This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of urolithiasis in dogs with primary portal vein hypoplasia and to compare clinicopathological changes and clinical signs between dogs with and without uroliths. The clinical records of 15 UK referral hospitals were searched for dogs diagnosed with primary portal vein hypoplasia between 2010 and 2023. Dogs lacking a histopathological diagnosis and those without comprehensive diagnostic imaging to exclude congenital extrahepatic or intrahepatic portosystemic shunts were excluded. Medical records were reviewed for clinical signs, biochemical parameters, urinalysis findings and the presence or absence of urolithiasis. Fourteen dogs with a definitive diagnosis of primary portal vein hypoplasia were documented, of which four (28.5%) had urolithiasis. All dogs with urolithiasis had crystalluria. One of the four dogs (25%) had bilirubin crystals, while the three other dogs (75%) with urolithiasis had ammonium biurate crystalluria, and two (50%) exhibited lower urinary tract signs. The median age was 15 months (range 3 to 38) and 39 months (range 6 to 104) in dogs with or without urolithiasis, respectively. The median duration of clinical signs was 71 days (range 14 to 150) in dogs with urolithiasis and 135 days (range 3 to 365) in those without. Acquired extrahepatic portosystemic shunts were documented in 2/4 (50%) dogs with urolithiasis and 1/10 (10%) of dogs without. Dogs with primary portal vein hypoplasia were at risk of developing uroliths, including both lower and upper urinary tract stones, and often exhibited associated clinical signs. These findings highlight the importance of performing urinalysis and diagnostic imaging in the evaluation of dogs with this condition.
Fibroepithelial polyps (FEPs) are well-characterised benign hyperplastic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes. Little is known about their localisation in the ear canal of dogs. To provide clinical, endoscopic, computed tomography (CT) and histological descriptions of aural (a)FEPs in 14 dogs. Fourteen client-owned dogs diagnosed with aFEPs between 2018 and 2025. Retrospective analysis of the electronic medical records of dogs diagnosed with aFEPs based on compatible histopathological findings. Seventeen aFEPs were described in 14 dogs. All dogs were of brachycephalic breeds, and French bulldogs were the most common breed. Most dogs had a history of chronic-recurrent otitis externa (n = 12) and a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (n = 10). Ear cytological results showed neutrophilic inflammation with bacteria in 14 of 17 cases. CT scan detected 15 of 17 aFEPs. In all cases, video-otoscopy revealed the presence of a pedunculated neoformation of variable size. All lesions were removed during the endoscopic procedure with a polypectomy snare or grasping forceps. Histologically, all masses were characterised by a broad fibrous core with a narrow stalk covered by either keratinised or keratinised and ciliated epithelium. Thirteen polyps contained broad trabeculae of bone. In two dogs, a second endoscopic procedure was needed to completely remove residual polyp fragments. During the follow-up period (1-80 months), 13 of the 14 dogs experienced no relapses. In dogs, aFEPs present distinctive histopathological characteristics and should be differentiated from other aural masses. Identification and removal of aFEPs might be critical for the resolution of chronic-recurrent otitis in dogs.
To describe the perioperative and long-term outcomes of dogs with massive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the right hepatic division causing compression or involvement of the caudal vena cava (CVC) treated with right divisional hepatectomy using temporary caval occlusion (TCO). Retrospective case series. Nineteen client-owned dogs. Medical records were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, preoperative imaging findings, operative details, adjunct procedures, transfusion requirements, histopathological diagnosis and surgical margin status, perioperative complications, and survival to discharge. Long-term outcome information was obtained from recheck examinations when available and from telephone interviews with referring veterinarians and/or owners. Right divisional hepatectomy with TCO was completed in all dogs; a Pringle maneuver was used in two of 19 dogs. Median TCO duration was 17.6 min (range, 7.0-25.7) and median operative time was 82 min (range, 69-127). Primary suture repair of the CVC was required in six of 19 dogs. R0 resection was achieved in 14 of 19 dogs. One dog died on postoperative day 2; 18/19 dogs were discharged. Of these dogs, seven were alive without reported recurrence or intrahepatic metastasis at the last follow up, 95-1355 days after surgery, whereas 11 had died at a median of postoperative day 729 (range, 204-1154). Postoperative intrahepatic metastasis was suspected in two dogs. Temporary caval occlusion-assisted right divisional hepatectomy provided venous control in selected dogs with massive right-sided HCC and compression or involvement of the CVC, with no intraoperative mortality, one in-hospital death, and postoperative complications in six of the 18 discharged dogs. Temporary caval occlusion facilitates controlled dissection of the right hepatic veins and repair of small caval defects when present.
Dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) are common in companion animal practice. Neutrophilic inflammatory enteropathy (NIE) is a subtype of CIE that is uncommonly reported, posing a dilemma in terms of etiology, treatment, and prognosis. To describe historical, clinical, clinicopathological, imaging findings, treatment, and survival in dogs with histologically confirmed NIE. Twenty-seven client-owned dogs with NIE. Retrospective interrogation of the hospital database between January 2015 and January 2025 identified dogs with NIE based on histological reports. Cases were regraded using modified WSAVA guidelines and classified into the minor (mild inflammation) or major (moderate or severe inflammation) groups. Twenty-seven dogs were identified, with 8 and 19 dogs in the minor and major groups, respectively. The mean age was 7.7 ± 3.5 (95% CI, 6.4-9.1) years. The most common presenting signs were diarrhea (n = 21/27; 78%), vomiting (n = 21/27; 78%), weight loss (n = 20/27; 74%), hyporexia/anorexia (n = 13/27; 48%), and melena (n = 7/27; 26%). Clinicopathological abnormalities included neutrophilia (n = 12/27, 44%), hypoalbuminemia (n = 14/27, 52%), hypoglobulinemia (n = 23/27, 85%), hypocholesterolemia (n = 11/27; 41%), total hypocalcemia (n = 11/27; 41%), and hypocobalaminemia (n = 14/24; 58%). Twenty-four (89%) dogs (6 minor and 18 major) survived to discharge, with an overall median survival time of 267 (95% CI, 0-569) days, with no statistically significant difference between the major and minor groups. Peripheral neutrophilia was associated with an increased hazard of death (4.43; 95% CI, 1.16-16.99; P = .03) on univariate analysis and a significantly shorter median survival time. Neutrophilic inflammatory enteropathy is potentially associated with poor survival. Peripheral neutrophilia might indicate a poorer prognosis.
Chronic enteropathy (CE) in dogs requires lifelong management and may cause caregiver burden (CB), potentially affecting owner well-being and, indirectly, veterinarians. We aimed to determine whether owners of dogs with CE experience CB compared to owners of healthy dogs and to assess emotional, social, and financial aspects, as well as the owner-dog relationship. The questionnaire was completed by 223 owners of dogs with CE and 447 owners of healthy dogs. Cross-sectional study using an owner-reported questionnaire. Items were adapted from the Zarit Burden Interview and the Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale. Disease severity was assessed using the canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index. Owners of dogs with CE reported substantial psychological burden and lower quality of life (QoL) for themselves compared with controls. More frequent episodes of severe clinical signs were associated with CB and decreased QoL. Despite this, the owner-dog relationship remained largely intact with most owners maintaining emotional closeness and attachment to the dog. Contributing factors to CB included veterinary visits, the perception of dogs with CE as time-consuming, and financial factors. However, concerns for the dog's well-being-such as suffering, recurrence of severe clinical signs, or death-were ranked as the most important source of burden. Chronic enteropathy can cause substantial CB and negatively affect owners' QoL, while the emotional bond with the dog remains preserved. These findings highlight the importance of considering caregiver well-being as part of veterinary care.
