American journal of veterinary research最新文献

Objective: To assess horse owners' behaviors and perceptions regarding communication about complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) with their veterinarian.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was combined with a qualitative study in the form of in-depth interviews with Flemish horse owners.

Results: The study included 1,532 fully completed survey responses and 26 interviews. Overall, horse owners showed high trust in the veterinarian and were satisfied with veterinarian-client communication. While 61.7% of participants indicated that they had already talked about CAVM with their veterinarian, 25.1% of CAVM users had not discussed this with their veterinarian. The qualitative study revealed that nondisclosure of CAVM usage was associated with (1) horse owners' desire for autonomy and their sense of responsibility for their horse's health and (2) factors related to the owners' perceptions of veterinarians (eg, fear of negative reactions and a perceived lack of knowledge about CAVM in veterinarians). Owners wanted to be treated with respect and expected veterinarians to have a basic knowledge about CAVM and to initiate the conversation about CAVM.

Conclusions: Veterinarian-client communication about CAVM is common, although disclosure does not always happen before CAVM usage due to owner-related factors and their perception of the veterinarian's reaction or response.

Clinical relevance: Nondisclosure of CAVM may pose a risk for the animal's welfare due to potential side effects, interaction with other treatments, or delayed conventional treatment. A relationship-centered approach may increase disclosure by taking into account the clients' experiences, values, concerns, and expectations.

Objective: To characterize the pharmacokinetics in blood and plasma and determine residue profiles of IV-administered methylene blue (MB) to support withdrawal interval (WDI) recommendations.

Methods: This was a prospective, nonrandomized pharmacokinetic and residue study using noncompartmental analysis. The study took place from May 2023 through December 2023. Eight Holstein-cross cattle (4 steers, 2 heifers, 2 cows; ages, 5.4 to 6 months for steers and heifers and approx 5.5 years for cows; mean weights, 198 to 495 kg) were housed individually with controlled diet and water access. Animals received 6 mg/kg of compounded 2.5% MB IV. Blood and plasma samples were collected for 72 hours. Milk samples were collected twice daily. At 3 and 6 days after dose, tissue samples were collected after euthanasia. Drug concentrations were measured via UPLC-MS-MS assay. Withdrawal interval estimates used modified FDA tolerance limits and European Medicines Agency time-to-safe-concentration methods.

Results: MB was rapidly eliminated, with plasma concentrations below the limit of quantification by 12 hours and blood by 24 hours. No residues were detected in any tissues at sampling times. Milk concentrations were detected at approximately 12 hours (0.084 ± 0.04 µg/mL). Milk WDI estimates were 89 hours and approximately 5 days based on the modified FDA and European Medicines Agency approaches, respectively.

Conclusions: IV MB at 6 mg/kg in cattle was well tolerated, eliminated rapidly, and produced no tissue residues at 3 or 6 days.

Clinical relevance: Data suggest that compounded MB at this dose and route as an emergency antidote poses no food safety concerns provided WDIs of 5 days for milk and 6 days for meat are recommended to producers.

Objective: To assess the diagnostic utility of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) as a renal biomarker in red pandas (Ailurus fulgens spp) by investigating the correlation between SDMA and creatinine. The relationship between these biomarkers and severity of tubulointerstitial disease, determined by a histologic scoring system, was also evaluated. Reference intervals were developed for SDMA and creatinine.

Methods: Banked serum samples (n = 217) from red pandas (100) housed at 15 zoos were collected for creatinine and SDMA analysis. Renal tissue was available for histologic analysis in 26 deceased red pandas. A histologic scoring system was adapted for red pandas using a published scoring system for dogs. The relationship between serum creatinine, SDMA, and histologic renal score was determined for 16 individuals. One hundred and five serum samples from 57 red pandas with no evidence of renal disease based on review of medical records were utilized to develop reference intervals for SDMA and creatinine.

Results: SDMA and creatinine had a significant positive correlation (r = 0.553; P < .0001). Both SDMA (r = 0.515; P = .041) and creatinine (r = 0.511; P = .043) had a statistically significant correlation with histologic renal score. The reference intervals for creatinine and SDMA were determined to be 0.42 to 1.08 mg/dL and 7.50 to 25.38 μg/dL, respectively.

Conclusions: SDMA had a significant correlation with both creatinine and renal score, supporting its use as a renal biomarker in this species.

Clinical relevance: This study supports the use of SDMA for health surveillance and provides reference intervals for SDMA and creatinine in red pandas.

Objective: To identify a panel of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) that accurately discriminates dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma from those with noncancerous splenic masses.

Methods: Serum samples from 10 dogs with hemangiosarcoma and 20 dogs with noncancerous splenic masses were included. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR was performed for 8 candidate miRNAs (miRNA [miR]-126-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-203a-3p, miR-214-3p, miR-452-5p, miR-494-3p, miR-497-5p, and miR-543) and 2 reference genes (miR-16-5p and miR-93-5p). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify a panel of miRNAs diagnostic for hemangiosarcoma.

Results: The combination of miR-126-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-452-5p, and miR-543 had an area under the curve of 0.930, a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 90%, and a Youden J of 0.700 for discriminating dogs with hemangiosarcoma from those with noncancerous splenic masses.

