OBJECTIVE To determine sensitivity and specificity of a cow-side immunoassay kit for assessing IgG concentration in colostrum. DESIGN Prospective study. ANIMALS 76 dairy and 11 beef cows of various parities. PROCEDURE Colostrum from first, second, and third milkings and milk samples were collected, and IgG concentration was determined by means of radial immunodiffusion. The immunoassay was performed according to the manufacturer's instructions, and sensitivity and specificity were calculated by comparing results of the immunoassay (positive vs negative) with results of immunodiffusion (< 50 g/L vs > or = 50 g/L). RESULTS 135 colostrum or milk samples were collected. Mean +/- SD colostral IgG concentrations, determined by means of radial immunodiffusion for dairy and beef cows were 65.4 +/- 51.4 g/L and 114.8 +/- 42.7 g/L, respectively. Mean IgG concentrations for first-, second-, and third-milking colostrum samples and for milk samples were 92 +/- 49.0 g/L, 74.6 +/- 45.1 g/L, 47.5 +/- 32 g/L, and 6.8 +/- 3.8 g/L, respectively. Sensitivity of the immunoassay (ie, percentage of samples with IgG concentration < 50 g/L with a positive immunoassay result) was 93%, and specificity (ie, percentage of samples with IgG concentration > or = 50 g/L with a negative immunoassay result) was 76%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that the immunoassay kit was an acceptable cow-side test to identify colostrum samples with IgG concentrations < 50 g/L. The immunoassay kit should be useful in screening colostrum for adequate IgG concentration before feeding to calves or storage.

Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) of anesthetized dogs has been used to humanely measure morphine's attenuation of CNS responses to noxious stimuli (STIM). The purpose of this study was to similarly determine the effect of acupuncture on responses to STIM as characterized by changes in QEEG. Six mixed-breed dogs were studied; mean ± SD weight and age of 32.8 ± 7.3 kg and 5 ± 0.8 years, respectively. Dogs were mask-induced with halothane (HAL) in oxygen and maintained at 1.7% end-tidal HAL concentration with controlled ventilation. Three treatments, each with and without electrical STIM, were studied in the following order: HAL alone, HAL with low frequency (1.4 Hz) electroacupuncture (LFA), and HAL with high frequency (150 Hz) electroacupuncture (HFA). Alternating current electroacupuncture was performed using needles placed in two acupuncture points on each pelvic limb (Stomach 36 and Spleen 6). Ten minutes of QEEG was collected using a Neurometric Analyzer both prior to and 2 minutes after STIM. STIM was twice the electric current needed to elicit a maximal amplitude compound motor unit action potential (10 second−1 for 15 seconds) using a constant-voltage stimulator applied proximal to the tarsus. Absolute power of the EEG was analyzed by repeated measures anova on ranks followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls' test when indicated by significant F-values (p < 0.05). STIM in HAL-anesthetized dogs was associated with significant decreases in δ and α frequencies of the EEG at 14 of 21 electrode sites. During LFA, significant decreases in δ alone were observed at only four of 21 sites following STIM. During HFA, significant decreases in δ, α, and β frequencies were observed at only six of 21 sites following STIM. Heart rate, arterial blood pressure, and end-tidal CO2 tension were unchanged throughout the study. We conclude that both LFA and HFA attenuate the QEEG response to STIM during 1.7% HAL anesthesia suggesting electroacupuncture-induced alteration in CNS pain processing.

