Abstract:Anemia is a frequent complication in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), mainly due to decreased erythropoietin (EPO) production resulting from a loss of renal erythropoietin-producing (REP) cells. Anemia affects both survival and quality of life by inducing clinical signs such as lethargy and anorexia. Early detection of anemia by monitoring hematocrit/packed cell volume (Htc/PCV) trends is essential to initiate treatment before progressive renal damage limits therapeutic effectiveness. Molidustat, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI), is a novel oral drug stimulating endogenous erythropoietin synthesis. However, treatment has to be started when REP cells are still functional, with PCV target ranges between 30-40%. Regular monitoring following the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) guidelines is essential to keep PCV within the target range and to determine when treatment should be started, stopped, or restarted. Moreover, monitoring the iron status is important since both functional and absolute iron deficiency might be seen in cats with CKD and can impair response to treatment.
Objective:This study aimed to describe the normal radiographic anatomy of relevant thoracic structures in clinically healthy pet rabbits and provide morphometric data for some of these structures in lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs. Materials and methods:Radiographs of 100 pet rabbits without clinical or radiographic signs of respiratory, cardiovascular, or mediastinal diseases were included in the study. The radiographic appearance of the aorta, the caudal vena cava, pulmonary vessels, the trachea, the delineation (visibility) of the cranial heart contour, and the extension of the diaphragm were evaluated using lateral radiographs. Additionally, the height of the trachea at 2 locations and the angle between the trachea and the thoracic spine were measured. On radiographs in ventrodorsal projection, the visibility of the cranial cardiac contour, the shape of the thorax, and the extension of the diaphragm were evaluated. Results:Thoracic radiographs of 100 pet rabbits, including 54 males (14 intact and 40 neutered) and 46 females (29 intact and 17 neutered) were included. The animals were aged between 6 months and 11 years (median 4.75 years) and had a median body weight of 1.8 kg (range: 0.8-2.7 kg). On the lateral projection, the aorta and vena cava were visible on all radiographs, whereas small pulmonary vessels were recognizable in only 61 animals. The cranial contour of the heart was well defined in 45 rabbits and moderately defined in 55 rabbits. The trachea was exclusively ventrally mineralized in all rabbits. Median tracheal height was 3.2 mm at the level of the first thoracic vertebra and 3.2 mm at the level of the fourth thoracic vertebra. The median angle between the trachea and thoracic spine was 11.6°. On the ventrodorsal projection, the cranial contour of the heart was well defined in 74 rabbits and moderately in 26 rabbits. The median diaphragmatic extension was at the level of the 7th thoracic vertebra. Conclusion and clinical relevance:Our study provides an overview of the thoracic structures visible on radiographs in pet rabbits weighing up to 3 kg. The results of our study contribute to the detection of pathological changes in the thorax.
Abstract:Neurological examination in pet rabbits aims at localizing lesions within the nervous system in order to determine differential diagnoses and appropriate further diagnostics. Due to species-specific behavior and anatomical differences, the standard examination protocol used in small animals requires modification. In 2 published studies involving clinically healthy pet rabbits, several neurological tests were found to be either non-applicable or to require adjustments. The examination includes the assessment of consciousness and behavior, posture, gait, cranial nerve function, postural reactions, as well as spinal reflexes. Certain tests, such as the menace response and some placing reactions of the hind limbs, were not consistently elicitable. Others, such as the wheelbarrow test, hemiwalking, and the righting response, were performed reliably. The systematic validation of neurological tests for the diagnosis of specific neurological disease in rabbits is still lacking to date. Neuroanatomical localization is therefore carried out in the same way as for dogs and cats. Paresis or paralysis and vestibular signs are the most common neurological signs in rabbits. Differentiation between upper (UMN) and lower motor neuron (LMN) lesions allows localization to specific spinal cord segments or to the neuromuscular structures. Common causes of paresis/paralysis include traumatic or inflammatory myelopathies. Vestibular signs require localization to the central or peripheral components of the vestibular system.
