Background The adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test (ACTHst), required for diagnosing hypoadrenocorticism in dogs (canine hypoadrenocorticism, CHA), is limited by the cost and availability of synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone, and results are subject to delays.Objectives Develop and validate a machine learning model that predicts the probability of CHA using signalment and routine laboratory test results.Animals Sixty-eight confirmed and untreated CHA dogs, and 504 control dogs (CHA suspected but ultimately excluded).Methods Cross-sectional multicenter study. Dogs in which CHA was confirmed or excluded by resting cortisol measurement or an ACTHst were identified from medical records of 5 veterinary referral hospitals. Data from 4/5 institutions were used to train a parallel random forest algorithm (parRF), the output of which was the predicted probability of CHA. Model performance was assessed on training set data (internal validation) and a different population (external validation from the fifth hospital).Results The parRF accurately predicted CHA in internal validation (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [ROC AUC]: 0.998; 95% CI, 0.996-0.999, 50%-predicted-probability sensitivity: 97.3%; 95% CI, 93.6-98.6, and specificity: 98.6%; 95% CI, 95.9-99.5). Three decision thresholds were determined: predicted probabilities of 10%, 50%, and 80% to optimize sensitivity, accuracy, and specificity, respectively. The model accuracy was confirmed using external data: ROC AUC: 0.942 (95% CI, 0.853-1.0); sensitivity: 94.1% (95% CI, 71.3-99.9), 58.8% (95% CI, 32.9-81.6), 41.2% (95% CI, 18.4-67.1); specificity: 93.9% (95% CI, 85.2-98.3), 100% (95% CI, 94.6-100), 100% (95% CI, 94.6-100), at 10%, 50%, and 80% decision thresholds, respectively.Conclusions and clinical importance Although the parRF should be further externally validated, it shows promise to help veterinarians diagnose CHA.

BACKGROUND:Subclinical bacteriuria (SBU) is frequently encountered in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but it remains unclear if it is associated with survival and disease progression. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES:To determine the association of SBU with survival time and disease progression in cats with CKD. ANIMALS:Two hundred eighty-seven client-owned CKD cats diagnosed according to the IRIS guidelines. METHODS:Retrospective multicenter study from January 2015 to May 2024. Cats were included from 4 veterinary teaching hospitals if they were diagnosed with CKD, had a documented urine culture result from cystocentesis and no signs of lower urinary tract disease (LUTS). Cats were divided into SBU group and control group, based on culture results. Medical records and long-term outcomes were reviewed. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used for survival analysis, and frequency of CKD progression was compared. RESULTS:SBU was not significantly associated with survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.39-1.16; P = .16) or CKD progression (P = .84). Higher plasma creatinine (HR = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.03; P = .01) and lower body condition score (HR = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67-0.95; P = .01) were associated with reduced survival. In SBU cats, antimicrobial treatment was prescribed in 85 cats (78%) and did not prevent bacterial persistence or recolonization. Progression to bacterial cystitis or pyelonephritis was observed with or without antimicrobial treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE:SBU in cats with CKD do not seem to be significantly associated with death or affect disease progression. These findings do not support routine antimicrobial treatment of SBU in cats CKD.

BACKGROUND:Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) is a joint disease common in dogs. Although its prognosis is generally favorable, relapses are frequent, and predictive factors for relapse remain poorly characterized. OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the outcome of medical management of IMPA in dogs and identify predictive factors for relapse. ANIMALS:Client-owned dogs diagnosed with non-associative IMPA between 2010 and 2022 across four veterinary referral centers. METHODS:This was a retrospective multicentric study. The data collected at the time of diagnosis, including signalment, clinical presentation, imaging, and laboratory findings, and treatments, were analyzed. Relapse was defined as the recurrence of clinical signs, CRP levels above the reference range, or both after remission. Associations with time from remission to relapse were assessed using univariate and multivariable Cox models. RESULTS:Among 119 dogs, 114 (95.8%) achieved remission. Among the 85 dogs with relapse data, the median time to relapse was 6.5 months, with relapse rates of 43% at 6 months, 61% at 12 months, and 65% at 24 months. In the multivariable analysis, thrombocytosis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 5.5 [2.0-15.0]95%, p < 0.001), lymphadenomegaly (aHR = 4.0 [1.5-11]95%, p = 0.006) and lameness (aHR = 3.9 [1.2-12.2]95%, p = 0.02) at initial admission were independently and significantly associated with time from remission to relapse. CONCLUSION:This study highlights a favorable clinical outcome for dogs with non-associative IMPA with high remission rates but substantial relapse risks. Lameness, lymphadenomegaly, and thrombocytosis are associated with a greater risk of relapse.

