American journal of veterinary research最新文献

Objective: To compare the tensile performance of 3 constructs for feline greater trochanter (GT) avulsion fractures using a cadaveric model.

Methods: An experimental cadaveric study was performed using a standardized GT osteotomy model. Adult feline cadavers euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study and without radiographic evidence of orthopedic disease were included; specimens with musculoskeletal abnormalities were excluded. All testing was conducted at a single academic biomechanics laboratory. Fixation constructs were subjected to quasistatic tensile loading until failure.

Results: 18 hindlimbs from 9 feline cadavers were allocated equally to bicortical pin tension-band wiring (TBW; n = 6), tricortical pin TBW (6), and FiberWire-only fixation (6). At 3-mm displacement, tricortical fixation demonstrated higher mean load resistance than both bicortical fixation (mean difference, 45.0 N; 95% CI, 19.7 to 70.3 N) and FiberWire-only fixation (mean difference, 140.5 N; 95% CI, 115.1 to 165.9 N). Bicortical and tricortical constructs exhibited similar resistance at 1- and 2-mm displacement.

Conclusions: Tricortical pin TBW provided the greatest tensile resistance under maximal loading. However, the bicortical pin TBW and tricortical pin TBW techniques provided similar strength during early displacement. The FiberWire-only fixation construct demonstrated the lowest stability, suggesting that FiberWire fixation alone may not provide sufficient strength or an optimal tension-band configuration for feline GT avulsion repair.

Clinical relevance: For routine feline GT, bicortical pin TBW may offer a practical balance of strength and simplicity. Tricortical pin TBW fixation may be reserved for cases requiring maximal resistance, whereas FiberWire-only fixation should be used with caution due to its lower load-bearing capacity.

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity of real-time PCR to detect Coccidioides spp DNA from oropharyngeal, nasal cavity, and conjunctival swab samples in dogs with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of client-owned dogs with newly diagnosed pulmonary coccidioidomycosis from January 2024 to October 2024. Sterile cotton swabs were gently rubbed within the nasal cavity and against the mucosa of the oropharynx and conjunctiva during the initial investigation for respiratory tract signs. Swabs were tested for Coccidioides spp, Blastomyces spp, Histoplasma spp, Pneumocystis jirovecii, and Pneumocystis canis DNA by multiplex quantitative PCR. Antibody serology assays (ie, agar gel immunodiffusion and enzyme immunoassay) were performed at a single reference diagnostic laboratory.

Results: 24 dogs were included. Seventy-two PCR tests (nasal cavity, n = 24; oropharyngeal, 24; and conjunctival, 24) were performed, and none of the tests positively detected Coccidioides spp DNA. Forty-six percent (11 of 24) and 71% (17 of 24) of dogs had positive detection of anti-Coccidioides spp immunoglobulin M and G antibodies with agar gel immunodiffusion, respectively. Seventy-nine percent (19 of 24) of dogs had positive detection of immunoglobulin G antibodies with enzyme immunoassay. Respiratory tract signs improved (50%; n = 12) or completely resolved (42%; 10) after approximately 3 months of PO fluconazole administration.

Conclusions: Coccidioides spp DNA was not detected in any swab sample from the upper respiratory tract.

Clinical relevance: Quantitative PCR to detect Coccidioides spp DNA from the nasal cavity, oropharynx, and conjunctiva using sterile cotton swabs provides no added diagnostic value in dogs with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis.

Objective: To evaluate the protective effects of Hydrocotyle asiatica extract (HAE), aloe polysaccharide (AP), and Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced damage in canine intestinal epithelial cells and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms using a multiomics approach.

Methods: The study was conducted from January 1 through September 30, 2025. An in vitro model of OVA-induced injury in canine intestinal epithelial cells was established. The effects of the 3 extracts were assessed through integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses.

Results: All 3 extracts (HAE, 320 µg/mL; AP, 1 µg/mL; GBE, 1 µg/mL) significantly mitigated OVA-induced damage: they restored antioxidant activity (eg, superoxide dismutase increased 105% to 137%), suppressed inflammation (eg, tumor necrosis factor-α reduced by up to 25%), and enhanced barrier protein expression. Multiomics analysis specifically linked HAE to the restoration of metabolic pathways (eg, riboflavin metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation) and the upregulation of genes involved in epithelial adhesion and junction assembly.

Conclusions: HAE, AP, and GBE exert protective effects against OVA-induced intestinal epithelial cell injury by mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and barrier dysfunction. Hydrocotyle asiatica extract specifically modulates key metabolic and transcriptional pathways involved in intestinal integrity.

Clinical relevance: These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms by which HAE preserves intestinal barrier function and underscore its potential application in enhancing intestinal barrier integrity, which may be relevant for managing food allergies and intestinal inflammatory disorders in clinical settings.

Objective: To determine transthoracic impedance (TTI) in adult horses using an exponential biphasic defibrillator and investigate patient and technique factors influencing TTI.

