Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile is an important pathogen in the feces of adult horses and foals. It can be clinically diagnosed using several testing methods, including culture isolation and, more commonly, direct toxin gene detection from feces using molecular methods. The importance of monitoring C. difficile shedding in foals or dams during hospitalization remains unclear. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of C. difficile fecal shedding in mare-foal pairs and to compare detection using isolation and a commercial real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for toxin A and B genes in feces. Foals and their mares admitted to a veterinary hospital were enrolled in the study and their fecal samples were tested for C. difficile toxin A and B genes using qPCR and by culture using selective media. A total of 66 mare-foal pairs was included. Overall, C. difficile fecal qPCR for toxin A and B genes was positive in 29/132 samples from mares and foals and all positive samples originated from foal fecal samples (29/66). A total of 95 samples were negative on both testing modalities (61 mares and 34 foals) and 24 samples were positive on both tests (24 foals). Eight samples (5 mares and 3 foals) were culture positive and qPCR negative, although all of the culture isolates were positive for A and B genes on subsequent conventional PCR testing. Five samples were positive for toxin genes using qPCR and negative using culture. The most common ribotype detected was 078. Two mare-foal pairs cultured positive, of which one pair shared the same ribotype.
Client-owned dogs (N = 127) were divided into 3 categories: those with postliminary meniscal tears, those with no meniscal tears for a minimum of 2 y post-tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), and those with meniscal tears at the time of TPLO. The latter 2 groups were randomly selected using a random-number generator. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations between variables. Post-hoc power was calculated. The objective was to identify risk factors leading to meniscal tears at time of TPLO and postliminary meniscal tears. Forty-four out of the 2158 cases 44 (2%) were identified as having postliminary meniscal tears following TPLO surgery. For each increase in year of age, there was a 23.9% decrease in odds of having an initial meniscal tear. Each additional kilogram of body weight increased the odds of an initial meniscal tear by 2.7%. Preoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA) and postoperative TPA did not reach statistical significance. Postliminary meniscal tear incidence was 2.0%. Weight and age were statistically significant in contributing to meniscal tears at the time of TPLO. Only blade size was a statistically significant factor in contribution to postliminary meniscal tears.
The objective of this study, which is part of a retrospective case series, was to report on single-session, minimally invasive thoracic duct ligation (TDL), cisterna chyli ablation (CCA), and partial pericardiectomy (PPE) for dogs with chylothorax. A total of 9 client-owned dogs with chylothorax participated in the study. A right-sided or bilateral thoracoscopic and left-flank laparoscopic approach was carried out in sternal recumbency for TDL and CCA, respectively. Subsequent partial pericardiectomy was done thoracoscopically via a paraxiphoidal approach. Combined (TDL, CCA, and PPE), minimally invasive treatment was successful in all cases. Intraoperative complications mostly occurred during the PPE phase and all were managed without long-term sequalae. Seven of 9 cases had resolution of chylothorax after the surgical procedures. Two dogs had persistent chylothorax and were euthanized. A dog with concomitant atrial fibrillation was euthanized 140 d post-operatively because of severe abdominal effusion. During short-term follow-up, 2/6 cases received limited additional drainage events for non-chylous effusion. Long-term follow-up revealed late recurrence of chylothorax in 1 dog. Median survival time was 183 d (range: 3 to 2051 d) post-operatively. Minimally invasive treatment using TDL, PPE, and CCA was feasible by a single-session, combined procedure, seemingly without significant treatment-related complications. Several cases had excellent long-term outcomes. Minimally invasive, combined TDL, CCA, and PPE is feasible as treatment of chylothorax, with excellent long-term outcomes possible. However, larger clinical cohorts must be studied to assess additional benefits of the combined treatment and the clinical effect of CCA.
