American journal of veterinary research最新文献

Objective: The purpose of this study was to define the angiosome of a cutaneous artery arising from the caudal gluteal artery and identify landmarks for its use as an axial pattern flap.

Methods: This was an experimental anatomic study done between July 2019 and July 2021 with a retrospective review of CT scans. Twenty postcontrast CT scans in client-owned dogs, unrelated to this study, were evaluated for identification of a potential angiosome over the hip region. Additionally, 6 cadavers received injections of barium sulphate into the internal iliac arteries. The skin over the cadaver hindlimbs was evaluated for cutaneous angiosomes via contrast radiography.

Results: The direct cutaneous artery of the caudal gluteal artery was present in 20/20 CT scans. The artery traveled through the fat to hypodermis in a dorsal to ventral direction and the path of the artery had mild variation of its location relative to the greater trochanter between patients. Externally, the direct cutaneous artery traveled from the tail base to the greater trochanter region in all cadavers. The angiosome of the artery extended along the hypodermis to at least the proximal fourth of the femur.

Conclusions: The cutaneous angiosome of the caudal gluteal artery was present in all dogs evaluated in the study.

Clinical relevance: The cutaneous artery from the caudal gluteal artery may be useful in clinical reconstruction of wounds on the tail, perineum, and sacral region as a caudal gluteal axial pattern flap.

Objective: To evaluate the precision and accuracy of 3 common methods (method 1, actual draws of the volume remaining; method 2, weight tracking of the volume remaining and/or the volume removed; and method 3, discrepancy percentage at the end of each vial) for monitoring volumes in vials of injectable controlled drugs.

Methods: For methods 1 and 2, doses were drawn from a vial containing a known amount of sterile water. For method 1, after each dose was removed, the remaining quantity of liquid was withdrawn, measured, and reinjected into the vial. The estimated and actual hub loss were calculated. For method 2, the syringe with the needle attached was weighed immediately prior to each draw and reweighed after the draw. The vial was weighed after each draw and compared to the expected weight of 1 g/mL. For method 3, the total discrepancy volume per vial was determined for vials used from January 1, 2022, through March 31, 2023. The discrepancy percentage between the calculated amount remaining and 0 mL was determined for each vial. Accuracy and precision were determined for each method.

Results: Method 2 was more accurate than method 1. Precision was equal for methods 1 and 2, with method 3 having the lowest precision.

Conclusions: Methods 1 and 2 have accuracy and precision sufficient to justify their use in practice. Method 3 is not sufficiently precise to be used alone.

Clinical relevance: The method(s) chosen should be based on accuracy and precision as well as the pros and cons of each method.

Objective: To validate the use of brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) for detecting and monitoring cardiac dysfunction in captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).

Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional (N = 175) and longitudinal (N = 76) BNP, echocardiogram, ECG, and pathology data from living and deceased captive chimpanzees to examine age and sex effects and to assess the usefulness of BNP for detecting cardiovascular disease and predicting mortality. The study period was from July 2010 through October 2024.

Results: Brain-type natriuretic peptide values were significantly associated with age, and males exhibited significantly higher BNP values than females. Brain-type natriuretic peptide values were significantly heritable, with over half of variation in BNP being attributable to additive genetic effects. Chimpanzees with more severe cardiac scores based on echocardiograms and ECGs had significantly higher BNP values. Among 50 deceased chimpanzees, those with initial BNP values > 100 pg/mL were significantly more likely to have a cardiac-related causes of death than those with values < 100 pg/mL.

Conclusions: Brain-type natriuretic peptide values reflected cardiac scores, and lower BNP values were associated with increased survival rates. Importantly, BNP values over a clinical threshold of 100 pg/mL were a significant predictor of cardiac death.

Clinical relevance: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in great apes, and sudden cardiac death with few to no preceding clinical signs is common in chimpanzees. A biomarker for occult heart disease could help identify individuals requiring monitoring or intervention. Brain-type natriuretic peptide is a useful biomarker for heart disease in chimpanzees, which has important clinical relevance for facilities that house captive chimpanzees.

Objective: To study the morphology of canine and feline femurs and tibias in lateral radiographic projections and assess their compatibility with either a straight or a curved full-length interlocking nail (ILN).

Methods: Lateral projection radiographs of 50 tibias and 50 femurs (10 cats and 40 dogs per bone) were used to measure the minimum and maximum radius of curvature of an ILN compatible with each bone. These radii were defined by cranial and caudal endosteal points at the proximal entry point of the nail, at the isthmus, and at the most distal point of the ILN insertion into the femoral or tibial metaphysis. These points were figured by 2 proximal circles, 2 diaphyseal circles at the isthmus, and 2 distal circles in distal metaphyses of the bones. The diameter of these circles corresponded to 75% of the medullary canal width at the isthmus of the bone.