Conclusions: This panel of 4 miRNAs can be used to discriminate noncancerous splenic masses from hemangiosarcoma in dogs with splenic masses.

Clinical relevance: The ability to determine the nature of a splenic mass prior to surgery will provide veterinarians and their clients with important knowledge prior to surgery. If a mass is not hemangiosarcoma, owners may be more likely to proceed with surgery rather than euthanasia. Knowing that a mass is hemangiosarcoma will provide information to owners on the need for adjuvant therapy following surgery.

Objective: To describe contact forces of 3 pulse oximeter clips and to evaluate, in healthy anesthetized dogs and cats, if perfusion index (PI) or peripheral arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) is influenced by lingual clip location or weight category.

Methods: Benchtop investigation of 3 clips occurred in February 2024 to determine contact force with increasing opening distances. In live animals, 1 clip was evaluated at 2 lingual locations. Enrollment of client-owned dogs and cats occurred from March 13, 2024, through June 21, 2024, including 10 each of dogs < 10 kg, dogs > 20 kg, and cats. Data included SpO2, PI, and magnitude of clip-induced lingual compression.

Results: Clips exhibited a positive relationship between opening distance and mean force generation. Clip location and weight category in dogs influenced SpO2 and PI values. At thicker tongue locations, median SpO2 values in dogs < 10 kg and cats were 5% and 2% greater, respectively, compared to thinner locations. Dogs > 20 kg displayed a median SpO2 value 1% lower at the thicker tongue location compared to the thinner location. Median PI values were lower at the thinner tongue site in dogs and cats.

Conclusions: Pulse oximeter clip opening distance and contact force exhibited a positive relationship. Thicker lingual sites generated higher SpO2 and PI values in cats and dogs < 10 kg.

Clinical relevance: Pulse oximeter position at 2 different locations on the tongue influence SpO2 and PI values in healthy anesthetized dogs < 10 kg, dogs > 20 kg, and cats.

Objective: To analyze the use of supplements reported by owners of dogs enrolled in the Dog Aging Project (DAP) to examine (1) the types of supplements being given to dogs within the DAP cohort and (2) the extent to which dogs diagnosed with specific conditions are being given supplements that are thought to improve those conditions.

Methods: Supplement use, demographic variables, and owner-reported health conditions of interest were extracted from DAP survey responses collected from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2022, from dog owners. Prevalence estimates were calculated in this cross-sectional design using survey responses from owner survey at enrollment. Free-text analysis of "other" responses was completed using Atlas.TI software to categorize additional responses.

Results: Half of the dogs in this study (20,993 of 40,367 [52%]) received supplements. Of those receiving supplements, the most common supplements administered were omega-3 fatty acids (11,934 [57%]) and joint supplements (11,810 [56%]). Dog demographic characteristics were more strongly associated with differences in supplement use than owner demographic characteristics.

Conclusions: Supplement use is common among dogs in the DAP cohort, with approximately half of owners reporting supplement administration. Given the frequency of their administration, veterinary professionals should discuss supplement use with dog owners.

Clinical relevance: Veterinary team professionals should consider spending more time discussing supplement use and efficacy with dog owners, especially for owners of senior pets.

Objective: To evaluate hind limb and forelimb symmetry in sound dogs during standing jump up and jump down off of a platform. The hypothesis was that the peak vertical force would be > 90% symmetric.

Methods: 20 normal dogs were asked to jump onto and off of a platform closest to withers height. Symmetry and variation were calculated within dog and among dogs using peak vertical force as expressed as a percentage of symmetry. Correlations were performed with symmetry and size.

Results: The mean symmetries for jump up (hind limbs) and down (forelimbs) were 83.91% (SD, 9.1%) and 74.94% (SD, 10.62%), respectively. As size increased, symmetry improved and was less variable for jump up (symmetry, ρ = 0.62; variation, ρ = -0.61) and down (symmetry, ρ = 0.60; variation, ρ = -0.76). The mean trial (within dog) variation was 9.99% for jump up and 19.41% for jump down.

Conclusions: Dogs were less than 90% symmetric when jumping up or down off of a platform. Small dogs were more likely to demonstrate asymmetry and variation, which may be attributed to more difficulty in valid trial acquisition versus true differences in jumping kinetics. Test improvement to decrease variation is necessary before continuing development as a diagnostic tool.

Clinical relevance: This is the first step in development of a diagnostic tool (jump up) for dogs with hind limb injuries. Given the high variability of jump-down symmetry, efforts to improve reliability as an outcome measure will not likely be successful.

Electron microscopy is an important imaging tool to identify ultrastructural abnormalities of the myocardium, diagnose certain diseases, and expand the understanding of mechanisms of cardiovascular disease processes. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is still an important part of human cardiovascular pathology, but its use in veterinary medicine has become uncommon. Even in patients with minimal histopathological changes on light microscopy, there can be important ultrastructural findings that help to achieve a diagnosis. In addition, TEM can be valuable for research by shedding light on underlying mechanisms or investigating new forms of cardiomyopathies. This review highlights the importance of TEM, details normal and pathological ultrastructural findings, and provides insight into clinical and research uses. We also provide tips on tissue preparation, processing, and analysis that are key to successful use of this valuable tool.