2019 JVIM Flashcards
Detection of Bartonella spp. in dogs after infection with Rickettsia rickettsii
Vector-borne disease exposure was demonstrated in research dogs from a commercial vendor. Despite limitations, our results support the possibilities of recrudescence of chronic subclinical Bartonella spp. infection after Rr infection and horizontal direct-contact transmission between dogs.
Describe an outbreak investigation of occult Bartonella spp. infection among a group of dogs, discovered after experimentally induced Rickettsia rickettsii (Rr) infection.
Before Rr infection, 1 dog was Bartonella henselae (Bh) immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA) seroreactive and 1 was Rickettsia spp. IFA seroreactive. After inoculation with Rr, all dogs developed mild Rocky Mountain spotted fever compatible with low-dose Rr infection, seroconverted to Rickettsia spp. within 4-11 days, and recovered within 1 week. When 1 dog developed ear tip vasculitis with intra-lesional Bh, an investigation of Bartonella spp. infection was undertaken. All dogs had seroconverted to 1-3 Bartonella spp. between 7 and 18 days after Rr inoculation. Between 4 and 8 months after Rr inoculation, Bh DNA was amplified from multiple tissues from 2 dogs, and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (Bvb) DNA was amplified from 4 of 5 dogs’ oral swabs.
Evaluation of phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium content in commercially available foods formulated for healthy cats
The high number of foods with high P and low Ca suggest that pet food regulatory reform should be considered.
Characterization of Doppler spectrum of hepatic veins and correlation with structural and functional variables of the right ventricle in healthy dogs
Hepatic spectral Doppler findings can be correlated with systolic and diastolic indices of the RV and vary with body weight.
A major facilitator superfamily domain 8 frameshift variant in a cat with suspected neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Whole-genome sequencing. Two homozygous private (unique to individual or families and therefore absent from the breed-matched controlled population) protein-changing variants in the major facilitator superfamily domain 8 (MFSD8) gene, a known candidate gene for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 7 (CLN7), were identified. The affected cat was homozygous for the alternative allele at both variants. This is the first report of a pathogenic alteration of the MFSD8 gene in a cat strongly suspected to have CLN7.
Retrospective analysis of diagnoses and outcomes of 45 cats with micturition disorders presenting as urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence in cats was associated with a variety of congenital and acquired disorders that affected both phases of micturition with similar frequency. Incontinent cats with spinal cord disorders were common and warrant a more guarded prognosis than do cats with bladder or urethral disorders.
Spinal cord disease was the most common cause of UI (n = 18), followed by urethral (n = 17), bladder (n = 9), and ureteral (n = 1) disorders. Proportions of voiding and storage phase disorders were similar (53% and 47%, respectively). However, voiding-phase disorders were observed more frequently in males and younger-aged cats (P < .03). Urinary tract infection was detected in 11 of 28 (39%) cats. Outcomes were available in 38/45 cases; 16 cats (42%) regained continence, 3 (8%) improved with treatment, and 19 (50%) remained incontinent or were euthanized. Multiple variable logistic regressions indicated that spinal cord disease was significantly more likely to be associated with poor outcomes compared to bladder or urethral disorders (P < .04).
Analysis of the effects of storage temperature and contamination on aerobic bacterial culture results of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Samples of BALF may be stored at 4°C for 24 hours before culture without substantially altering culture results. Inappropriate storage or shipment temperature (room temperature or exposure to heat) can result in overgrowth of E. coli or B. bronchiseptica, which could alter clinical decisions.
Identification of potential drugs for treatment of hepatic lipidosis in cats using an in vitro feline liver organoid system
Two potential drugs useful in the treatment of hepatic lipidosis in cats were identified. The drug T863 inhibits DGAT1, indicating that DGAT1 is the primary enzyme responsible for TAG synthesis from external fatty acids in cat organoids. The drug AICAR may act as a lipid-lowering compound via decreasing PLIN2 mRNA. Liver organoids can be used as an in vitro tool for drug testing in a species-specific system and provide the basis for further clinical testing of drugs to treat steatosis.
Ki-67/CD3 ratio in the diagnosis of chronic inflammatory enteropathy in dogs
The Ki-67/CD3 ratio is upregulated in the LP crypt region of dogs with CIE and it correlates with clinical severity. Therefore, Ki-67/CD3 could be a useful tool for detection of CIE.