Brachycephalic ocular syndrome (BOS) is a complex condition resulting from craniofacial anatomy, predisposing affected animals to various ocular surface diseases. Data describing ocular disorders in both brachycephalic cats and dogs from Türkiye are limited. This case series included 40 brachycephalic animals (30 cats, 10 dogs) presented to the Surgery Clinic of Aksaray University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine between December 2022 and May 2024. All animals underwent ophthalmic examinations, including Schirmer Tear Test-1 (STT-1), tear film break-up time (TFBUT), and fluorescein staining. In dogs, keratoconjunctivitis sicca and corneal ulcer were the most common diagnoses (n = 5 each), whereas bacterial conjunctivitis (n = 19) and corneal ulcer (n = 10) predominated in cats. A moderate negative correlation was identified between age and STT-1 values in dogs (r = -0.636; P = 0.048), and a positive correlation was observed between STT-1 and TFBUT in both species. These findings indicate that BOS-related ocular disorders are prevalent in brachycephalic breeds, and routine ophthalmic screening, including STT-1 and fluorescein testing, may facilitate early diagnosis and timely intervention.
The distal sesamoidean impar ligament (DSIL) is a key component of the equine podotrochlear apparatus, yet its role in conditions such as caudal heel pain and navicular syndrome remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to characterize the histological properties of the DSIL and evaluate how it is influenced by breed and age. Eighty-four cadaveric forelimb DSIL samples were collected from young, athletic Quarter horses (QHs), Thoroughbreds (TBs), and older, retired Quarter horses. Samples were stained and assessed for vessel size and count, number of nerve fascicles, and the relative density of collagen and adipose tissue. Data were analyzed using general linear models and Kruskal-Wallis tests for continuous variables and Poisson regression for count data, with significance set at P < 0.05. The number of vessels in the DSIL was significantly higher in both young TBs and QHs compared to older QHs (P < 0.0001). In addition, TB horses had a higher vessel count than QHs (P < 0.0001). These findings underscore the DSIL's rich vascularity and its potential role in supporting the navicular bone. Histological characteristics of the DSIL appear to be influenced by both age and breed, offering insights relevant to the pathogenesis of navicular disease.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the mid-to long-term outcomes of surgical treatment for middle ear cholesteatoma in French bulldogs. A retrospective case series was conducted, reviewing medical records of 18 French bulldogs (20 ears) diagnosed with cholesteatoma and treated surgically from 2018 to 2023. Clinical presentation, imaging findings, surgical approach, histopathological and microbiological results, postoperative complications, and long-term outcomes, assessed through telephone follow-ups, were analyzed. The most common clinical signs were head tilt (80%) and facial nerve deficits (70%). Otitis media was present in all cases and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was the primary imaging modality for initial diagnosis (90%). All dogs underwent either subtotal or standard ear canal ablation-lateral bulla osteotomy (TECA-LBO). Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was the most frequently isolated pathogen in positive cultures (85%). Long-term follow-ups showed clinical improvement in all cases, with complete recovery in 40% and a recurrence in 10% of treated ears. These findings suggest that dogs undergoing surgical treatment for aural cholesteatoma experience long-term clinical improvement, although recurrence and persistent clinical signs remain possible.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the sedative effects, propofol requirements, and cardiorespiratory effects following maropitant administration in healthy cats. Maropitant is a selective neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist licensed for use as an antiemetic in dogs and cats. Recent studies have highlighted the ability of maropitant to reduce inhalational anesthetic requirements during surgery from presumptive analgesic effects. Sedative properties of maropitant and its possible reduction of injectable anesthetic requirements have not yet been evaluated. Twenty adult purpose-bred domestic shorthair cats were randomized to receive maropitant (n = 10) or physiologic saline (n = 10) prior to anesthetic induction with propofol intravenously (IV). Cats were premedicated with butorphanol [0.4 mg/kg body weight (BW)] and alfaxalone [2 mg/kg BW intramuscularly (IM)]. Maropitant (1 mg/kg BW) or physiologic saline (0.1 mL/kg BW) was administered IV 10 min prior to anesthetic induction with propofol and subsequent orotracheal intubation. Sedation scores were recorded before premedication, after premedication, and 10 min after maropitant or saline administration. Propofol dose requirements to achieve orotracheal intubation were recorded. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and arterial blood pressures were measured before and after administration of maropitant or saline, after administration of propofol, and following intubation. Propofol dose requirements did not differ between groups, with mean ± standard deviation doses of 5.2 ± 2.1 mg/kg BW and 5.6 ± 1.3 mg/kg BW for maropitant and saline groups, respectively. Sedation scores and cardiorespiratory variables did not differ between groups at any timepoint. Maropitant administration prior to anesthetic induction with propofol did not affect sedation scores, propofol requirements, or cardiorespiratory variables.