Limited data exist regarding immune-mediated polyarthritis in dogs, particularly regarding reactive immune-mediated polyarthritis. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical presentations, the diagnostic findings, and the outcome of dogs diagnosed with presumptive primary and reactive immune-mediated polyarthritis in France, and to evaluate potential biomarkers for assessing treatment response. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for dogs diagnosed with immune-mediated polyarthritis between June 2004 and January 2020. Fifty-eight dogs were included, of which 43 diagnosed with primary and 15 with reactive immune-mediated polyarthritis. Associated diseases in dogs with reactive immune-mediated polyarthritis included leishmaniosis (7), digestive disorders (3), eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy (3), bacterial infection (1), and gossypiboma (1). Overall, dogs showed a combination of joint swelling, pain, or heat. Anaemia (30 %), leucocytosis (47 %), high serum CRP (90 %) and low serum albumin (61 %) concentrations were the most frequent bloodwork abnormalities. Most dogs (74 %) experiencing complete clinical remission, and the mean time to remission was 37 days. Serum albumin, total proteins and globulins concentrations appeared as potential predictors for the time to remission. Clinical presentation and diagnostic features are not specific in dogs with immune-mediated polyarthritis. Overall, most dogs achieve clinical remission, but the time to achieve remission may be long. Serum albumin, total proteins and globulins concentrations may be predictors for the time to remission.

Background Cardiovascular dysfunction associated with acute kidney injury has been recently described in veterinary medicine, but limited information is available for cats with urinary tract obstruction (UTO). Objective This retrospective study aimed to describe the type, frequency, timeline, and risk factors for cardiovascular events (CVEs) in cats treated for acute UTO. Animals and procedures Medical records of cats admitted to the intensive care unit for either upper (ureteral: UUTO) or lower (urethral: LUTO) UTO from 2016 to 2021 were reviewed. Cardiovascular events were defined as development of arrhythmia, heart murmur or gallop sound, clinical signs consistent with fluid overload (CRFO), or decreased tissue perfusion (DTP). Results One hundred and sixty-eight cats with UTO were recruited (56 with UUTO and 112 with LUTO). Cardiovascular events were reported in 61.9% of cases, including arrhythmia (33.6%), gallop rhythm (28.1%), heart murmur (15.3%), CRFO (14.4%), and DTP (8.6%). Potassium concentration, preexisting chronic kidney disease, and renal pelvic dilation at abdominal ultrasonography were associated with CVE occurrence in multivariate analysis. Conclusions This study highlighted frequent CVEs in cats treated for UTO, with a potential strong impact on outcome. Therefore, cardiovascular parameters of cats with preexisting chronic kidney disease or those admitted with hyperkalemia or renal pelvic dilation should be closely monitored.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the safety and feasibility of high flow oxygen therapy (HFOT), and to record SpO2 and desaturation episodes in dogs and cats receiving HFOT or conventional oxygen therapy (COT) during bronchoscopy ± bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).Materials and methodsDogs and cats undergoing bronchoscopy ± BAL between January and May 2023 were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups: HFOT (HFOT group; two cats and four dogs) and COT (COT group; one cat and five dogs). HFOT and COT were started at the beginning of the bronchoscopy. HFOT was delivered with a gas flow rate of 1 L/kg/min at an FiO2 of 100% and a temperature of 34°C (pediatric mode) or 37°C (adult mode). COT was delivered through the working channel of the bronchoscope at a rate of 1.5 L/min. The safety and feasibility of HFOT were assessed, and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) was measured by pulse oximetry every 30 s throughout the procedure.Measurements and main resultsHFOT was feasible and safe in both dogs and cats with no complications reported. While there was no significant difference in the number of desaturation episodes (SpO2 < 94%) between the two groups, none of the patients in the HFOT group experienced severe desaturation (SpO2 < 90%). In contrast, two patients in the COT group had an SpO2 < 90%. Mean SpO2 was significantly higher in the HFOT group compared to the COT group at T0 (98% ± 2% vs. 94 ± 2%), T0.5 (98% ± 2% vs. 94% ± 3%) and T1 (98% ± 2% vs. 94% ± 4%).ConclusionTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the largest study conducted to date using HFOT during bronchoscopy in dogs and cats. Our results suggest that HFOT is feasible and safe during bronchoscopy ± BAL. Furthermore, HFOT may reduce the risk of desaturation episodes in dogs and cats undergoing bronchoscopy and BAL.