Abstract:A 5-year-old dwarf rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with a body weight of 2.46 kg was presented due to acute inappetence, apathy, and diarrhea. The animal was housed outdoors with a companion rabbit in an enclosure with natural soil and an underground tunnel system. The general clinical examination revealed severe apathy, hypothermia (36.3°C), and increased abdominal respiration. Laboratory diagnostics showed a non-regenerative anemia as well as heterophilic and monocytic leukocytosis. Radiographic examination demonstrated hepatomegaly and loss of peritoneal detail. In addition to an enlargement of the liver and spleen, abdominal ultrasonography revealed multiple hypoechoic, round hepatic lesions, markedly enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes, and free fluid. Furthermore, several masses within the uterus and a focal renal infarction in the craniodorsal region of the right renal cortex were noted. Computed tomography confirmed the ultrasonographic findings and additionally showed generalized thickening of the large intestinal walls. Due to the poor general condition and the diagnostic findings, the animal was euthanized at the owner's request and submitted for pathological examination. The main findings included lymphadenomegaly of multiple intestinal lymph nodes and multifocal necrotizing inflammation of the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis was isolated from the spleen, leading to a diagnosis of pseudotuberculosis. This potential zoonosis has so far been documented in only one other case report in pet rabbits in the academic literature and should be considered a differential diagnosis in rabbits kept outdoors presenting with severe systemic disease.
Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic success of a conservative treatment approach for macrodontic molars in guinea pigs. To this end, longitudinal data from conservative management were analyzed and parameters of potential prognostic relevance were examined. Material and methods:This retrospective study includes 34 guinea pigs diagnosed with macrodontic molars for the first time at the veterinary clinic Posthausen between 2019 and 2025. Diagnosis was based on macroscopic, endoscopic and radiological findings, guided by morphological criteria described in the scientific literature for this pathology. Conservative management consisted of repeated occlusal corrections under general anesthesia, supplemented with analgesic medication and supportive feeding as needed. Procedures were repeated upon recurrence of tooth-related symptoms. Results:The cohort showed a higher prevalence of neutered male animals (55,8%). Most macrodontic molars (73,7%) were located in the lower jaw and affected the last two tooth positions (70,2%). Multiple macrodontic teeth were initially diagnosed in 55,9% guinea pigs, with additional macrodonts appearing 260 days after the start of therapy in 2 animals. The number of dental trimmings performed ranged from 1 to 36, with intervals averaging 51 days, which shortened over the course of treatment. In 44,1% of guinea pigs, therapy was not continued after the first occlusal correction. Animals undergoing multiple procedures had a median survival time of 394 days. No significant correlation could be established between median survival time and the number of macrodontic teeth. Conclusion:The findings highlight the possibilities and limitations of a purely conservative management of macrodont molars.
Abstract:A 5-year-old female spayed ferret was presented with lameness of the left hind limb and dyspnea. Five months earlier, the animal had been diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and an undifferentiated precardiac mass. Clinical, radiological, and laboratory examinations revealed a left femoral neck fracture, mild anemia, and hyperglobulinemia. Due to the poor general condition and unfavorable prognosis, the animal was euthanized. Pathological examination identified the precardiac mass as multiple myeloma with dissemination to the mediastinum, spleen, liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, and bone marrow. The neoplastic plasma cells were immunohistochemically CD138-positive and CD3-/CD79a-negative. This case demonstrates that plasma cell neoplasms in ferrets can also present as precardiac masses and should therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Objective:Encephalitozoonosis is a widespread, common disease in rabbits that also bears significance as a potential zoonosis. The aim of the study is to analyse encephalitozoonosis in terms of diagnosis and treatment based on a retrospective evaluation of patient data. Material and methods:107 cases of rabbits with a suspected diagnosis of encephalitozoonosis presented at a university clinic between 2013 and 2022, were retrospectively evaluated. The cases were reviewed with regard to the form of encephalitozoonosis, husbandry, feeding, diagnosis, therapy and outcome. Results:The housing systems - indoor versus outdoor housing, individual versus group housing - and the recent integration of an animal into the group did not exert statistically significant effects as predisposing factors. Clinically, encephalitozoonosis manifested itself in the central nervous system in 63.6% (n=68) of cases. The average age of animals with the ocular form was significantly lower (p<0.001) at 23.7 months, and that of animals with the renal form was higher than the average age of the entire population of diseased animals examined, with a mean of 71.4 months. When comparing the outcomes of 84 rabbits, 29.8% (n=25) showed improvement, 44.0% (n=37) stabilised and 28.2% (n=22) died or had to be euthanised. The IgG titre was significantly more frequently elevated (>1:5120) in the deceased or euthanised rabbits, at 50.0% (n=6). Conclusions and clinical relevance:The present study found no influence of husbandry parameters with regard to encephalitozoonosis. There was a correlation between age and form of the disease. The detection of antibodies played a central role in diagnosis, but only allowed for a presumptive diagnosis. Fendendazole, analgesia, anti-inflammatory drugs and supportive measures were used for treatment. Such measures included a calm and stress-free environment and physiotherapy for the central nervous form, and ensuring hydration for the renal form. In around 70% of cases, an improvement or stabilisation of the condition was achieved.