Dogs develop spontaneous brain tumors as in humans and serve as a large animal model for evaluation of BNCT for treatment of brain tumor. In this study, 13 dogs with spontaneous brain tumors were treated surgery (SX) followed by BNCT and the median survival of was determined. The median survival was also determined for a group of dogs with spontaneous brain tumors previously treated with BNCT alone (n = 20). All dogs had histologic confirmation of tumor type either at the time of surgery or at necropsy. Of the dogs treated surgically, BNCT followed 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. Dogs of each group had various tumor types, however, the majority were meningiomas (13/20 BNCT, 9/13 SX + BNCT). Of the dogs in the surgery group, all had incomplete resections of the tumor primarily due to tumor location or infiltration of surrounding brain. In both groups, BSH or p-BPA were used for the boron agent. Peak brain dose was 10 to 12.5 Gy- equivalent.All dogs in the BNCT only group and 11/13 dogs in the SX + BNCT group died or were euthanized due to progression of intracranial signs attributed to progressive tumor. Two dogs in the SX + BNCT group are alive at the time of this writing (540 and 660 days after therapy).Median survival in days was determined for both groups. Dogs in the historical group receiving BNCT treatment alone had median survival of 90 days (range I to 1,860 days). Dogs receiving surgical biopsy/debulking had a median survival of 300 days (range 17 to 690 days). When dogs with meningiomas were analyzed independently within each group, median survivals for the BNCT group was 75 days (range I to 180 days) and those in the SX + BNCT group was 300 days (range 14 to 690 days). These results may suggest that BNCT used following incomplete surgical brain tumor removal may improve survival over those previously reported.Brain tumors occur in dogs with a frequency of 14.5 per 100,000 at risk.(1) Of 95 dogs with brain tumors evaluated at our hospital, the majority were older (median age 9 years; range 4 to 13 years) and had meningiomas (47%)(2). Meningioma is the most common primary brain tumor in dogs and cats.(3-5) The diagnosis of an intracranial mass is readily made using an advanced imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Features of primary brain tumor have been reviewed.(6-8)Treatments for brain tumors in dogs depend upon tumor type, tumor location, natural history of the tumor, associated morbidity/mortality of the treatment modality, and cost. Surgical removal is ideal for superficially located, encapsulated, relatively small, benign tumors of which meningiomas would be the most common example, Unfortunately, even when these tumors are histologically benign, they are often not well encapsulated and hence difficult to differentiate from surrounding non-tumorous brain. Brain damage in areas adjacent to the tumor can make gross delineation of tumor borders difficult if not impossible.Limited studies have been published regarding survival in dogs with spontaneous brain tumors. Studies of survival after brain tumor treatment in dogs include small patient numbers and include a diverse patient population. Median survival in dogs with brain tumors treated with surgery alone vary but tend to cluster around 140 to 150 days.(9,10) As an adjunctive therapy to surgery, or as a primary therapy for tumors that are difficult to access surgically, conventional radiation therapy has been shown effective for some brain tumor in animals.(9,11,12)Treatment protocols and survival analysis for radiation therapy of brain tumors has been reviewed previously.(11) From these limited studies, median survival in dogs treated with conventional radiation therapy survival is also between 150 and 300 days.Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) has been performed on dogs with spontaneous brain tumors for over 10 years at our institution. From 1988, animals with radiologic or surgically confirmed neoplasms were entered in the BNCT protocol with the client's consent. From 1988 through 1992, dogs were treated with BNCT as the primary modality of therapy. From 1992 to the time of this writing BNCT has been used as therapy following surgical debulking. In an effort to better understand the role of surgery and BNCT therapy, median survival times were retrospectively calculated for two groups of dogs with spontaneous brain tumors. No significant numbers of control groups consisting of dogs with brain tumors not treated or dogs with brain tumors only surgically treated were available from our hospital population for statistical comparisons. The survival for the groups reported, however, provide some pilot information regarding surgery combined with BNCT for dogs with brain tumor.