Methods: A randomized crossover design with 2 phases was used. Phase 1: TTI was measured in dorsal and lateral recumbency, with and without manual pressure on the electrodes in deceased horses immediately following euthanasia. Phase 2: TTI was measured in dorsal recumbency during inspiration and expiration using anesthetized live horses sourced from 2 terminal studies. Mixed-effects linear regression modeling was performed to assess the influence of patient and technique factors on TTI.

Results: 19 adult Thoroughbred horses were included. The median TTI for all horses in all conditions was 56 Ω (range, 44 to 133). Eleven horses were enrolled in phase 1 and 8 horses were enrolled in phase 2. Phase 1: Shock 4 TTI (54.2 Ω; 95% CI, 49.0 to 59.3 Ω) was less than shock 1 (67.2 Ω; 95% CI, 55.1 to 79.4 Ω) and shock 2 (71.1 Ω; 95% CI, 54.4 to 87.9 Ω). Phase 2: TTI increased by 0.2% (95% CI, 0.11% to 0.28%) per kilogram of body weight. Terminal study allocation affected TTI.

Conclusions: Patient weight and number of shocks influenced TTI. Patient position, manual pressure, and respiratory phase did not affect TTI. Limitations included convenience sampling of horses and the terminal study design.

Clinical relevance: TTI in this population is similar to values reported in other species, indicating TTI may not be a primary factor limiting transthoracic cardioversion in the horse.

Objective: To evaluate the association between pyuria and clinical outcomes in dogs.

Methods: Data were collected from 2010 through 2025. Pyuria was defined as ≥ 5 WBCs/hpf in urine sediment. Dogs were stratified according to pyuria frequency (0, 1 to 2, or ≥ 3 episodes) and tumor size (< 3 or ≥ 3 cm). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results: 51 dogs diagnosed with bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC) were included. When stratified by pyuria frequency, dogs with ≥ 3 episodes had a significantly shorter median PFS than dogs without pyuria (175 vs 365 days), whereas dogs with 1 to 2 episodes did not differ significantly from the nonpyuria group. In the multivariable analysis, ≥ 3 pyuria episodes remained a negative prognostic factor for PFS (hazard ratio, 3.57; 95% CI, 1.27 to 10.04) even after accounting for the total number of urinalyses performed. Dogs with pyuria at initial diagnosis had a shorter median overall survival than the nonpyuria group (353 vs 531 days).

Conclusions: Dogs with pyuria at initial diagnosis and frequent pyuria (≥ 3 episodes) during the entire treatment period had shorter PFS than dogs without pyuria.

Clinical relevance: This finding parallels observations in human medicine and suggests that pyuria may serve as a clinically useful marker of tumor progression in canine UC.

Objective: To validate the accuracy of the Synaptive Medical computer-assisted surgery (CAS) system for navigation in the equine cervical spine, focusing on anatomical targets that require precise localization.

Methods: 3 equine cervical spine cadavers were used (C1-T1) for an experimental study design. A custom fiducial array was mounted into the dorsal spinous process of C2, with additional fiducial markers distributed for landmark registration. Four participants with varying surgical expertise used the Synaptive Medical CAS system to navigate 9 radiodense pins into 3 anatomical targets, including the intervertebral foramen, articular process joint, and intervertebral disc. Pre- and postprocedural CT scans were used to evaluate pin placement accuracy, defined as the Euclidean distance between planned and achieved points. The procedure duration was also recorded.

Results: The mean navigation error between the planned and reached target points was 11.33 ± 11.02 mm. Surgical experience influenced procedure duration; however, it did not significantly affect accuracy. Additionally, our results suggested that placement of a fiducial array into the dorsal spinous process of C2 allowed for successful registration.

Conclusions: Use of the Synaptive Medical CAS system for navigation-assisted procedures in the equine cervical spine is feasible and may enhance surgical precision in veterinary applications.

Clinical relevance: This study provides insight into the potential integration of CAS into the clinical application of equine cervical spine procedures. This validation supports that CAS can be an option for minimally invasive approaches aimed at reducing clinical complications when accessing the equine cervical spine.

Objective: To evaluate associations between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), nonsurvival, illness severity, and infectious etiologies.

Methods: This was a retrospective multicenter study that included 100 healthy horses and 444 horses presenting with acute diarrhea to 5 equine referral hospitals. Inclusion criteria were diarrhea duration < 48 hours, complete hemograms, and outcome data. Illness severity was assessed using systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The results of pathogen testing for Salmonella spp, equine coronavirus, Clostridium spp, and Neorickettsia risticii/findlayensis were reviewed when available. Data were analyzed using nonparametric statistics and univariate and multivariable logistic regression models.