Trichuris vulpis is a parasite of the large intestine of canids and has a global distribution. Despite its well-established epidemiology, the question of its pathogenicity in dogs remains debated. It has been suggested that younger age and concurrent infection with Ancylostoma caninum may be responsible for more severe clinical presentations. This retrospective study aimed to describe the clinical and diagnostic features of T. vulpis-infected dogs and to compare these findings with dogs infected with both T. vulpis and other intestinal parasites (poly-infected dogs). Forty-five dogs were included, with twenty-five being solely infected by T. vulpis and twenty poly-infected dogs. Only weight loss was more frequent (p = 0.006) in poly-infected dogs compared to T. vulpis mono-infected dogs. No significant differences were observed in laboratory abnormalities between mono-infected and poly-infected dogs. Only diarrhea was more frequent (p = 0.007) in younger dogs compared to adults. The egg shedding pattern was significantly higher (p = 0.04) among adult dogs compared to young ones, and there was a significant positive correlation between egg shedding and age (r = 0.41; p = 0.005). These findings suggest that T. vulpis might be responsible for both clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities in dogs, irrespective of the host’s age and the presence of other intestinal parasites.

A 2-year-old neutered male Jack Russell terrier dog was presented for persistent, involuntary, bilateral contractions of the hypochondriac regions of the abdominal wall that had been present for 1.5 y. Electrocardiography and fluoroscopic evaluation revealed that the contractions were synchronous with the heartbeat, consistent with a synchronous diaphragmatic flutter. Thoracic radiographs, echocardiography, and serum electrolytes did not identify an underlying cause. This case report describes a rare presentation of idiopathic, long-lasting, synchronous diaphragmatic flutter in a dog. Key clinical message: Synchronous diaphragmatic flutter is a rare condition characterized by contractions of the diaphragm that are synchronous with the heartbeat; this condition can mimic a serious cardiac or respiratory condition.

Un chihuahua mâle entier de 4 ans est présenté pour augmentation de taille du testicule droit et abattement. Une échographie est réalisée montrant un épaississement sévère de l’épididyme et du canal déférent et des dépôts hypoéchogènes sur les organes abdominaux. Une intervention chirurgicale est réalisée, permettant le retrait du testicule, l’exploration du canal déférent ainsi que de la partie caudale de la cavité abdominale. Des prélèvements histologiques sont réalisés montrant une infestation à cestodes de type Mesocestoïdes sp. Un traitement antiparasitaire à base de fenbendazole est mis en place permettant une amélioration de l’état général et l’absence de rechute durant les 8 mois de suivi. D’après la littérature, il s’agit du premier cas publié de péritonite/funiculite/épididymite à Mesocestoïdes chez un chien en France.A 4-year-old male Chihuahua presented with an enlarged right testicle and weakness. An ultrasound was performed showing significant thickening of the epididymis and the ductus deferens and hypoechoic deposits on the abdominal organs. Surgery was performed to remove the testis and explore the ductus deferens and caudal abdominal cavity. Histological samples were taken showing Mesocestoides sp. cestode infestation. An antiparasitic treatment based on fenbendazole was implemented, improving the general condition and the absence of recurrence during the 8 months of follow-up. According to the literature, this is the first published case of Mesocestoides peritonitis/funiculitis/epididymitis in a dog in France.

Abstract Background Cholelithiasis is an uncommon and mainly incidental finding in dogs; current literature on this topic is scarce in cats. Hypothesis Report prevalence, clinical presentation, management, and outcome of cholelithiasis in cats. Animals Ninety‐eight cats with cholelithiasis. Methods Retrospective multicenter case series. Electronic databases from 3 hospitals were searched for cats diagnosed with cholelithiasis by ultrasonography (US). Cholelithiasis was classified as incidental (IC) or symptomatic (SC) depending on clinicopathological signs, biliary tract US appearance, and presence of another disease potentially explaining the clinical presentation. Multivariate analysis was used to investigate factors associated with clinical expression of cholelithiasis and, within the SC group, survival. Results The observed prevalence of cholelithiasis was 0.99% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79%‐1.19%) among cats that underwent abdominal US. Cholelithiasis was classified as IC in 41% and SC in 59%. Choleliths found in multiple locations within the biliary tract (odds ratio [OR], 8.11; 95% CI, 2.32‐34.15; P = .001) or associated with US signs of obstruction (OR, 18.47; 95% CI, 2.13‐2413.34; P = .004) were significantly associated with SC. Concurrent hepatobiliary diseases were suspected or confirmed in 83% of cases with SC. Forty‐three cats (74%) with SC survived to discharge. Biliary tract obstruction (BTO) was negatively associated with survival (OR, 13.87; 95% CI, 1.54‐124.76; P = .001). None of the cats with IC that had available follow‐up (47%) developed clinicopathological signs related to cholelithiasis. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Cholelithiasis is uncommon and can be asymptomatic in cats. Symptomatic cholelithiasis frequently is associated with another hepatobiliary disease or BTO or both. Biliary tract obstruction is associated with poorer outcome.