Results: An ILN with a radius between 750 and 806 mm fit 87% of all the bones reviewed. In dogs, an ILN within this radius range would fit 95% of the tibias, whereas a straight ILN would fit only 50%. For femurs, the curved ILN would fit 80% compared to 37.5% for a straight ILN. In cats, an ILN with a radius between 750 and 806 mm would fit 85% of the bones (femur, 100%; tibia, 70%), whereas a straight ILN would fit all tested bones.

Conclusions: A full-length ILN with a radius of curvature between 750 and 806 mm would fit 87% of the studied bones, whereas only 55% of them could accept a straight ILN.

Clinical relevance: A full-length ILN with a 750-806-mm curvature radius may provide a suitable option for treating most femoral and tibial diaphyseal fractures.

Objective: To assess the impact of mild hypothermia on the distribution and elimination of an IV crystalloid fluid bolus in healthy anesthetized cats using volume kinetic (VK) analysis.

Methods: 10 adult cats were anesthetized and included in a prospective, randomized, cross-over study. The subjects were maintained either normothermic (38.3 ± -16.9 °C) or mildly hypothermic (35 ± -16.9 °C), with a 7-day washout period between anesthetic episodes. All cats received 20 mL/kg of a balanced isotonic solution (Normosol-R) IV over 20 minutes, following the achievement and stabilization of target temperature. Hemoglobin concentration, PCV, and urinary output were measured at established time points and served as input variables for VK analysis.

Results: Hypothermia was associated with a larger central compartment volume (Vc); higher body weights were associated with an increased Vc and a decreased elimination rate; higher end-tidal isoflurane concentration (ETISO) was associated with an increased Vc and a higher distribution rate constant. Heart rate, blood pressure, and ETISO were significantly lower in the hypothermic group. No statistically significant difference was observed in urinary output between groups.

Conclusions: Body weight, temperature, and ETISO were significant covariates affecting VK parameters. Hypothermia did not induce cold diuresis but was associated with an increase in Vc. The negative relationship between body weight and the elimination rate constant requires further verification. Hypothermia was associated with lower heart rate and blood pressure despite reduced ETISO.

Clinical relevance: Hypothermia was associated with smaller plasma volume expansion from fluid bolus. Fluid dosing based on ideal body weight should be considered to avoid overdosing.

Objective: Direct-to-consumer (D2C) genetic tests are increasingly accessible to pet owners, with commercial genetic companies entering veterinary distribution markets. This study evaluated veterinary care providers' (VCPs) awareness of the D2C genetic industry, experiences with clients' inquiries, perceptions of clinical utility, and confidence in interpreting test results.

Methods: Veterinary care providers attending a professional conference (February 19 through 23, 2023) were invited to complete an online survey.

Results: 229 VCPs began the survey, and 218 completed all sections. Respondents were predominately veterinarians (131 of 218 [60.3%]), mostly working in small animal practices (160 of 218 [73.7%]), with dogs (206 of 218 [94.9%]) and cats (199 of 218 [91.7%]). 186 of 229 participants (81.2%) encountered clients using or intending to use D2C genetic tests, often seeking recommendations or the VCP's opinion about genetic services. 86 of 131 veterinarians (65.6%) and 36 of 44 registered veterinary technicians (81.8%) perceived genetic testing as clinically useful. Veterinarians reported higher confidence in interpreting dog than cat results, with additional differences related to breed versus health information.

Conclusions: This study indicates that VCPs are generally aware of D2C genetic testing, with licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians recognizing its clinical utility. However, veterinarian confidence levels with assisting clients in understanding their results varies by species and test type.

Clinical relevance: As trends in D2C genetic testing persist, there is a need for interventions to address the lack of guidelines and improve VCP attitudes and confidence in assisting clients with these tests. This will involve genetic companies offering targeted support and continuing education to address gaps in confidence related to dog, cat, breed, and health information.

Objective: To assess the accuracy of a flash glucose monitoring system (FGMS; FreeStyle Libre 2) in healthy dogs during isoflurane general anesthesia.

Methods: 6 purpose-bred Beagle dogs underwent 3 anesthetic events, 1 week apart, in a randomized crossover study. 1 of 3 mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) states were induced under isoflurane anesthesia (hypotension [MAP, ≤ 60 mm Hg], normotension [MAP, 80 to 120 mm Hg], and hypertension [MAP, ≥ 120 mm Hg]) for 40 minutes. Interstitial glucose was collected from an FGMS (applied to the dog's neck prior to anesthesia) at 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes from stabilization within targeted MAP range. Whole-blood samples were collected from a lateral saphenous vein for plasma glucose measurement (blood glucose gold standard; BGGS) and via marginal lip mucosal puncture for point-of-care glucose measurement (blood glucose point-of-care; BGPOC). Shrout-Fleiss intraclass correlation and Bland-Altman analysis were performed. Accuracy was determined using human International Organization for Standardization criteria, including Parkes consensus error grid analysis.