Veterinary Radiology & UltrasoundVolume 41, Issue 2 p. 145-146 RADIOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS–ENGORGED TICKS APPEARING AS DISTINCTRADIOGRAPHIC OPACITIES Lisa G. Britt DVM, MS, Corresponding Author Lisa G. Britt DVM, MS Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington StateUniversity, Pullman, WA. Address correspondence to Lisa G. Britt, DVM, MS, P.O. Box 534, Albion, WA 99102. E-mail: lbritt@vetmed.wsu.edu Address reprint requests to David D. Barbee, DVM, MS, RadiologySection, New Veterinary Teaching Hospital–7060, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164–7060. E-mail: barbee@vetmed.wsu.eduSearch for more papers by this authorDavid D. Barbee DVM, MS, Corresponding Author David D. Barbee DVM, MS Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington StateUniversity, Pullman, WA. Address correspondence to Lisa G. Britt, DVM, MS, P.O. Box 534, Albion, WA 99102. E-mail: lbritt@vetmed.wsu.edu Address reprint requests to David D. Barbee, DVM, MS, RadiologySection, New Veterinary Teaching Hospital–7060, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164–7060. E-mail: barbee@vetmed.wsu.eduSearch for more papers by this authorMichael P. Moore DVM, MS, Michael P. Moore DVM, MS Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington StateUniversity, Pullman, WA.Search for more papers by this authorErik H. Stauber DVM, PhD, Erik H. Stauber DVM, PhD Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington StateUniversity, Pullman, WA.Search for more papers by this author Lisa G. Britt DVM, MS, Corresponding Author Lisa G. Britt DVM, MS Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington StateUniversity, Pullman, WA. Address correspondence to Lisa G. Britt, DVM, MS, P.O. Box 534, Albion, WA 99102. E-mail: lbritt@vetmed.wsu.edu Address reprint requests to David D. Barbee, DVM, MS, RadiologySection, New Veterinary Teaching Hospital–7060, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164–7060. E-mail: barbee@vetmed.wsu.eduSearch for more papers by this authorDavid D. Barbee DVM, MS, Corresponding Author David D. Barbee DVM, MS Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington StateUniversity, Pullman, WA. Address correspondence to Lisa G. Britt, DVM, MS, P.O. Box 534, Albion, WA 99102. E-mail: lbritt@vetmed.wsu.edu Address reprint requests to David D. Barbee, DVM, MS, RadiologySection, New Veterinary Teaching Hospital–7060, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164–7060. E-mail: barbee@vetmed.wsu.eduSearch for more papers by this authorMichael P. Moore DVM, MS, Michael P. Moore DVM, MS Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington StateUniversity, Pullman, WA.Search for more papers by this authorErik H. Stauber DVM, PhD, Erik H. Stauber DVM, PhD Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington StateUniversity, Pullman, WA.Search for more papers by this author First published: 19 May 2005 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8261.2000.tb01468.xCitations: 2AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume41, Issue2March 2000Pages 145-146 RelatedInformation

Surgical treatment should be considered in animals with spinal cord instability and/or compression related to exogenous injury. This article reviews some techniques for manual reduction, internal fixation, and stabilization of spinal injuries and discusses such aftercare issues as pain control, complications associated with prolonged recumbency, and physical therapy.

Spinal cord abnormalities are common causes of limb dysfunction in dogs and cats. With the advent of advanced imaging techniques, intraspinal diseases are more frequently being diagnosed antemortem. Many intraspinal abnormalities are associated with fluid accumulation and cyst formation. Spinal cord fluid accumulation may primarily involve the parenchyma (syringomyelia) or the central canal (hydromyelia). Advanced imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging, are often necessary for diagnosis. An increased awareness of these diseases is important to identify animals with spinal disease.

OBJECTIVES To determine systemic and local platinum concentrations released from subcutaneously implanted cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin) -impregnated polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and to evaluate systemic or local adverse reactions. ANIMALS 6 healthy dogs. PROCEDURE Cisplatin (20 mg) was inserted into PMMA that was fashioned into cylinders and placed into subcutaneous tissue chambers overlying the thorax (treated site). An empty tissue chamber was placed over the opposite side (control site). Plasma samples were obtained for platinum determination before implantation, at 3, 6, and 12 hours after implantation on day 0, and once daily on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 29. At similar times on similar days, tissue chamber fluid samples also were obtained for platinum determination. Complete blood count, serum urea nitrogen and creatinine concentration determinations, and urinalyses were performed on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 29. Complete necropsy was performed at conclusion of the study. RESULTS Tissue chamber platinum concentrations at the treated site were significantly greater than plasma and control site tissue chamber concentrations on days 2, 3, 7, 10. Mean plasma platinum concentration at 3 (0.735 microg/ml), 6 (0.691 microg/ml), 12 (0.534 microg/ml), 24 (0.131 microg/ml), 48 (0.2 microg/ml), 72 (0.1 microg/ml), and 158 (0.014 microg/ml) hours was significantly greater than pretreatment values (0.0 microg/ml). Plasma platinum concentration 10 days after treatment (0.011 microg/ml) did not significantly differ from pretreatment values. Local or systemic adverse reactions were not apparent. CONCLUSIONS The route of cisplatin administration was safe. Greater concentration of platinum was released locally relative to plasma concentration for an extended period.

OBJECTIVE:To determine the prevalence of various clinical signs in dogs with brain tumors. DESIGN:Retrospective study. ANIMALS:97 dogs with brain tumors. PROCEDURE:Medical records were reviewed for signalment, tumor type and location, and clinical signs. RESULTS:33 breeds were represented; Golden Retrievers were most commonly affected. Most dogs were older (median age, 9 years); 95% of dogs were > or = 5 years old. Seventy-six percent of dogs had tumors in the supratentorial region. Seizures were the most common clinical sign at initial examination, with lower prevalence for circling, ataxia, and head tilt. Meningioma was the most common tumor. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Brain tumors develop most often in dogs > or = 5 years old and are uncommon in dogs < 5 years old. Seizures are a common clinical sign, and a brain tumor should be considered in dogs that have their first seizure after they are 4 years old.

