental ocular FHV-1 infection.

Clinical relevance: Refinements in the topical penciclovir treatment strategies and optimization of penciclovir formulations are recommended before clinical applications in cats.

Objective: To investigate the role of dairy heifer-raising facilities as a possible source of exposure to Salmonella Dublin. We hypothesized that heifers near the time of departure to the home farms are more likely to have been exposed to S Dublin in comparison to heifers near the time of arrival at the heifer-raising facility.

Methods: At 5 enrolled heifer raisers, we collected serum samples from animals within 3 different age groups: 3 to 4 months (age group 1), 10 to 12 months (age group 2), and 20 to 22 months (age group 3). All serum samples were tested for S Dublin antibodies using the PrioCHECK S Dublin ELISA kit.

Results: Age group 2 had the highest proportion of ELISA-positive animals (35 of 149 [23.5%]), and age group 2 had increased odds of ELISA positivity relative to the other age groups (OR, 3.95; 95% CI, 1.91 to 8.14). Age group 2 also had the highest median ELISA percentage of positivity value (3; range, -14 to 222), with differences between age groups 1 and 2 and groups 1 and 3.

Conclusions: These observations suggest that animals at heifer-raising facilities are likely to be exposed to S Dublin prior to 10 to 12 months of age and are continuously exposed to this serotype at the raising facilities.

Clinical relevance: These findings can be used to guide decision-making on the use of off-site heifer-raising facilities and inform the development of targeted management protocols to reduce the risk of S Dublin exposure among animals arriving at these operations.

Objective: To report the midterm clinical outcome of synthetic IA reconstruction of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) in dogs.

Animals: 16 cases of CrCL rupture in 15 client-owned dogs treated from November 2022 through June 2023 at a single referral center were retrospectively identified through nonrandom, criterion-based sampling. Skeletally mature dogs weighing more than 30 kg, surgically treated with IA CrCL arthroscopic reconstruction, with a 6-month orthopedic and radiographic follow-up, were included in this study.

Clinical presentation: Dogs were referred with clinical signs (hind limb lameness, pain, positive direct and indirect drawer tests) of CrCL rupture.

Results: Median age was 5.3 years (range, 1.9 to 8.7), and median weight was 40.7 kg (range, 31.5 to 65.5). Twelve ruptures were acute, 4 were chronic, 14 were complete, and 2 were partial. All cases underwent arthroscopic IA CrCL reconstruction with an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) implant secured with 1 femoral and 1 tibial interference screw placed in bone tunnels. Meniscal tears, identified in 9 cases, were debrided. Four postoperative complications occurred (2 infections, 1 recurrence of pain and lameness, and 1 implant slippage associated with meniscal tear). Revision surgery was required only in 1 case, whereas the rest of the complications were managed medically. After 6 months postoperatively, full functional recovery was achieved in 14 cases and deemed acceptable in 2. Thirteen cases showed satisfactory stifle stability. Osteoarthritis progressed slightly radiographically. No dogs required medical pain management.

Clinical relevance: This IA UHMWPE reconstruction may be a viable alternative for CrCL rupture in large dogs. Long-term studies are needed to confirm these promising results.

Objective: To establish specific veterinary surgical site infection (SSI) terminology to support the creation of consistent, comparable, and repeatable clinical and research datasets.

Methods: Establishment of SSI definitions by iterative Delphi questionnaires leading to a convergence of consensus opinion by a multidisciplinary panel of 32 specialists in large- and small-animal surgery (European College of Veterinary Surgeons, American College of Veterinary Surgeons), veterinary internal medicine (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, European College of Equine Internal Medicine), anesthesia (European College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia), critical care (American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, European College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care), dentistry (European Veterinary Dental College), microbiology, preventive medicine (American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine), animal welfare (European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine), and human infection control. Consensus was defined as agreement by a minimum of 75% of panel members.

Results: The panel defined 18 terms for veterinary use, including those for superficial, deep, and organ/space infections; surgical procedure; pyrexia; wound classification and closure; and agreements on SSI monitoring timeframes.

Conclusions: A common clinical and research language appropriate to the veterinary field useable in future SSI surveillance practice has been established through expert consensus.

Clinical relevance: The use of a standard SSI language in veterinary practice is central to the future reliability of studies, their comparison, and the understanding of clinical risk factors in the development and prevention of SSI.