Echocardiographic and biomarker evidence of plasma volume expansion after short-term steroids administered orally in cats
Increased heart size and percentage change in individual NT-proBNP concentration suggests plasma volume expansion secondary to steroids administered PO in cats. A serial assessment of an individual cat’s change in NT-proBNP might be clinically useful for judging risk for volume expansion.
Clinical features and outcome in 25 dogs with respiratory-associated pulmonary hypertension treated with sildenafil
Sildenafil responsiveness is variable in dogs with respiratory-associated PH, but improved QOL was demonstrated in dogs surviving >1 month, and long-term survival was noted in some cases.
In the remaining dogs, tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (83.0 ± 17.4 mm Hg before, 55.4 ± 17.4 mm Hg after) and QOL scores were significantly improved after 1 month of sildenafil.
Cardiac cachexia in cats with congestive heart failure: Prevalence and clinical, laboratory, and survival findings
The association between cachexia and reduced survival time emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing this common problem in cats with CHF.
Prevalence of cachexia ranged from 0 to 66.7% for the 7 definitions, with a prevalence of 41.6% using muscle condition score (MCS). Cats with cachexia (determined by MCS) were older (P < .001), more likely to have pleural effusion (P = .003), had significantly higher blood urea nitrogen (P < .001) and neutrophil concentrations (P = .01), and significantly lower body condition score (P < .001), body weights (P < .001), hematocrit (P = .007), and hemoglobin concentrations (P = .009). Survival time for cats with cachexia (determined by MCS) was significantly shorter than for cats without cachexia (P = .03). Cats that were underweight (P = .002) and cats with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) also had shorter survival times (P = .04).
Investigation of astrovirus and bornavirus in the cerebrospinal fluid of dogs clinically diagnosed with meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology
Neither astrovirus nor bornavirus nucleic acids were identified in CSF collected from 20 clinically diagnosed MUE and 5 control cases.
The negative results of this investigation suggest that astrovirus and bornavirus are not commonly detectable in CSF of dogs with MUE.
Amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate resistance in urinary Escherichia coli antibiograms of cats and dogs from the Midwestern United States
The disparity in susceptibility for amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate between isolates from cats and dogs likely reflects higher breakpoints for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs. Urine concentration data for these antimicrobials in cats might support a UTI-specific breakpoint for cats and increase potential therapeutic options for managing UTIs in cats with first-line antimicrobials. Decreased susceptibility among isolates from dogs to amoxicillin (53%) compared to amoxicillin-clavulanate (92%) might support amoxicillin-clavulanate as a better empirical choice for UTIs in dogs in this geographical region.
Role of electrolyte concentrations and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone activation in the staging of canine heart disease
Hypochloremia is a useful marker for stage D HD in dogs. Poor furosemide dosage correlation to serum concentration may indicate variable and poor absorption, especially at higher dosages, advanced disease, or both. A small number of stage D dogs met proposed criteria for diuretic resistance. Greater RAAS inhibition in stage D versus stage C indicates effectiveness of RAAS-suppressive treatments in this group of dogs with refractory CHF.
Graded balloon atrial septostomy for palliation of congenital pulmonary hypertension in a dog: A case report
Initial treatment with sildenafil was effective at relieving syncope, but the extent of pulmonary hypertension as determined by serial echocardiography was unchanged. Graded balloon atrial septostomy was performed as a palliative procedure. Follow-up echocardiography identified a patent interatrial communication with bidirectional shunting. The dog remained asymptomatic 18 months after treatment.
First report in the veterinary literature of graded balloon atrial septostomy performed for therapeutic purposes.
Congenital myasthenic syndrome in Golden Retrievers is associated with a novel COLQ mutation
We confirmed the diagnosis of a CMS in GR puppies and identified a novel COLQ mutation. The COLQ gene encodes the collagenous tail of acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for termination of skeletal muscle contraction by clearing acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Clinicians and breeders should be aware of this CMS in GR puppies with an early onset of weakness.