Abstract:Sonography is an important diagnostic tool in small mammal medicine, particularly in rabbits. Due to special anatomical characteristics in the rabbit, sonographic examination differs from that of dogs and cats. The selection of a suitable ultrasound transducer is essential - high-frequency linear transducers with a small contact surface are recommended. For the examination, the rabbit is positioned in dorsal recumbency on a soft surface; fixation of the hind limbs is usually not necessary. Abstract:The examination procedure is standardized, usually beginning with the urinary bladder, which is easily visualized and often contains corpuscular particles due to the rabbit's special calcium metabolism. A common condition is urolithiasis. This may result in both bladder sludge and calculi throughout the urinary tract, possibly leading to obstructions. Abstract:The female genital tract, including its cervix duplex and uterus duplex, is examined systematically. Important pathologies include endometrial hyperplasia and uterine adenocarcinoma, which are characterized by changes in the uterine wall and fluid accumulation in the organ´s lumen. Sonography plays an important role in early detection of these pathologies. Abstract:The adrenal glands and spleen may also be visualized sonographically. The latter is tongue-shaped and moderately echogenic. The pancreas is considered to be difficult to visualize but may be seen in certain areas. The liver is assessed sonographically as well; the caudate lobe is easily accessible. In cases of liver lobe torsion, sonography reveals changes in echogenicity and perfusion, often accompanied by free fluid and surrounding tissue reaction. Abstract:The gastrointestinal tract is not always fully visible and accessible due to gas and food content, but certain sections such as the stomach, duodenum, sacculus rotundus, and appendix can usually be clearly visualized. Sonographic features such as wall thickness and layering are used to assess these organs. An important disease of the gastrointestinal tract is appendicitis/sacculitis, which is characterized by a thickened wall and a fluid filled lumen.
Alveolar echinococcosis is a significant zoonotic disease characterized by infiltrative growth of metacestodes in intermediate hosts. It is primarily located in the liver and is associated with a high mortality rate if left untreated. To the authors' knowledge, the present report describes the first case of alveolar echinococcosis in a pregnant dog documented in the literature.A five-year-old, unneutered female Labrador Retriever was presented shortly after artificial insemination with abdominal distension, polydipsia, and polyuria. Further examinations led to the diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis and treatment with albendazole was initiated. At the owner's explicit request, the pregnancy was continued. Six viable puppies were delivered, a subset by caesarean section.This case describes the diagnostic and therapeutic options for alveolar echinococcosis and discusses the possible influences between pregnancy and echinococcosis with regard to therapy, disease progression, and prognosis.
A six-year-old, neutered male mixed-breed dog was presented with jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain. A bacterial cholecystitis was diagnosed and subsequently treated with antimicrobials. However, follow-up evaluation showed inadequate disease control. Over time, the dog gained weight and developed dermatological changes indicative of an underlying endocrinopathy. Subsequent diagnostics confirmed hypothyroidism, necessitating levothyroxine supplementation. In the course of the treatment of hypothyroidism the dog developed complete resolution of the bacterial cholecystitis.This case report describes the successful treatment of bacterial cholecystitis in a dog with concurrent hypothyroidism. It aims to demonstrate that the management of associated diseases may contribute to the adequate resolution of bacterial cholecystitis.