To estimate a reference interval (RI) for eye temperature (ET) in apparently healthy shelter dogs and to provide a comparative RI for rectal temperature (RT). This cross-sectional study was conducted at a municipal shelter over a 2-month period. We included apparently healthy dogs and excluded those with illness history, respiratory symptoms, or ocular discharge. Using a handheld thermal camera, ET was obtained under standardized procedures. Rectal temperature measurements were obtained from the same dogs. The central 95% RI was estimated using a robust statistical method with bootstrap-derived 90% CIs for the limits, an approach recommended for datasets with 40 ≤ n < 120 observations. Utilizing data from 78 dogs, the estimated 95% RI for ET was 35.0 to 38.5 °C, with 90% CIs of 34.7 to 35.4 °C (lower limit) and 38.2 to 38.8 °C (upper limit). The 95% RI for RT was 37.5 to 39.7 °C, with 90% CIs of 37.3 to 37.8 °C (lower limit) and 39.5 to 39.9 °C (upper limit). These findings provide baseline ET screening limits from a moderate sample size. Instead of replacing established veterinary guidelines, our calculated RT interval validates the normal temperature status of our population. Temperatures outside these borders justify individual medical evaluation. Population-based RIs for ETs and RTs of dogs are needed to assist veterinarians and researchers in interpreting ET and RT measurements and identifying dogs that might require further clinical examination. Furthermore, eye thermography might provide a practical, fast, and low-stress method for temperature evaluations.
Phenobarbital is a key anticonvulsant used in dogs. Cytochrome P450 (P450) 2C19 is reportedly involved in the oxidative metabolism of phenobarbital in humans; however, the hepatic P450 enzymes responsible for phenobarbital p-hydroxylation in dogs have not yet been identified. In the present study, we investigated the roles of a range of dog P450 enzymes in phenobarbital p-hydroxylation activity using dog liver microsomes and recombinant proteins. Recombinant dog P450 2C21, 2C41, 3A12, and 3A98 enzymes and four liver microsomal preparations from four different dogs were used to investigate the biphasic P450-dependent phenobarbital p-hydroxylation activity. Human P450 2C19 is the predominant enzyme for the p-hydroxylation of phenobarbital, but not exclusively, and a similar process was anticipated in dogs. Phenobarbital p-hydroxylation activities in four dog liver microsomal preparations at substrate concentrations of 5.0 and 50 μM were significantly correlated with P450 2C immunochemical band intensities, but activities were not correlated at a substrate concentration of 500 μM. Liver microsomes from dog 3 had a monophasic capacity (Vmax, 0.35 pmol/min/mg protein) for phenobarbital p-hydroxylation (Km, 4.9 μM), whereas liver microsomes from dog 6 had biphasic low (Vmax1, 0.11 pmol/min/mg protein) and high (Vmax2, 0.22 pmol/min/mg protein) capacities with high (Km1, 1.6 μM) and low (Km2, 72 μM) affinities, respectively. The primary P450 2C21-dependent and secondary P450 3A12-dependent phenobarbital p-hydroxylation activities of dog liver microsomes showed approximately two-fold differences among the four individual dogs. This information could help develop an individualized approach for controlling epilepsy in dogs treated with phenobarbital.
To improve testing methods to develop clinically applicable return-to-sport assessments in dogs by evaluating hind limb push-off symmetry while jumping onto a platform from a stationary position. The hypothesis was that normal dogs would demonstrate > 90% symmetry when performing the newly proposed jump tests. Jump tests included sit-to-withers-height jump, stand-to-head-height jump, and stand-to-withers-height jump with side rails. This was a prospective, methodological study in which orthopedically and neurologically normal dogs were asked to jump onto a platform, performing 5 valid trials of 3 separate jump tests within a 30-minute period of time. Peak vertical force of the hind limbs was measured and expressed as a percentage of symmetry for each trial. 20 dogs were included. The mean percentage of symmetry for each jump test variation was as follows: stand-to-head-height jump was 83.27% (SD, ± 5.20%), stand to withers with side rails was 73.49% (SD, ± 12.63%), and sit-to-withers-height box was 67.39% (SD, ± 20.96%). However, when selecting for each dog's best attempt, symmetry was 96.90% for stand to head height, 92.34% for side rails, and 94.39% for sit to withers height. Dogs were less than 90% symmetrical in the hind limbs when averaging 5 valid trials for each jump test. An unexpected finding was that when evaluating for each dog's best attempt, hind limb symmetry was above 90% for all modifications. The development of easy-to-perform, reliable, and repeatable return-to-sport assessment tests could provide objective data on canine recovery from orthopedic and neurologic injury.