Sequencing of all exons and splice sites of a primary candidate gene, COLQ, identified a point mutation that predicts an amino acid substitution (G294R). The primary COLQ transcript was absent from affected muscle samples. All affected puppies were homozygous for the mutation, which was not detected outside this GR family or in other breeds.
Review of cobalamin status and disorders of cobalamin metabolism in dogs
Long-term outcome of cats with acquired myasthenia gravis without evidence of a cranial mediastinal mass
Cats diagnosed with AMG without evidence a CMM have a favorable outcome and frequently achieve immune remission. Moreover, the natural history of AMG in cats includes spontaneous remission when there is no evidence of a CMM. Attempting to rule out the presence of a CMM therefore refines prognosis, and treatment is not always necessary in this disease population.
Immune remission within 6 months of diagnosis, including 4 cats that did not receive any treatment and whose natural course of disease involved spontaneous remission. Clinical presentation was heterogeneous, and skeletal muscle weakness and fatigability induced or exacerbated by the wheelbarrow exercise stress test were the most consistent abnormalities associated with AMG.
Complications and outcome of cats with congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts treated with thin film: Thirty-four cases (2008-2017)
Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts attenuation using thin film in cats carries a good short- and mid-term prognosis if they survive the postoperative period. Seizures were the most common cause of death.
Serum bile acid concentrations normalized in 25 of 28 of the cats. Three cats had persistently increased serum bile acid concentrations and underwent a second exploratory laparotomy. One had a patent shunt, the other 2 had multiple acquired portosystemic shunts. Seizures were recorded in 8 of 34 cats after surgery.
Metronidazole treatment of acute diarrhea in dogs: A randomized double blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial
Our results suggest that metronidazole treatment can shorten duration of diarrhea and decrease fecal culture detection of C. perfringens in some dogs with acute nonspecific diarrhea. Additional studies are needed to assess the benefits and risks of routine use of metronidazole for this purpose because most dogs achieve resolution of diarrhea within several days regardless of treatment.
Accuracy of a flash glucose monitoring system in dogs with diabetic ketoacidosis
Changes in metabolic variables, BCS, and time wearing do not seem to affect agreement between IG and BG. Despite not fulfilling the ISO requirements, the FGMS provides clinically accurate estimates of BG in dogs with DKA.
Relationship between serum iohexol clearance, serum SDMA concentration, and serum creatinine concentration in non-azotemic dogs
In non-azotemic dogs being screened for decreased renal function, using a cutoff of >18 μg/dL rather than >14 μg/dL increases the specificity of SDMA, without compromising sensitivity.
Serum creatinine and SDMA were moderately correlated with GFR (R2 = 0.52 and 0.27, respectively, P < .0001) and with each other (R2 = 0.33, P < .0001). SDMA >14 μg/dL was sensitive (90%) but nonspecific (50%) for detecting a ≥40% decrease in GFR. Optimal SDMA concentration cutoff for detecting a ≥40% GFR decrease was >18 μg/dL (sensitivity 90%, specificity 83%).
Paradoxical pseudomyotonia in English Springer and Cocker Spaniels
All dogs were <24 months of age at onset. The episodes of myotonic-like generalized muscle stiffness always occurred with exercise, and spontaneously resolved with rest in <45 seconds in all but 1 dog. Extreme outside temperatures seemed to considerably worsen episode frequency and severity in most dogs. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry including electrolytes, urinalysis, brain magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, electromyography, motor nerve conduction velocity, ECG, and echocardiography were unremarkable. Muscle biopsy samples showed moderate but nonspecific muscle atrophy. The episodes seemed to remain stable or decrease in severity and frequency in 6/7 dogs, and often could be decreased or prevented by avoiding the episode triggers. The underlying genetic cause is not identified yet, because no disease-causing variants could be found in the coding sequence or splice sites of the 2 major candidate genes, SCN4A and ATP2A1.
Plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentration in dogs with acquired portosystemic collaterals
Activation of the RAAS contributes to the pathophysiology of intrahepatic PH in dogs, suggesting that spironolactone may not only be effective for the treatment of ascites but also for the suppression of intrahepatic PH.
Plasma renin activity was significantly higher in the ChronicHep group than in the EH-cPSS and the healthy groups. No significant differences were found between the PrimaryHypoplasiaPortalVein group and other groups. Plasma aldosterone concentration was significantly higher in the CH and PHPV groups than in the EH-CPSS and healthy groups.