Splenomegaly with diffuse heterogeneous parenchyma was detected in a 6-year-old female Lagotto Romagnolo from Germany during routine ultrasonographic examination. The cytologic examination of a fine needle aspirate of the spleen revealed reactive lymphoid hyperplasia and extramedullary hematopoiesis. During diagnostic workup, babesiosis with high Babesia antibody levels and evidence of Babesia canis was diagnosed as the cause of the splenic parenchymal findings. At no time, the dog showed any clinical signs or clinicopathologic findings associated with the infection, although active babesiosis was diagnosed. Due to the high antibody level, it can be postulated that the dog had already been exposed to the pathogen at an earlier stage or that she had a subacute course of the disease.To the authors' knowledge, this is one of the few descriptions of babesiosis with structural splenopathy with evidence of extramedullary hematopoiesis as the only indication of the presence of the infectious disease and without corresponding clinicopathologic findings.
This study examines the influence of perceived organizational culture on the psychological strain of employees in veterinary practices and clinics in Germany. Against the background of staff shortages and increasing mental health challenges, the aim is to determine the extent to which psychological strain is associated with prevailing organizational culture. Further aims are to identify causes and provide impetus for preventive measures in order to improve working conditions.An online survey was conducted with 361 participants. Psychological strain was assessed using the COPSOQ III (short version), and organizational culture was measured using the German version of the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (D-OCAI). Quantitative statistical methods were applied to identify significant correlations between culture types and stress factors.The analysis revealed significant associations between specific culture types and psychological strain. Employees who perceived their organization as having a clan culture - characterized by team spirit, trust, and flat hierarchies - reported lower levels of psychological strain. A pronounced market culture, on the other hand, showed no relevant effect. Interestingly, a strong hierarchy culture was also associated with lower levels of strain, suggesting that clear structures and responsibilities may have a relieving effect. The adhocracy culture was linked to higher job satisfaction. However, deficiencies were identified in feedback culture and leadership quality.The results indicate that organizational culture has a significant influence on employees' psychological well-being. Supportive and consciously shaped leadership can help reduce psychological strain. Organizational culture should therefore be recognized as a central factor in the prevention of mental health issues.Since the role of organizational culture in curative veterinary medicine in Germany has been largely neglected, there is a clear need for further research. The intentional development of culture and leadership holds potential for improving job satisfaction and employee health. This study provides initial insights for preventive strategies and expands the field of research on mental health in veterinary medicine.
Idiopathic chylothorax is a rare condition in small animals with a largely unknown etiology. In dogs, several recent studies have reported high surgical success rates, whereas the prognosis in cats remains unfavorable. The aim of this article is to develop an integrative understanding of the disease by systematically integrating anatomical, pathophysiological, physical, and clinical perspectives. Available conservative and surgical treatment strategies are evaluated with regard to success rates, complications, and prognostic relevance. Particular emphasis is placed on identifying which therapeutic decisions can be reasonably supported in clinical practice despite limited evidence and which prevailing assumptions warrant critical reassessment. A delayed surgical approach, in particular, appears to represent a potential negative aspect in current treatment concepts. The commonly standardized practice of performing thoracic duct ligation at a caudal thoracic level is also reconsidered in light of anatomical and pathophysiological findings. Furthermore, the current literature provides no clear recommendation regarding the indication for cisterna chyli ablation, and there is increasing divergence of opinion on the role of pericardectomy. The insights presented here generate concrete impulses for further research and support a more differentiated basis for clinical decision-making.
Canine atopic dermatitis (caD) is a chronic, genetic inflammatory skin disease involving defects in the skin barrier, allergen sensitization, and microbial dysbiosis. It is primarily characterized by pruritus and typically begins at a young age. A diagnosis is reached by clinical examination, recording a thorough medical history, and ruling out differential diagnoses. Treatment options for caD depend on various factors and include systemic and topical drugs for immunomodulation.As this disease may place a considerable burden on owners, it is necessary for veterinarians to provide comprehensive, understandable and sustainable education in order to improve client involvement in its management as well as offering long-term support.Long-term therapy of caD requires pet owners to develop a high level of adherence to treatment and sufficient health literacy, as they must carry out and at times adapt complex, mostly topical treatments themselves. Targeted education for affected owners can significantly improve their understanding of the disease and self-management, thereby improving quality of life and treatment success.