Pheochromocytoma in dogs can cause severe intraoperative hypertension due to excessive catecholamine release, which can make anesthetic management challenging. In human medicine, nicardipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, is used to manage intraoperative hypertension because it causes minimal myocardial depression and promotes hemodynamic stability. The use of a nicardipine constant rate infusion (CRI) in three dogs undergoing adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma is described. Nicardipine was administered as a loading dose (20 μg kg-1 over 10 minutes) followed by a CRI (40 μg kg-1 hour-1) after a hypertensive event, defined as systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP) > 160 mmHg. Attenuation of the magnitude and duration of hypertensive episodes was noted during nicardipine CRI, with peak SAP lower in Case 1, episode duration shorter in Case 2, and SAP remaining below 160 mmHg in Case 3 despite marked sinus tachycardia (heart rate > 200 beats minute-1). Although hypertensive episodes were not completely abolished, a reduction in their severity and duration was observed during nicardipine infusion. All three dogs recovered and were discharged within 3 to 5 days. Histopathologic examination confirmed pheochromocytoma in all cases. These findings suggest that nicardipine CRI may be an option for managing intraoperative hypertension in dogs with pheochromocytoma. Further studies are needed to fully integrate nicardipine into multimodal antihypertensive protocols during adrenalectomy in dogs.
Canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) are increasingly relevant, particularly those of zoonotic concern, due to climate change and increased animal mobility. However, there is no information on the actual burden of these infections in canine populations in several Western and South-Central Asian countries, including Afghanistan. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the molecular prevalence of CVBP infections in stray and owned dogs across regions of Afghanistan. From July 2020 to August 2024, a total of 100 dogs with outdoor lifestyles in four provinces of Afghanistan (i.e., Kabul, Kunduz, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Takhar) were blood-sampled and molecularly screened for Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp., Leishmania spp., filarioid helminths, and Bartonella spp. Overall, 81% of dogs tested positive for at least one VBP. Hepatozoon canis was the most common (68%; present in all provinces), followed by Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (18%; present in all provinces), Babesia vogeli (4%; present in 3 provinces), Acanthocheilonema sp. (4%; present in 3 provinces), Leishmania infantum (2%; in Kunduz), and Babesia negevi (1%; in Mazar-i-Sharif). Co-infections were detected in 12% of dogs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological study of CVBPs in Afghanistan, demonstrating the sympatric circulation of H. canis, Bartonella vinsonii berkhoffii, L. infantum, B. vogeli, B. negevi, and Acanthocheilonema sp. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of endoparasite and ectoparasite control in owned dogs, as well as the need to control feral animal populations to reduce VBP transmission.
Treatment response in canine leishmaniosis is driven by the dog host, the Leishmania parasite, and pharmacological factors, with drug resistance increasingly undermining the effectiveness of therapy. Current methods for assessing antileishmanial drug resistance rely on culture-based approaches, which are slow and technically demanding. A direct quantitative PCR test (LeishGenR™) was applied to 104 clinical samples from 95 dogs in the Mediterranean area diagnosed with leishmaniosis in veterinary clinical settings and testing positive for Leishmania infantum by PCR. The assay enabled rapid detection of genetic drug-resistance biomarkers for allopurinol (metk), meglumine antimoniate (mrpa), and miltefosine (LdMT), providing a clinically relevant, timely alternative to culture-based approaches by directly analyzing circulating Leishmania infantum amastigotes. The assay (LeishGenR™) showed high specificity (100%) and sensitivity (> 87.5%) for genetic drug-resistance profile assignment and a strong correlation with whole-genome sequencing for gene copy number assessment (metk: r = 0.878; mrpa: r = 0.943 and LdMT = 0.691). Genetic drug-resistance biomarkers were detected in 24.3% of L. infantum DNA from clinical samples analyzed (20/82; 95% CI 16.3-34.6), most commonly for allopurinol (13.4%; 95% CI 7.6-22.4), then meglumine antimoniate (9.4%; 95% CI 4.6-18.2), and for miltefosine (5.4%; 95% CI 1.8-14.8). Prevalence was higher in dogs previously treated for leishmaniosis. This study demonstrates the ability to detect genetic biomarkers of drug resistance in L. infantum directly from clinical samples of dogs with leishmaniosis. This method enables rapid, precise detection of genomic biomarkers, circumventing delays associated with culture-based methods and supporting more effective clinical management and surveillance. Among dogs with high parasitemia referred to clinics in Mediterranean regions sampled in this study, the findings reveal a significant prevalence of circulating L. infantum strains carrying genomic drug resistance biomarkers to standard treatments for canine leishmaniosis.