Stability and profiling of urinary microRNAs in healthy cats and cats with pyelonephritis or other urological conditions
Upregulation of miR16 might be PN-specific, pathogen-specific (Escherichia coli), or both.
Cats with PN had significantly upregulated miR-16 with a mean log2fold change of 1.0 ± 0.4 SD, compared with controls and other urological conditions.
Lower urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma in cats: Clinical findings, treatments, and outcomes in 118 cases
The results support treatment using partial cystectomy and NSAIDs in cats with TCC.
Trigone - most common (27%)
Metastatic disease (21.2%)
Median progression free survival time - 113 days.
MST - 115days.
Partial cystectomy and NSAIDS - longer survival times.
Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin to diagnose and characterize acute kidney injury in dogs
Urinary NGAL is a sensitive marker for AKI in dogs, but its specificity is affected by systemic inflammation. Increased urinary NGAL in both Intrinsic-AKI and VolumeResponsive-AKI also suggests the presence of tubular damage in transient AKI. Combining urine chemistry data with IRIS criteria could facilitate AKI characterization in dogs.
Urinary NGAL higher with AKI compared to controls, regardless of AKI grade. Urinary NGAL did not differ between dogs with VR-AKI and I-AKI. Higher uNGALC was recorded in dogs with I-AKI. Urinary NGAL was significantly higher in dogs with inflammatory AKI, whereas no difference with respect to sepsis or outcome was identified.
Preliminary evaluation of fecal fatty acid concentrations in cats with chronic kidney disease and correlation with indoxyl sulfate and p-cresol sulfate
Fecal isovaleric acid concentrations were higher in CKD cats, particularly in late stage disease, compared to healthy geriatric cats. Fecal BCFA concentrations correlated with pCS and were higher in cats with muscle wasting, providing evidence for malassimilation of protein in CKD cats.
Fecal isovaleric acid concentrations were significantly higher in CKD cats. Cats with IRIS CKD stage 3 and 4 had significantly higher fecal isovaleric acid concentrations compared to healthy geriatric cats (P = .03), but not compared to IRIS CKD stage 2 cats. Total fecal concentrations of BCFAs were found to correlate weakly with serum creatinine concentration, BUN, and pCS concentration.
Clinical relevance of splenic nodules or heterogeneous splenic parenchyma assessed by cytologic evaluation of fine-needle samples in 125 dogs (2011-2015)
Splenic fine-needle cytologic findings identified a clinically relevant diagnosis in 20% of dogs, and larger nodule size, number of targetoid lesions, and presence of peritoneal fluid increase the likelihood of detection of clinically important disease.
22 malignancies, 3 suppurative inflammation. Splenic nodules 1-2 cm in diameter, peritoneal fluid, and >1 targetoid nodule were associated with clinically important cytologic findings.
Immunophenotypic characterization and clinical outcome in cats with lymphocytosis
Neoplastic CD4+ T-cell lymphocytosis is common in cats and has a prolonged clinical course compared to aberrant T-cell phenotypes. Cats with heterogeneous and B-cell lymphocyte expansions commonly have non-neoplastic disease.
Five major immunophenotypic categories were identified: B cell, heterogeneous (≥2 lineages expanded), CD4+ T cell, CD4−CD8− (double negative [DN]) T cell, and CD5-low-expressing T cell. B-cell and heterogeneous phenotypes - younger age at presentation, lower lymphocyte counts, and prolonged survival.
The neoplastic phenotypes, CD4+ T cell, DN T cell, and CD5 low T cell, had different median survival times (752 days, 271 days, 27.5 days, respectively).
Among CD4+ T-cell cases, cats with abdominal lymphadenopathy, intestinal involvement, or both and females had shorter survival. Among 350 cats with lymphocytosis, CD4+ T-cell lymphocytosis was most common, followed by heterogeneous and B-cell phenotypes.
Determination of a serum total calcium concentration threshold for accurate prediction of ionized hypercalcemia in dogs with and without hyperphosphatemia
High tCa concentrations are strongly predictive of ionized hypercalcemia in nonhyperphosphatemic adult dogs and should prompt further diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of hypercalcemia. In this population, dogs without increased tCa concentrations rarely had ionized hypercalcemia, but iCa concentrations still should be evaluated in patients with tCa concentrations within the reference interval if there is clinical suspicion for calcium abnormalities.