Objective: To establish surface ECG reference intervals for adult chickens of noncommercial breeds.

Methods: This was a prospective study performed from June 2024 through April 2025 including healthy adult chickens (n = 138) of variable body size, sex, and breed with normal echocardiographic findings. All chickens were sedated with butorphanol (2 mg/kg) and midazolam (2 mg/kg) IM. A standard 6-lead surface ECG was recorded with chickens gently restrained in a "seated" position. For each recording, standard lead II amplitudes, intervals, and durations were later measured on 3 to 5 consecutive sinus beats by a single observer. Using nonparametric methods, 95% reference intervals were determined, with the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles (90% CI) serving as the lower and upper limits, respectively.

Results: An underlying normal sinus rhythm was present in all recordings. In lead II, P waves were positive, rS waves were negative, and T waves were positive in all individuals. The P-on-T phenomenon was observed at least once in 26% of chickens and was correlated with higher heart rate. Body weight was negatively correlated with presedation heart rate and mean electrical axis and positively correlated with P- and r-wave amplitudes.

Conclusions: ECG reference intervals for noncommercial chickens placed in a "seated" position were established.

Clinical relevance: The keeping of companion chicken flocks has recently grown in popularity, increasing the demand for advanced veterinary care. The clinical utility of ECG is currently limited by a lack of established reference intervals for adult chickens of noncommercial breeds.

Objective: To describe the current composition, characteristics, and perceptions of department leaders at colleges of veterinary medicine in North America.

Methods: This was a survey-based observational study. The study population was composed of department leaders of academic departments at colleges of veterinary medicine in North America. A questionnaire was distributed electronically to record demographic data as well as the respondents' perceptions of rewards, challenges, and desired competencies. The data collection period was from January 6, 2025, through March 15, 2025. Data were summarized and compared to evaluate differences in responses based upon the sex of the respondent as well as the type of department that they represented (ie, clinical vs basic science).

Results: 118 surveys were distributed, with 63 responses (54%). The mean respondent age was 56.4 years, and they had served for an average of 5.1 years. Of respondents, 28 were female and 27 male, 4 declined to respond, and 78% identified as Caucasian. Female respondents were younger (55.4 vs 62.4 years) than male respondents. There were no differences based upon whether one led a clinical or basic science department.

Conclusions: Little difference was found in the demographics of department leaders, or in their preparation or satisfaction of or their role based upon sex or type of department they led. While satisfaction with the role was high, substantial challenges were noted, particularly related to human resources and budgetary and time management. The importance of good communication skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence was highlighted.

Clinical relevance: The findings inform skill development and performance of academic leaders in colleges of veterinary medicine.

Objective: To determine if dexmedetomidine-ketamine (DK) is an effective protocol without immediate complications and to describe anesthetic quality, physiologic variables, and blood gas parameters in DK and isoflurane (ISO) anesthesia in white-bellied pangolins (Phataginus tricuspis) under professional care.

Methods: An observational study was conducted in 12 indoor-housed pangolins at a single zoological institution from 2023 through 2024. Pangolins were anesthetized with an IM injection of DK (0.05 mg/kg dexmedetomidine and 4 mg/kg ketamine) or with ISO via induction chamber followed by facemask delivery. Physiologic parameters were recorded every 5 minutes, and 3 serial blood gas samples were obtained every 15 minutes from the ventral coccygeal vasculature. At 45 minutes following recumbency, anesthesia was discontinued by administration of atipamezole (0.5 mg/kg, IM) for DK or by turning off the ISO vaporizer. There was a washout period of at least 37 days between treatments. Pangolins were excluded if they were nursing or if anesthetic risk was > 2 American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Classification Status.

Results: 11 pangolins were anesthetized with DK, and 8 pangolins were anesthetized with ISO (7 of 8 pangolins in this group were also anesthetized with DK). Dexmedetomidine-ketamine and ISO produced reliable anesthesia without immediate complications. Pangolins had lower heart rates and respiratory rates in DK than in ISO. Blood gas parameters were within clinically acceptable limits for both protocols.

Conclusions: White-bellied pangolins under professional care can be effectively anesthetized with DK or ISO without major complications.