The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of postoperative incisional complications following excision of cutaneous and subcutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs) in dogs receiving neoadjuvant intralesional triamcinolone (NIT) within 30 days of surgery. Retrospective study of dogs undergoing MCT excision at a tertiary referral hospital from January 2018 to February 2026. Inclusion required histologically confirmed MCT, NIT within 30 days of surgery, and sufficient medical record documentation for outcome assessment. Tumor- and treatment-related variables were recorded. Surgical site complications (SSCs) within 30 days of excision were classified as major or minor. Associations between variables and SSCs were evaluated with nonparametric tests and mixed-effect logistic regression. 69 dogs with 78 MCTs were included. Overall SSC incidence was 25% (20 of 78 MCTs; 95% CI, 16.4% to 36.8%), with 90% classified as minor. Surgical site complication incidence was significantly decreased in tumors receiving ≥ 2 injections compared with those receiving a single injection (0% vs 36%). No association was identified between SSC and triamcinolone dose, timing of injection relative to surgery, tumor characteristics, perioperative medications, or bandaging practices. Among tumors with a recorded response, 65% decreased in size, with a median reduction of 40%. NIT administration within 30 days of excision was not associated with an increased incidence of short-term postoperative incisional complications in dogs with cutaneous or subcutaneous MCTs. NIT may be considered as an adjunct in management of canine MCTs to reduce tumor size and peritumoral inflammation while maintaining an acceptable SSC rate.
To estimate the sensitivity and specificity of eye temperature (ET) and rectal temperature (RT) for detecting abnormal temperature in dogs. This single-shelter observational study enrolled dogs without clinical ocular disease. Tests were dichotomized using prespecified reference intervals. A hierarchical Bayesian latent-class model included 2 subpopulations (puppy and adult), dog-level random intercept, and between-test dependence terms. Posterior draws estimated predictive values across pretest probabilities, and prior sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results. Utilizing 238 visit-level observations from 121 dogs (89 puppy visits; 149 adult visits), both tests demonstrated high specificity but low-to-moderate sensitivity. Posterior median sensitivities were 0.40 for ET and 0.32 for RT, while specificities were 0.94 for ET and 0.99 for RT. The parallel rule (OR [any positive]) maximized negative predictive value, whereas the series rule (AND [both positive]) maximized positive predictive value across observed prevalences. Ocular thermography and rectal thermometry demonstrated similar diagnostic performance. For both tests, given that the dog has an abnormal core body temperature, the reading is more likely to be wrong. Given the dog has a normal core body temperature, the reading is likely to be correct. Abnormal temperature readings can inform clinical judgement about the likelihood that the dog's core temperature is abnormal. However, normal readings are not informative about what was already known based on clinical judgment. Abnormal results from either test increase the probability of abnormal body temperature, whereas normal readings should not override clinical suspicion of abnormal temperature status.
The aim of this study was to evaluate red blood cell volumes posttransfusion in dogs receiving packed red blood cell transfusions to establish optimal posttransfusion sampling times and evaluate if equilibration has a significant impact on these dogs. Dogs with nonregenerative anaemias that were receiving packed red blood cell transfusion had packed cell volumes (PCV) measured immediately post, 15 min, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h posttransfusion. No difference (P < 0.05) was found between the PCV and total solids (TS) at any of the measured times. These data indicate that PCV/TS obtained immediately posttransfusion can be used in clinical decision-making instead of waiting for up to 24 h for equilibration of the PCV/TS.