In nonhyperphosphatemic dogs, an optimal tCa concentration threshold of 12.0 mg/dL resulted in a positive predictive value of 93% and sensitivity of 52% for ionized hypercalcemia. An optimal tCa concentration threshold was not identified for hyperphosphatemic dogs.
Facial changes related to brachycephaly in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Chiari-like malformation associated pain and secondary syringomyelia
CKCS with CM-Pain and SyringoMyelia-Syrinx have cranial brachycephaly with osseous insufficiency in the skull with rostral flattening and increased proximity of the hard and soft palate to the cranial base. Changes are greatest with CM-P. These findings have relevance for understanding disease pathogenesis and for selection of head conformation for breeding purposes.
Predictors of urinary or fecal incontinence in dogs with thoracolumbar acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion
The identification of clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic predictors of UI and FI in dogs with T3-L3 ANNPE can help to approach these autonomic dysfunctions occurring after spinal cord injury.
UI and FI were reported in (9.1%) and (23.5%) dogs, respectively. Paraplegic dogs were 3 times more likely to develop UI and 4 times more likely to develop FI compared to nonparaplegic dogs. Dogs with an intramedullary hyperintensity greater than 40% of the cross-sectional area of the spinal cord at the same level on transverse T2-weighted MRI images were 4 times more likely to develop UI and FI compared to dogs with smaller lesions. FI was 3 times more likely in dogs that were not treated with (NSAIDs) and 2 times more likely in dogs presented with spinal shock.
Long-term impact of tylosin on fecal microbiota and fecal bile acids of healthy dogs
Tylosin causes fecal dysbiosis in healthy dogs with corresponding shifts in fecal UBAs. Changes did not uniformly resolve after discontinuation of tylosin.
Day 7 samples from tylosin-exposed dogs exhibited decreased bacterial diversity (decreased fusobacteriaceae and veillonellaceae).
Primary UBA concentrations were increased at day 21 and 63 compared to day 0 in dogs receiving tylosin.
Fatal hemoptysis after bronchoscopic biopsy in a dog
Bronchoscopy for progressive cough. Bronchoscopy documented a markedly thick and irregular, cobblestone appearance of the mucosa. A bronchoscopic biopsy was obtained resulting in significant hemorrhage. COD was hemorrhage associated with transbronchial biopsy of an enlarged bronchial artery associated with heartworm disease. This report describes a rare complication of a routine diagnostic procedure.
Development and evaluation of a health-related quality-of-life tool for dogs with Cushing’s syndrome
Dogs currently on treatment with trilostane had a statistically better HRQoL. The developed tool quantifies the HRQoL of dogs with Cushing’s syndrome and could assist clinicians in the clinical assessment of dogs with Cushing’s syndrome.
Positive correlation between the tool score of dogs with Cushing’s syndrome and owner’s assessment of their dog’s quality-of-life
Circulating neurohormone imbalances in canine sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome and canine pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism
There were no significant differences in circulating melatonin, serotonin or dopamine concentrations between the 3 groups, although the study was underpowered for detection of significant differences in serum serotonin. Urine urine 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (MT6s):creatinine ratio was significantly higher in dogs with PDH compared with dogs with SARDS, but not compared with normal dogs.
We have identified neurohormone differences between dogs with SARDS and PDH.
Immunoglobulin G4-related disease in a dog
Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD), which affects many organ systems, has been recognized as a distinct clinical entity in human medicine. In humans, IgG4-RD is characterized by diffuse IgG4-positive lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates that commonly lead to increased serum concentrations of IgG4 and IgE, peripheral eosinophilia, tumorous swellings that often include the parotid salivary glands, obliterative phlebitis, and extensive fibrosis. Herein we describe the diagnosis, clinical progression, and successful treatment of IgG4-RD in an 8-year-old female spayed Husky mixed breed dog. Immunoglobulin G4-related disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis for dogs with vague clinical signs, lymphoplasmacytic swellings, restricted polyclonal gammopathy, eosinophilia or some combination of these findings.