When persistent or severe, intra-abdominal hypertension can evolve into abdominal compartment syndrome if timely therapeutic intervention is not rendered. Such interventions rely heavily on dependable, accurate monitoring of intra-abdominal pressure. The most reliable way to monitor intra-abdominal pressure in small animals is by indirectly measuring intravesicular pressure. The objective of this study was to compare the water manometry, external pressure transducer (ExtT), and pressure tip catheter techniques for their accuracy in measuring intravesicular pressure against a known intra-abdominal pressure. We hypothesized that the water manometry technique would be more accurate than the external pressure transducer (ExtT) technique in a canine cadaveric model and that pressure tip catheter would be the most accurate of the 3. Each technique was carried out on 22 small-breed canine cadavers in a randomized order, with incremental increases in insufflation pressure via a supraumbilical Veress needle. Induced abdominal pressure ranged from normal (4 mmHg) up to levels consistent with severe intra-abdominal hypertension (30 mmHg). Tukey's multiple comparison test was used to assess and isolate differences, after the fixed-effects test was applied. There was a statistically significant difference in accuracy with the ExtT technique when compared to insufflation pressure, with a ± 2.63 mmHg overestimation observed (P-value = 0.0041). No statistical difference in accuracy was noted between the water manometry and pressure tip catheter techniques. Study limitations included the cadaveric nature that does not account for direct clinical translation of these findings. In conclusion, of the 2 commonly used techniques, water manometry appears to be more accurate than ExtT. The pressure tip catheter technique appears to be just as accurate as water manometry in this cadaveric model.
Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is ubiquitous in the horse population, but prevalence estimates have ranged from 3 to 88% depending on the population and method of sampling. No prevalence studies have been carried out in Ontario, Canada. The objective of this study was to measure the prevalence of EHV-1 shedding in healthy broodmares in Ontario. A total of 381 mares from 42 farms in Ontario were sampled, including pregnant and barren broodmares. Samples were collected from the nose, vagina, and blood of each mare up to 6 times from December 2016 through October 2017 using a cross-sectional study design. The EHV-1 glycoprotein B (gB) copy number was measured using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR). A survey was completed at time of sampling regarding signalment, pregnancy status, and vaccination. Overall, 85% of the mares sampled were positive for EHV-1 from at least one site, on at least one occasion. Samples were positive 8.1%, 15.8%, and 17.2% of the time from the nose, vagina, and white blood cells, respectively. Pregnant mares had increased odds of shedding virus from the nose [odds ratio (OR) = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03 to 2.18, P = 0.037]. Vaccination only reduced the odds of virus presence in blood (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.49 to 0.99, P = 0.043). Advanced gestation appeared to also have a sparing effect on virus presence in blood (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85 to 0.93, P < 0.001). Most mares in Ontario were positive for EHV-1 despite being healthy and vaccinated, although the amount of viral DNA detected was extremely low. In addition, the vagina was identified as a source of viral shedding.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of Board-certified specialist veterinary surgeons in assessing reduction of lateral humeral condylar fractures (HCFs) using orthogonal radiographs and to determine how often immediate surgical revision is recommended in order to correct a perceived malreduction. This was an ex-vivo study of 21 elbows from 11 skeletally mature canine cadavers. Lateral HCFs were surgically created and repaired with either anatomical or malreduced fixation (1-, 2-, or 3-mm step-offs in both distal and caudal directions). Fourteen Board-certified surgeons assessed postoperative radiographs to determine reduction quality and the need for immediate revision surgery. It was determined that surgeons frequently misclassified malreduced fractures, particularly those with caudal malreduction. Overall, 1-mm defects were misclassified at a rate of 24%, 2-mm defects at 34%, and 3-mm defects at 28%. Distal malreductions, especially those ≥ 2 mm, were more likely to be identified and recommended for immediate revision. Overall, 25% of 1-mm step-offs, 54% of 2-mm step-offs, and 45% of 3-mm step-offs were recommended for immediate revision. There was limited intraobserver consistency, with perfect accuracy and consistent reoperation advice achieved in 51% and 26% of distal and caudal malreductions, respectively. It was concluded that standard radiographs may not allow reliable detection of HCF malreductions, especially in the caudal direction. The reported outcome of HCF surgical repair might therefore be influenced by reduction misclassification.