Vaccination is one of the most important measures for preventing infectious diseases. The basic immunization of puppies is particularly important, because the development of robust, active immunity in the young has a positive effect on the health and constitution of the entire later life. Maternal antibodies can seriously interfere with the success of the vaccination by neutralizing the administered vaccine antigen - especially with live vaccines. The higher the levels of these antibodies, the longer they may prevent successful induction of active immunity. The level of these antibodies is usually unknown. Therefore, repeated vaccinations during the first months of life keep the time window, in which maternal antibodies have declined and no active immunity has been developed, as short as possible. In dogs, vaccinations against distemper, parvovirosis and leptospirosis are considered core vaccinations. The use of tetravalent leptospirosis vaccines is highly recommended. The attenuated live components against distemper and parvovirus should be administered to puppies in week 8, 12 and 16. Since the leptospirosis component is inactivated and is as much affected by maternal antibodies, it is sufficient to administer the leptospirosis vaccination in week 8 and 12. A vaccination against distemper, parvovirus and leptospirosis at the age of 15 months completes the basic immunization. In addition to the core components mentioned, vaccines against pathogens of the Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) (formerly: kennel cough complex), against canine herpes viruses, dermatophytoses, Lyme borreliosis and Leishmaniasis are approved for dogs. The use of these vaccines can be highly advisable depending on the individual risk of infection. For cats, vaccinations against panleukopenia and against feline herpes- and caliciviruses are considered core vaccinations. Kittens should be vaccinated against all three components in week 8, 12 and 16. A vaccination against all three components at 15 months of age completes the basic immunization. For cats, vaccinations against bordetella and chlamydia infections, against dermatophytoses and against infections with the feline leukemia virus are considered non-core. Immunization against feline infectious peritonitis is not recommended. Ferrets should be vaccinated against distemper. Rabies has been eradicated in Germany. The vaccination is therefore no longer considered a core vaccination. However, susceptible pets, i.e. dogs, cats and ferrets, that are moved within the EU or taken across the border to or from third countries must be vaccinated against rabies. Rabbits should be vaccinated against myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease.
The present study's aims were to investigate fecal panleukopenia virus (FPV) DNA shedding in cats from breeding catteries and to identify factors associated with shedding, including the presence of diarrhea.239 cats out of 40 catteries were included. Information on catteries and cats were obtained by a breeders' questionnaire. Fecal samples of the cats were classified with the Purina fecal score and analyzed for FPV DNA by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Other gastrointestinal microorganisms were assessed by qPCR/RT-qPCR and fecal flotation. Information on the catteries, cats, and results of fecal sample analyses were statistically analyzed to determine factors that were associated with fecal FPV DNA shedding by Fisher's exact test; p-values <0.05 were considered significant.Six of 239 cats (2.5%) shed FPV DNA with feces. Cycle threshold values of qPCR ranged from 24-37. All FPV DNA-positive cats were coinfected (with either Clostridium spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and/or feline coronavirus). Fecal consistency of 3/6 FPV DNA-positive samples was diarrheic, and fecal FPV DNA shedding was significantly associated with diarrheic feces (p= 0.015; OR: 9.9, CI95%: 1.2-78.7). No other factors significantly influenced FPV DNA shedding.Fecal FPV DNA shedding was rarely observed among healthy cats from breeding catteries but maintaining proper vaccination programs against panleukopenia is crucial. Since FPV DNA shedding was linked to a higher likelihood of diarrheic feces, mild diarrhea in otherwise healthy cats should not be neglected and raise awareness about a potential risk of FPV within the cattery or other multi-cat environments.