Results: Interstitial glucose strongly correlated with BGGS and BGPOC (intraclass correlation, 0.962 and 0.953, respectively). Interstitial glucose measured higher than BGGS (median[IQR] difference 9[-2 to 20] g/dL) and lower than BGPOC (-27[-37 to -11] g/dL). Interstitial glucose BGGS increased as MAP decreased. 62.1% and 63.3% of interstitial glucose measurements were within ± 15 mg/dL when BGGS ≤ 100 mg/dL and within ± 15% of BGGS when > 100 mg/dL, respectively. However, 100% were within zones A and B of error grid analysis.

Conclusions: Despite not meeting International Organization for Standardization standards, the FreeStyle Libre 2 demonstrated clinical accuracy for monitoring glucose concentrations in anesthetized dogs.

Clinical relevance: The application of an FGMS before anesthesia may be useful for monitoring at-risk patients perioperatively.

Objective: To perform a diagnostic assessment of a point-of-care veterinary multiuse platform integrated with a model comprised of deep-learning, convolutional neural network algorithms for evaluating canine/feline peripheral blood smears compared to board-certified clinical pathologists (CPs).

Methods: This study had a blinded, randomized, incomplete block design, and results were compared between CPs and algorithms. Blood smears from convenience samples from veterinary diagnostic reference laboratories from October to December 2021 were used. Study phase A comprised 2 parts: (1) object class identifier algorithm (leukocytes, platelets, polychromatophils, and nucleated erythrocytes) versus CP within the same field of view (FOV); and (2) monolayer detection algorithm plus object class identifier algorithm versus CPs with different FOVs. Study phase B comprised algorithms versus CP for platelet clump identification. Study phase C comprised algorithms versus CP for polychromatophil identification. Metrics including sensitivity, specificity, and agreement were used.

Results: The sample size was 59 dogs and 60 cats in phase A, 92 dogs and 69 cats in phase B, and 47 dogs and 12 cats in phase C. For study phase A, part 1, the 5-part leukocyte differential count agreement was 96.6% for canine and 91.7% for feline blood smears, and for part 2, the agreement for estimated total leukocyte, platelet, polychromatophil, and nucleated erythrocyte counts ranged from 70% to 95% across species. In study phase B, the algorithm had 90% sensitivity and 88% specificity. The algorithm for polychromatophils had 100% agreement with CP results in phase C.

Conclusions: This platform achieved results comparable to those of CPs. Results are meant to complement automated CBC results.

Clinical relevance: Veterinarians may add this assessment as part of their standard in-clinic hematology analysis for patients.

Objective: To retrospectively describe the management of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) via permanent (crico)tracheostomy (PT).

Methods: The sample was 3 client-owned dogs. Each of the dogs had variable clinical signs related to their SDB with all having severely affected quality of sleep and experiencing multiple apneic episodes a night in the study period from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023. Two of the 3 dogs showed minimal daytime clinical signs, with 1 owner reporting no noticeable changes in breathing, activity, or alertness, while another noted only mild alterations. Despite previous brachycephalic airway surgery, clinical signs persisted or recurred, and all owners considered euthanasia secondary to nighttime signs. Permanent (crico)tracheostomy was elected in all cases.

Results: Medical records were reviewed, and a standardized survey was administered to owners. All cases demonstrated variable degrees of improvement in the severity and frequency of clinical signs relating to SDB following PT, and overall quality of life improved from poor to good in all cases. All cases experienced surgical complications ranging from moderate to severe following PT, with 2 of 3 dogs requiring revision surgeries for skin-fold occlusion and stenosis of the PT.

Conclusions: Sleep-disordered breathing may be an underrecognized component of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, with nighttime clinical signs significantly impacting quality of life.

Clinical relevance: Permanent (crico)tracheostomy may be considered in cases that either do not respond to initial brachycephalic airway surgery or in cases where clinical signs recur years after initial surgery. Owners should be aware of the likelihood of revision surgeries to achieve optimal outcomes.

Objective: To assess gene expression profiles in canine whole blood with and without septic peritonitis to assess workflow feasibility and identify potential blood biomarkers that could be further investigated in future studies.

Methods: This study enrolled 6 dogs with cytologically confirmed septic peritonitis of any cause and 6 healthy dogs. All dogs had a CBC and biochemistry performed. The dogs with septic peritonitis also had point-of-care lactate and blood oxygen saturation measured for acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation score calculation. All dogs then had 2.5 mL of whole blood collected and placed into an RNA stabilization tube, which was processed using a commercial assay based on the hybridization of fluorescent probes for transcript quantification. Quality control, normalization, and data visualization were performed. Raw counts were exported, and differential expression was performed.

Results: The evaluation of canine whole blood expression profiles was confirmed to be feasible. Differential expression analysis of septic and nonseptic dogs demonstrated distinct gene expression profile signatures. Five genes of interest were upregulated in septic whole blood including matrix metallopeptidase 9, IL-1 receptor type 2, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic-γ, and cluster of differentiation 55.

Conclusions: The study and associated workflow were feasible and can be scaled in confirmatory studies.

Clinical relevance: Future studies are now proposed to further validate the increased expression of putative biomarkers in a larger cohort of canine septic peritonitis patients with more relevant comparator control cohorts.