Spinal trauma is a common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in dogs and cats. When the spine is subjected to exogenous injury, the resultant impact often causes vertebral fracture or luxation. Because each spinal injury is unique, treatment guidelines must be individualized. This article reviews clinical assessment and management of spinal trauma.

OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of acute, unilateral transverse sinus occlusion on intracranial pressure (ICP) and postoperative mortality in dogs with structural intracranial disease.STUDY DESIGN:Affected dogs had a single transverse sinus occluded during craniectomy for intracranial mass biopsy or removal.ANIMALS:Seven dogs with space-occupying intracranial disease in the cerebellopontine angle area.METHODS:The ipsilateral transverse sinus was permanently occluded during the surgical approach to the intracranial lesion to increase surgical exposure by allowing a caudal lateral rostrotentorial craniectomy to be combined with a suboccipital craniectomy. In five dogs, intracranial pressure was monitored during surgery using a fiberoptic intracranial pressure monitoring device.RESULTS:Initial ICP varied among dogs, ranging from 7 to 21 mm Hg. Intracranial pressure, however, decreased in all dogs after craniectomy and durotomy (P < .05). No increase in intracranial pressure occurred after transverse sinus occlusion (P = .42). All dogs survived the surgical procedure.CONCLUSIONS:Acute, unilateral transverse sinus occlusion during craniectomy in dogs with space-occupying intracranial lesions did not result in significant increases in ICP or intraoperative mortality.CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Acute, unilateral transverse sinus occlusion during craniectomy can be used to increased surgical exposure to the caudal fossa of the brain without increased risk of increasing ICP.

Clinical and morphologic features of a progressive polyneuropathy in young mature Alaskan Malamutes are described. Clinical signs included progressive paraparesis, synchronous pelvic limb gait, exercise intolerance, hyperesthesia, hypore‐flexia, muscle atrophy, and tetraplegia. Electromyographic testing revealed diffuse fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves in limb muscles, especially in muscles below the elbow and stifle. Pathologic findings in skeletal muscles and peripheral nerves included neurogenic muscle atrophy, focal or diffuse loss of myelinated nerve fibers, myelinoaxonal necrosis, and variable demyelination or remyelination. Ultrastructural changes included axonal degeneration, presence of numerous Büngner bands, and denervated Schwann cell subunits. The nature and distribution of abnormal electrophysiologic and pathologic findings were suggestive of a distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy, which we have termed idiopathic polyneuropathy of Alaskan Malamutes to distinguish this condition from hereditary polyneuropathy of Norwegian Alaskan Malamutes, last described in 1982.

An 8-year-old 38-kg spayed female Golden Retriever was admitted for vomiting, signs of abdominal pain on palpation, ataxia, anorexia, and generalized weakness of 2 days' duration. Ten hours prior to onset of clinical signs, the dog was found standing in and drinking from large pools of an accidentally spilled herbicide that contained an octanoic acid ester of bromoxynil (3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzonitrile) and an isooctyl ester of (2-methyl-4-chloro) phenoxyacetic acid (MCPA). Appendicular muscles were firm on palpation and persistent muscle contraction (myotonia > 1 minute duration) was found on muscle percussion, using a reflex hammer. Electrical activity indicative of myotonia was identified on electromyographic evaluation. With supportive treatment, the dog eventually recovered from suspected MCPA toxicosis. Although rare, MCPA toxicosis should be considered as a cause of acquired myotonia in dogs.

Surgical treatments are often used for human epileptics who are refractory to more conventional anticonvulsant therapies. The goals of surgery are to decrease seizure morbidity or, ideally, bring about a cure to the seizure disorder. As a sizable subpopulation of dogs with seizures are also refractory to currently available anticonvulsant therapies, consideration has been given to evaluating alternative treatments for seizures in dogs. This article discusses the adaptability of surgical treatments used in humans for use in seizure control in affected dogs.

Intracranial tumors in dogs are relatively common but are less common in cats. Features of various tumors are described. The antemortem diagnosis is based on demonstrating the mass with advanced imaging. Tumor type, however, can only be diagnosed by histological confirmation. Diagnosis and treatment options are discussed.