OBJECTIVES:Trilostane is the medical treatment of choice for hyperadrenocorticism. Iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism is thought to be rare, with most cases being transient and only a few cases of permanent hypoadrenocorticism have been reported. This study reports findings from eight cases of iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism and examines the presence of concurrent diseases at the time of diagnosis.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Medical records of dogs treated for hyperadrenocorticism with trilostane since 2008 were reviewed, and cases of clinical iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism were extracted. Cases were considered permanent if long-term replacement therapy was required.RESULTS:Eight dogs met the inclusion criteria. The time between the beginning of trilostane treatment and the diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism ranged from 4 days to 13 months, and the dosage of trilostane ranged between 1 and 8 mg/kg/day. Six dogs had a suspicion of concurrent disease at the time of hypoadrenocorticism diagnosis. The trilostane dose was decreased in two dogs; trilostane was withdrawn in one case without further relapse of hyperadrenocorticism; and glucocorticoids with or without mineralocorticoid supplementation were prescribed in five dogs. Two of these five dogs were lost to follow-up, and the other three had a diagnosis of permanent hypoadrenocorticism. Adrenal gland ultrasonography in these three dogs showed a progressive reduction in gland sizes with heterogeneous echogenicity.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:Iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of trilostane treatment in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism. The occurrence of a concurrent disease might trigger the development of clinical signs of hypoadrenocorticism in previously subclinical dogs.

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are important tools for controlling rodent pests, but they also pose a health threat to non-target species. ARs are one of the most common causes of pet poisoning. However, exposure of domestic animals to subclinical doses of ARs is poorly documented. To study the random exposure of dogs and cats to ARs, feces from animals showing no clinical signs of rodenticide poisoning were collected from a network of French and Belgian veterinarians. We analyzed fresh feces from 304 dogs and 289 cats by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. This study showed a limited prevalence of AR exposure in dogs and cats of 2.6 and 4.5% respectively. In both species, access to the outdoors is a risk factor for ARs exposure. In contrast, the sex of the animals did not affect the ARs exposure status. The observation of the ratio of cis and trans isomers suggested primary exposure in dogs, but also in some cats. While primary exposure in dogs appears to be related to the use of ARs as plant protection products, primary exposure in cats may be malicious, as warfarin, an anticoagulant formerly used as a rodenticide and now used only in humans, was found in 4 of 13 exposed cats. Secondary exposure may also occur in cats.Our study showed reduced exposure in dogs and cats, compared to wildlife, which often has high exposure, especially in areas where rodent control is important.

Despite the probable zoonotic origin of SARS-CoV-2, only limited research efforts have been made to understand the role of companion animals in SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology. According to recent serological prevalence studies, human-to-companion animal transmission is quite frequent, which led us to consider that the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from animal to human, albeit negligible in the present context, may have been underestimated. In this study, we provide the results of a prospective survey that was conducted to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 isolation rate by qRT-PCR in dogs and cats with different exposure risks and clinical statuses. From April 2020 to April 2021, we analyzed 367 samples and investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using qRT-PCR. Only four animals tested positive, all of them being cats. Three cats were asymptomatic and one presented a coryza-like syndrome. We describe in detail the infection in two cats and the associated clinical characteristics. Importantly, we obtained SARS-CoV-2 genomes from one infected animal and characterized them as Alpha variants. This represents the first identification of the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant in an infected animal in France.

In a survey of household cats and dogs of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients, we found a high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, ranging from 21% to 53%, depending on the positivity criteria chosen. Seropositivity was significantly greater among pets from COVID-19+ households compared to those with owners of unknown status. Our results highlight the potential role of pets in the spread of the epidemic.

La lymphangiectasie primaire est une cause rare d’entéropathie exsudative, à l’origine d’un syndrome de malabsorption et d’une fuite intestinale de lymphe riche en protéines. Son diagnostic nécessite l’exclusion de toute autre cause d’altération de la circulation lymphatique intestinale et le traitement est fondé principalement sur une prise en charge alimentaire. Cet article expose le cas d’une chienne Saint Bernard de 5 ans présentée pour détresse respiratoire aiguë, associée à une diarrhée, un abattement et une anorexie d’installation progressive. Des épanchements pleural et abdominal sont mis en évidence, ainsi qu’un thrombus dans le ventricule droit. Une thromboembolie pulmonaire est suspectée et une lymphangiectasie d’origine probablement primaire est diagnostiquée. Une décision d’euthanasie est prise 13jours après la consultation initiale.