Clinical relevance: This study reports the first injectable anesthetic protocol for use in this species.

Objective: To determine the biomechanical strength of 2 different condylar titanium plating systems (trapezoid and lambda condylar plates) in medium- to large-breed dogs for repair of mandibular condylar fractures under physiologic bite forces.

Methods: An experimental study design was utilized in which mandibular condylar process fractures were simulated in medium- to large-breed adult dog cadaver heads. The selected implant was applied to the simulated fracture. The jaws were loaded in a load-to-failure test simulating a bite on a unilateral object while measuring bite force.

Results: In 12 dog cadaver specimens, all constructs failed at simulated bite forces greater than expected physiologic bite force (600 N). The mean (SD) force to failure was 1,006.5 N (344.7) for the lambda plates and 847.8 N (78.0) for the trapezoid plates. There was no statistically significant difference in mean force to failure when comparing the different types of plates. Some degree of screw pullout occurred in 50% of specimens tested with the trapezoid plates. There was no significant difference in mode of failure between the 2 groups. The most common mechanism of failure was breakage of the loading apparatus.

Conclusions: Both condylar lambda plates and trapezoid plates sustain expected physiologic bite forces in domestic dogs after implantation. There is no significant difference in the force to failure for either type of implant.

Clinical relevance: These data support that both lambda condylar plates and trapezoid plates are suitable for open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular condylar process fractures in medium- to large-breed dogs.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of medical and veterinary pathogens in invading Asian longhorned tick (ALT; Haemaphysalis longicornis) populations in 2 adjoining states, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to test ALTs collected through active (probability-based) surveillance in Pennsylvania and active or passive (opportunistic) surveillance in Ohio for medical and veterinary pathogens using PCR.

Results: We collected 563 nymphs and adult females from 2021 through 2025 from the environment and domestic cows. We detected DNA of Anaplasma phagocytophilum (3 of 563 [0.53%]; 95% CI, 0.11 to 1.55). A subsample of ticks from both states was tested for Babesia spp. The DNA of Babesia spp was detected in Ohio (20 of 61 [32.79%]; 95% CI, 21.31 to 46.00;), and sequence data (from 8 samples) identified 4 detections of Babesia odocoilei and 4 detections of Theileria orientalis Ikeda. The DNA of Babesia spp was also detected in Pennsylvania (6 of 41 [14.63%]; 95% CI, 5.57 to 29.17); however, we were unable to retrieve any sequence data.

Conclusions: Our findings, albeit partially based on opportunistic sampling, suggest that the epidemiology of ALT-associated pathogens is evolving as we detected medical and veterinary pathogens of concern, primarily in Ohio. Surveillance can help guide veterinary and public health professionals to inform management.

Clinical relevance: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported detection of B odocoilei from host-seeking ALTs anywhere in the US and the first reported detection of T orientalis Ikeda from host-seeking ALTs in Ohio.

Objective: To develop and validate an owner-reported health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) questionnaire in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods: This was a noninterventional, international study. Initial draft items were identified through qualitative literature and social media reviews. Concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing interviews were conducted with owners of cats with International Renal Interest Society-staged CKD in the US and United Kingdom to further inform item development. A 2-time point observational study was then conducted in a Greek sample of owners of cats with stable CKD to allow for psychometric analysis. Expert veterinarian input was incorporated throughout. Participants were recruited using purposive convenience sampling.

Results: Owners of 10 cats participated in interviews, and owners of 208 cats were included in the psychometric evaluation. An initial 20-item questionnaire was debriefed and refined across 2 rounds of interviews, resulting in a 21-item version for psychometric evaluation. The final questionnaire comprised 13 items assessing observable HRQoL impacts of feline CKD. Psychometric analyses confirmed a unidimensional structure, with high internal consistency (Cronbach α coefficient = 0.92; McDonald ω coefficient = 0.93), moderate to good test-retest reliability (≥ 0.72), and strong convergent validity. Questionnaire responses discriminated between early and late International Renal Interest Society stages and varying levels of overall HRQoL as reported by owners and veterinarians.

Conclusions: This research presents a novel, disease-specific, psychometrically validated questionnaire assessing HRQoL in feline CKD.

Clinical relevance: The questionnaire is fit for purpose for use in feline CKD both in clinical trials and veterinary practice.