OBJECTIVE:To determine the effect of craniectomy and durotomy on intracranial pressure (ICP) in clinically normal dogs.DESIGN:Two-part study (experiments A and B) involving craniectomy and durotomy, with and without treatments to lower ICP.ANIMALS:Six (experiment A) and 7 (experiment B) healthy dogs.PROCEDURE:In experiment A, craniectomy was performed in combination with durotomy, diuretic administration, methylprednisolone sodium succinate administration, and hyperventilation, and effect of these manipulations on ICP was determined. In experiment B, dogs had only craniectomy and durotomy without associated ICP-lowering treatments. During both experiments, ICP was monitored throughout the surgical procedure with a fiber optic ICP monitoring device.RESULTS:Intracranial pressure decreased after the combination of craniectomy, durotomy, and other ICP-lowering treatments in dogs of experiment A. Similar magnitude of decrease in ICP was observed in dogs of experiment B after craniectomy and durotomy.CONCLUSIONS:Comparison of these experiments indicate that surgical removal of overlying skull and incision of the dura mater can significantly decrease ICP in clinically normal dogs.CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Craniectomy and durotomy may be useful as an adjunct treatment for increased ICP.

Previous morphological studies of the equine teniae coli (intestinal bands) have shown them to be highly innervated. In this study, EMG electrodes were placed in the wall of the left ventral colon in order to determine whether intestinal bands serve as major conduits of myo-electrical activity. Specifically, electrodes were implanted in the lateral mesocolic band and the adjacent tenia-free bowel of 6 horses. In 3 of these horses, a 1 cm length of the intestinal band was excised to determine if a lesion of this size would ablate local waves of depolarization. Our results indicate that sequential EMG activity persisted despite this small, focal excision. The persistence of sequential EMG activity might reflect the importance of constantly regenerating stimuli to the intestinal motility of the horse. Whether making similar or somewhat larger lesions in all four teniae of the left ventral, colon would more definitively disrupt normal pelvic flexure peristalsis will require further research.

OBJECTIVESTo establish intracranial pressure (ICP) measurements in healthy cats under isoflurane anesthesia, using a fiberoptic monitoring system; to assess brain lesions associated with such monitoring; and to determine whether decompressive intracranial surgery decreases ICP in healthy cats.ANIMALS6 healthy cats.PROCEDURECraniectomy and durotomy were performed, and the effect of these procedures on ICP was determined. ICP was monitored by use of a fiberoptic monitoring system. Gross and microscopic evaluations of brain tissues were performed after data collection.RESULTSICP decreased significantly after craniotomy and durotomy. After wound closure, ICP remained significantly reduced relative to initial pressures. However, postsurgical pressures were significantly increased, compared with those associated with ICP after durotomy. Gross and histologic abnormalities associated with placement of the ICP monitoring cable included mild focal acute hemorrhage and mechanical cortical disruption.CONCLUSIONSCraniectomy and durotomy significantly decreased ICP in healthy cats. ICP increased after wound closure, but remained significantly lower than initial pressures.CLINICAL RELEVANCECraniectomy and durotomy may be used to decrease ICP in cats.

A 9-year-old intact male German Shorthair Pointer was evaluated for a chronic, progressive tetraparesis. A presumptive diagnosis, based on survey radiographs and myelogram of the caudal cervical area, of caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy with disk protrusion involving C6-C7 was made. During decompressive surgery, a porcupine quill was found embedded in the fibrous tissue overlying the spondylitic bony changes on the ventral aspect of the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae.

Lateral rostrotentorial and caudal suboccipital approaches to the brain were performed on six beagles. Intracranial pressure (ICP) was measured as the two craniectomies were connected by removing the bone of the nuchal crest and occluding the transverse venous sinus. Intracranial pressure remained constant after acute occlusion of the sinus with bone wax and there was no gross evidence of brain edema. All six dogs survived the surgery and five dogs survived for a minimum of 3 months. One dog died acutely during the postoperative period. The exact cause of the cerebellar hemorrhage and infarction found at necropsy in the latter dog was not evident. Anemia occurred in three of the six dogs as a result of intraoperative hemorrhage. All dogs surviving the perioperative period had mild, transient hypermetria and conscious proprioceptive deficits, but were neurologically normal 72 hours after surgery. Results of this study indicate that acute, unilateral transverse sinus occlusion is possible without an increase in ICP. The ability to do this allows access to the rostral aspect of the ipsilateral cerebellum and brain stem.