Studies have shown an increased prevalence of positive urine culture (PUC) in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD); no information is available in dogs. To document the PUC frequency in a cohort of dogs with CKD, determine risk factors for PUC, and identify associations between clinicopathologic data and PUC. Two hundred one client-owned dogs with CKD. Retrospective, observational study. Dogs recruited from 2 veterinary teaching hospitals were included if they were diagnosed with CKD and had a culture performed on urine collected by cystocentesis. The PUC frequency was calculated, multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors, and associations with clinicopathologic data were investigated. Sixty-five dogs (32%) with CKD had PUC, including 8 (28%) in International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage 1; only 8% showed signs of a urinary tract infection. Escherichia coli was the most common isolate (67%). A PUC was more likely in females (odds ratio [OR], 3.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.67-6.37; P < .001) than males and in dogs with isosthenuria (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.24-5.03; P = .01) than in dogs with urine-specific gravity 1.013-1.024. A positive leukocyte esterase test and microorganisms found by urine sediment analysis were significantly associated with PUC (both P < .001). Dogs with CKD, even IRIS stage 1, have a high frequency of PUC and most cases are asymptomatic. A urine culture could be considered in the routine evaluation of dogs with CKD, but the clinical relevance of a PUC remains unknown and needs further evaluation.

Case summary A 14-year-old cat was presented with a 2-week history of ataxia, seizure-like episodes, vomiting and weight loss. Serum biochemistry revealed severe hypoglycaemia, associated with low serum fructosamine and high insulin concentrations. On abdominal ultrasound, a focal hypoechoic well-defined mass in the left limb of the pancreas was identified and the presence of an additional smaller nodule was suspected. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) confirmed the presence of both lesions and revealed a third, even smaller nodule. Partial pancreatectomy was performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of a multifocal insulinoma. Six months later, the cat presented with tenesmus and obstipation. A colorectal adenocarcinoma was diagnosed with histopathology after partial excision of a colorectal mass. The cat was euthanased a month later owing to recurrent episodes of severe obstipation. Relevance and novel information This is the first clinical description of the use of CEUS in the diagnosis of feline insulinoma. Furthermore, the available scientific literature on feline insulinoma was reviewed.

BackgroundStudies have shown an increased prevalence of positive urine culture (PUC) in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD); no information is available in dogs.ObjectivesTo document the PUC frequency in a cohort of dogs with CKD, determine risk factors for PUC, and identify associations between clinicopathologic data and PUC.AnimalsTwo hundred one client‐owned dogs with CKD.MethodsRetrospective, observational study. Dogs recruited from 2 veterinary teaching hospitals were included if they were diagnosed with CKD and had a culture performed on urine collected by cystocentesis. The PUC frequency was calculated, multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors, and associations with clinicopathologic data were investigated.ResultsSixty‐five dogs (32%) with CKD had PUC, including 8 (28%) in International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage 1; only 8% showed signs of a urinary tract infection.Escherichia coliwas the most common isolate (67%). A PUC was more likely in females (odds ratio [OR], 3.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.67‐6.37;P< .001) than males and in dogs with isosthenuria (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.24‐5.03;P= .01) than in dogs with urine‐specific gravity 1.013‐1.024. A positive leukocyte esterase test and microorganisms found by urine sediment analysis were significantly associated with PUC (bothP< .001).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDogs with CKD, even IRIS stage 1, have a high frequency of PUC and most cases are asymptomatic. A urine culture could be considered in the routine evaluation of dogs with CKD, but the clinical relevance of a PUC remains unknown and needs further evaluation.

An adult male domestic shorthair cat was presented for vomiting and anorexia, with a three-month history of weight loss. Bradycardia was documented during physical examination and was diagnosed as sinusal by electrocardiography. Blood electrolytes analysis revealed a marked ionised hypercalcaemia. Thoracic radiographs revealed a large soft tissue opacity at the level of the distal oesophagus. Subsequent thoracic ultrasonography and oesophagoscopy confirmed the presence of a tissue mass infiltrating distal oesophagus, oesophagogastric junction and neighbouring tissues. After biopsy and histopathological analysis, a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was diagnosed. Sinus bradycardia was assumed to be related to an increased vagal tone due to the close proximity of the vagal nerve with the infiltrative lesion or, less likely, severe hypercalcaemia. This case describes an atypical clinical presentation of an SCC in an uncommon location. Furthermore, to the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of hypercalcaemia associated with oesophageal SCC in a cat.