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of either oral supplementation of sodium selenite and alpha-tocopherol or intramuscular administration of a commercial preparation of selenium (Se) and vitamin E to Standardbred broodmares with low (21.0 ± 18.1 IU/g Hb) whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Ten mares received 3 weekly intramuscular (IM) doses, whereas 9 mares were orally supplemented daily for 10 wk. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture and the whole blood GPx activity was measured at each sampling time for the 32-week period. Both oral and intramuscular administration resulted in a marked increase in whole blood GPx activity in both groups of mares.
Long-term assessment of nephrosplenic space (NSS) closure and comparisons with ultrasonography and rectal palpation are lacking. The objective was to evaluate NSS closure in 12 research horses 5 y following laparoscopic ablation, using a novel adhesion scoring system, and to assess whether rectal examination and ultrasonographic findings could predict adhesion adequacy. The NSS was examined via rectal palpation and ultrasonography prior to surgery, and at 30 d and 5 y after surgery. Ultrasonographic measurements of the distances between the renal fascia and spleen were recorded. The NSS adhesions were scored laparoscopically at 5 y and compared with ultrasound and rectal findings. Logistic regression was used for statistical analysis (P < 0.05). Three of 11 horses had adhesions considered inadequate for preventing colon entrapment. The remaining horses had strong adhesions in greater than 50% of the NSS. Ultrasonographic measurements of the caudal NSS decreased significantly over time (P < 0.05) but these changes were not predictive of adhesion adequacy. Surgery time, number of suture bites, or bleeding did not predict an adequate adhesion. Overall, laparoscopic NSS closure resulted in adequate adhesions in 8 out of 11 horses, persisting for at least 5 y. Rectal palpation was a reliable method for assessing NSS closure, whereas ultrasonography showed limited utility due to bowel interference and lack of predictive value. These findings support the long-term effectiveness of NSS closure and may help increase client confidence and adherence to this preventative surgical intervention.
The objective of this study was to confirm the clinical utility of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in identifying dogs at a high risk for diabetes. In this cross-sectional study, all the dogs were categorized into a control group and 3 experimental groups (overweight, elderly, and dogs with diseases that can contribute to diabetes). The control group included young and healthy dogs that visited veterinary clinics mainly for health checkups or neutering. The HbA1c concentration of all the dogs was estimated and compared between the control group and the experimental groups. The HbA1c level was significantly higher in the experimental groups than in the control group. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between the HbA1c concentration and all experimental variables. The HbA1c concentration was higher in the overweight group [mean, median: 3.94, 3.9; range (R): 3.5 to 4.3%], the elderly group [mean, median: 3.94, 3.9 (R: 3.5 to 4.3%)], and the disease group [mean, median: 3.99, 4.0 (R: 3.5 to 4.9%)] than in the control group [mean, median: 3.52, 3.6 (R: 2.9 to 3.8%)]. According to the results of this study, HbA1c can be used to evaluate high-risk groups for diabetes in the veterinary field, as in human medicine.