Computerized gait analysis enables objective assessment and quantification of gait disorders in dogs, aiding lameness diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Kinetic analysis examines the forces exerted during movement, whereas kinematic analysis focuses on the movement of body segments without considering forces. Kinetic gait analysis provides insights into overall limb function, whereas kinematic gait analysis allows examination of individual joint movements, enhancing the understanding of normal and altered joint motion. Kinematic gait analysis can be marker-based or markerless, though marker-based systems dominate clinical use. In human medicine, artificial intelligence (AI) is already integrated with markerless systems for kinematic gait analysis, while veterinary research is still emerging. Kinematic gait analysis can be two- and three-dimensional. Three-dimensional (3D) systems offer the highest accuracy, analyzing joint motion in six degrees of freedom, however their high cost and technical complexity currently limit their use to research. Two-dimensional (2D) systems, benefiting from video technology advances, are more affordable and user-friendly. However, these systems capture motion in a single plane only. To date, no ideal computerized gait analysis system exists for dogs that can visualize and analyze kinematic data in real time - such systems are currently available only for kinetic analysis. With AI-driven advances in human motion analysis, canine kinematic gait analysis, regardless of technology (e. g., optical or sensor-based), is expected to become significantly more accessible for veterinary practice. This review outlines the fundamentals of kinematic data acquisition in dogs, summarizes current research, and compares optical gait analysis systems.
To identify the overall surgical site infection (SSI) rate after skin tumor resections and to explore the association between various factors on SSI development with a particular interest in perioperative prophylactic antibiotics (PPA) and infection rates of mast cell tumor (MCT) removal.Dogs that underwent skin tumor removal were prospectively enrolled in active SSI surveillance (30 days) between 2020 and 2022. Collected data included: tumor type, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) score, surgery and anesthesia time, PPA usage, hypothermia and hypotension status, and duration of hospitalization. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to explore the association between the above factors and SSI development.One hundred and four out of 174 eligible dogs were included. The SSI rate in the studied population was 9.6% (95% CI 5 to 17, 10/104). The rate of SSI after mast cell tumor (MCT) removal was 11.5% (95% CI 4 to 23, 6/52) and in other skin tumors it was 7.7% (95% CI 2 to 19, 4/52). PPA was administered in 23.1% of cases (95% CI 4 to 19, 24/104). SSI occurred in 10.0% (95% CI 4 to 19, 8/80) of dogs without PPA and in 8.3% (95% CI 1 to 27, 2/24) of dogs with PPA. Logistic regression showed no significant association between PPA use or tumor type and SSI occurrence. Neither PPA nor MCT had a significant impact on SSI.In the study population skin tumor resections had an increased SSI risk compared to the expected 4-5% reported in clean procedures in literature. Additionally, MCT resections seem to exhibit a higher SSI rate than resections of other skin tumors. PPA usage showed no protective effect which is in line with the current recommendations to not give PPA.
As part of a collaborative project funded by the BMEL ("HKP-Mon"), we had the opportunity to access a large data set of antimicrobial resistance tests from Laboklin. A total of 175,171 results from the years 2019 to 2021 were available to us for evaluation. These data sets were used to evaluate relevant bacterial pathogens in dogs and cats and their resistance situation. Results on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (S.) aureus (MRSA), S. pseudintermedius (MRSP), third-generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GCR) Escherichia (E.) coli, 3GCR Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae and Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa are presented here. About 15% (cats) to 20% (dogs) of S. aureus isolates were characterized as MRSA. For S. pseudintermedius, the MRSP prevalence was on average around 7% for dogs and with 16% higher in cats. Resistance to a third-generation cephalosporin was found in about 12% (both cats and dogs) of E. coli samples and 3GCR K. pneumoniae prevalence was 15% in dogs and 26% in cats. Due to the natural (intrinsic) resistances of P. aeruginosa to a large number of antibiotic classes, the only active substances available in veterinary medicine apart from colistin/polymyxin B are aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones.The multidrug-resistant bacteria described here therefore pose a considerable challenge in therapeutic terms. Depending on the site of infection, there are often only a few treatment options left. Careful diagnostics and correct interpretation of the microbiological results are therefore essential to maintain the effectiveness of antibiotics and minimize the development of further antibiotic resistance.