Results: Median NLR [IQR] did not differ between healthy horses (2.06 [1.43 to 2.58]) and horses with colitis (1.93 [0.86 to 3.76]). The NLR was not significantly associated with nonsurvival; however, horses with an NLR < 1.43 demonstrated higher odds of nonsurvival. Horses meeting ≥ 2 systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria had a lower NLR (1.56 [0.69 to 2.85]) compared with those meeting 0 to 1 criteria (2.54 [1.08 to 4.70]). Horses with an identified infectious cause had lower NLR than those without (1.38 [0.78 to 2.98] vs 2.37 [0.92 to 4.00]), with the lowest NLR observed in equine coronavirus-infected horses (0.73 [0.40 to 1.56]). The NLR alone had limited prognostic performance (area under the curve, 0.51), but multivariable models with NLR had good discriminatory ability (area under the curve, 0.84).

Conclusions: While NLR alone is insufficient as a prognostic marker, it may reflect underlying immune dysregulation that contributes to disease severity.

Clinical relevance: The NLR is an inexpensive, readily available biomarker that may help clinicians identify horses at risk of severe systemic inflammation and identify infectious colitis when interpreted with other clinical and laboratory findings.

Objective: To assess validity evidence of 2 commercially available human gallbladder models for canine laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LapChole) training. We hypothesized that both models would display construct validity and would render high face values. The physical model was hypothesized to have higher face validity and the virtual reality (VR) model higher construct validity.

Methods: Experimental study. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy-experienced American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) diplomates and novice surgeons were enrolled. Surgical performance was assessed using a physical model in a box trainer and a VR model at a surgical conference in October 2022 and in a skills laboratory from September 2023 through March 2024. Performances were assessed via predetermined benchmarks and video-recorded for structured assessments by a blinded clinical LapChole-experienced surgeon and a nonblinded novice surgeon. Questionnaires for face value determination were completed by ACVS diplomates after each performance.

Results: 8 ACVS diplomates and 8 novice surgeons participated. The VR model showed strong correlation between clinical LapChole experience and model metrics, including time (Spearman rho = -0.85), visual analogue scores (rho = 0.79), and operative component rating scales scores (rho = 0.75). The physical model lacked correlation between experience and all model metrics (rho range, -0.02 to 0.21), which precluded construct validity comparisons between models. The VR model had higher face validity than the physical model.

Conclusions: Overall, the VR model demonstrated construct validity and superior face value compared to the physical model.

Clinical relevance: The VR cholecystectomy model could be considered for veterinary laparoscopic training.

Objective: To evaluate the immunomodulatory properties and antioxidative effects of telmisartan in healthy dogs.

Methods: 8 healthy young-adult mixed-sex purpose-bred research Beagles were used for this study. Dogs were administered telmisartan at 10 mg once daily for 28 days. A CBC, serum cytokine/chemokine panel, and the following antioxidant assays were performed weekly over the course of the study: total antioxidant capacity, Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase. Group mean values after starting telmisartan administration were compared to baseline values by repeated-measures ANOVA, with significance defined as P < .05.

Results: While significant changes in arterial blood pressure, CBC, or cytokines/chemokines were not detected, telmisartan significantly upregulated the activity of serum superoxide dismutase, serum total antioxidant capacity, and plasma glutathione peroxidase on some sample dates over the 28-day trial when compared to baseline values. In addition, an average weight loss of 4.9% was detected in 7 of 8 dogs between days 0 and 28.

Conclusions: Telmisartan has antioxidative effects in healthy dogs.

Clinical relevance: This research suggests an additional indication to use this drug in the management of a variety of inflammatory conditions that also have arterial hypertension.

Objective: To compare the biomechanical stability of 3 fixation techniques for unilateral sacroiliac (SI) luxation using 3-D-printed feline pelvic models.

Methods: Eighteen 3-D-printed pelvic models were generated from CT data of a 6.6-kg cat. The study was conducted from July 25 through September 10, 2025. A right SI luxation with ipsilateral pubic and ischial osteotomies was created, and models were fabricated for 3 fixation configurations (n = 6/group): single lag screw with transiliac pinning (SP), double parallel Kirschner wires (DK), and double J-shaped Kirschner wires (DJ). A 3-D-printed femur was toggle pinned to the acetabulum to reproduce stance. Axial compression was applied to the femoral head at 5 mm/min to 15° pelvic rotation. Outcomes included rotational stiffness (primary), maximum load at 10° rotation, and energy absorption.

Results: DJ constructs showed approximately 3-fold greater initial rotational stiffness and higher energy absorption than SP and DK. Mean maximum load to 10° rotation was 93.10 N for DJ versus 33.32 N (SP) and 36.59 N (DK). No differences were detected between SP and DK for any parameter.

Conclusions: In this ex vivo 3-D-printed model, DJ fixation provided superior rotational stability compared with SP and DK techniques.

Clinical relevance: The DJ technique may offer a biomechanically robust alternative for stabilizing feline SI luxation. By avoiding the narrow sacral safe corridor required for lag screw placement, this method may reduce the risk of iatrogenic nerve injury while preserving sacral bone integrity to ensure optimal purchase and minimize the risk of fixation failure during stabilization.