The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of linear foreign bodies anchored at the pylorus treated via laparotomy-assisted endoscopic removal versus traditional gastrotomy in dogs and cats. The medical records of patients that underwent either procedure from 2020 to 2022 at 1 of 3 affiliated private practice hospitals were reviewed retrospectively. Intra-operative parameters, including surgical time, signalment, pre-operative blood abnormalities, after-hours versus daytime surgeries, and level of surgical training, showed no differences between the 2 groups. The laparotomy-assisted group had a significantly decreased anesthetic time and total hospitalization duration. There was no significant difference in post-operative complication rates between the 2 groups, although incisional infections occurred in 12/121 (10%) of the gastrotomy patients and only 2/24 (8%) of the laparotomy-assisted endoscopy patients. In addition, none of the laparotomy-assisted groups developed post-operative septic peritonitis, whereas septic peritonitis occurred in 2/121 (1.6%) of gastrotomy patients. Laparotomy-assisted endoscopic removal of linear foreign bodies anchored at the pylorus is a viable treatment option that may have the benefits of decreased anesthetic and hospitalization times.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of dehiscence after surgical gastrotomy in dogs and cats. A secondary objective was to determine factors associated with dehiscence. Electronic medical records were searched for patients (141 dogs and 71 cats) undergoing gastrotomy from 2012 to 2024. Data collected included age, sex, additional procedures done under the same general anesthesia, presence and duration of surgical hypotension, comorbidities, long-term medications, use of a 1- or 2-layer closure, suture pattern of closure, pre-operative lactate and albumin concentrations, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status, whether or not surgery was done after-hours, a Board-certified surgeon was present, and dehiscence was confirmed. Two of 212 (0.94%) animals had a confirmed gastrotomy dehiscence based on diagnosis of septic peritonitis peri-operatively. These patients had only a gastrotomy, with no other surgical procedures. The dehiscence rate was too low and uncommon to statistically evaluate factors associated with dehiscence after gastrotomy. Confirmed gastrotomy dehiscence rates appeared lower than previously reported in the small intestines. As it was not possible to determine specific factors associated with an increased risk of dehiscence, further studies are required to identify and evaluate such factors.
This study aimed to monitor the serotype distribution of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App) in Argentina from 2020 to 2024. A total of 105 App strains, isolated from pigs that died of porcine pleuropneumonia (PP), were serotyped using multiplex PCR. The results showed a predominance of serotype 1 (66.7%), followed by serotypes 4 (12.4%), 5 (7.6%), 7 (6.7%), 8 (4.7%), and 12 (1.9%). This study confirms the continued dominance of serotype 1 in Argentina and highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance to improve disease control strategies.
Platelet function testing is a crucial component in the diagnosis and management of hemostatic disorders in feline patients. Despite its importance, standardized methodologies for assessing platelet function in cats remain underexplored. This study aimed to optimize the conditions for Chrono-log platelet impedance aggregometry (IA) in feline whole blood, focusing on the impact of agonist type (collagen or ADP), agonist concentration, and anticoagulant (citrate or hirudin) on platelet aggregation responses. Whole blood from 10 clinically healthy domestic shorthair cats was prospectively evaluated under varying experimental conditions. Our results indicated that hirudin-anticoagulated samples produced significantly higher platelet aggregation responses compared to those anticoagulated with citrate across all agonist concentrations. A partial dose-dependent relationship was observed with collagen but not with ADP. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate assay conditions for accurate platelet function testing in cats. This study provides insight into the methodology of feline whole blood impedance platelet aggregometry using the Chrono-log analyzer.
Objective:This study investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of blend electrolysis for hair removal in dogs. Animals:We studied 3 healthy adult laboratory beagles. Procedure:Small areas of palmar interdigital skin on the paws were treated with electrolysis using 6 procedures within 3 mo. The procedures were conducted under mild sedation and local anesthesia with lidocaine. Hair coat density was subjectively assessed by comparing pre-treatment dermoscopic images of the same areas. Results:The average procedure time was 55 min. There were minimal complications. The procedures were well tolerated and resulted in either reduced hair density or complete alopecia. This effect persisted for at least 3 mo following the last treatment. One dog, examined 21 mo after treatment, exhibited a minimally distinguishable hypotrichotic area with slightly shorter and sparser hair. Conclusion:Blend electrolysis is a feasible, though time-intensive, method for temporary hair removal in dogs. Clinical relevance:Further research is required to investigate the efficacy and effort-to-result ratio of this method for permanent hair removal in dogs of different breeds and across different body areas.