To compare outcomes of full-thickness skin grafting in dogs treated with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) versus standard bandaging (SB), and to determine whether there is a difference between splinted and staged cases. In this single-private practice retrospective observational study, records from January 2012 to December 2025 were reviewed. Dogs with free meshed skin grafts treated with VAC versus SB and that had ≥ 14 days' follow-up were included. Signalment, comorbidities, wound characteristics, peri- and postoperative management, complications, follow-up, and outcomes were recorded. Graft success was deemed as ≥ 75% viability of the original area. Variables were compared between treatment groups and outcomes. There were 127 grafts among 125 client-owned dogs: 24 VAC and 103 SB. No statistically significant difference in outcome was detected between treatment groups after adjustment. Overall graft success was 107 of 127 (84.3%; VAC, 22 of 24 [91.6%]; SB, 85 of 103 [82.5%]). Staging was associated with increased postoperative complications, but did not reach significance (75.7% vs 55.6%). Surgical site infection (SSI) and proximal pelvic limb wounds were associated with a 23.83% (95% CI, 13.7% to 33.98%) and 33.7% (95% CI, 12% to 55.26%) increase in graft loss percentage points, respectively. Staging was associated with SSI in univariate analysis (OR, 5.47; 95% CI, 2.21 to 13.54; P < .001), but only approached significance in multivariate analysis (OR, 3.47; 95% CI, 0.89 to 13.48; P = .073). Both VAC and SB are appropriate for graft management. Infection monitoring and control were important factors for improved outcome. VAC and SB as well as splinting should be considered in skin graft cases. Staging should be reserved for select cases and may be associated with SSI. Prospective studies are suggested to further investigate findings.
To explore an ideal animal model of chronic dacryocystitis. (1) The anatomical structure of the lacrimal drainage system in dogs was observed; (2) The canine lacrimal drainage system was obstructed by cauterization of the nasolacrimal duct; (3) A canine model of dacryocystitis was established by combining nasolacrimal duct cauterization with inoculation of Staphylococcus aureus. Compared with inoculation of Staphylococcus aureus one week after nasolacrimal duct cauterization, the combined method of nasolacrimal duct cauterization and immediate inoculation of Staphylococcus aureus induced clinical manifestations of dacryocystitis more rapidly in dogs. The modeling success rate was 83.3%. Our experimental data demonstrate that the anatomical structure of the canine lacrimal duct is similar to that of humans, providing a solid anatomical foundation for modeling chronic dacryocystitis. The method of nasolacrimal duct cauterization combined with Staphylococcus aureus injection can rapidly and effectively induce canine dacryocystitis manifestations while being simple and feasible to perform. Therefore, dogs can be considered as a suitable animal model for further research on chronic dacryocystitis. This model reliably reproduces key pathological features-including chronic inflammation, ductal obstruction, and bacterial persistence-enabling mechanistic studies and therapeutic evaluation. Its reproducibility and clinical relevance support translational applications in developing novel interventions for human chronic dacryocystitis. If a more persistent chronic inflammatory model is to be constructed, further optimization of surgical parameters and inoculation protocols will still be required.
To evaluate sedative and echocardiographic effects of medetomidine-vatinoxan in healthy dogs undergoing elective diagnostic procedures. Prospective, within-subject clinical study. A group of 17 healthy client-owned dogs sedated for diagnostic procedures. Onset of sedation, sedation scores, heart rate and noninvasive arterial blood pressure (oscillometric method) were assessed at baseline (T0), and at 5, 10 and 15 minutes (T15) following intramuscular injection of a medetomidine (1 mg m-2) and vatinoxan (20 mg m-2) combination. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at T0 and T15. Data are expressed as median (interquartile range) or mean ± standard deviation and analysed with a Wilcoxon signed rank test or paired t-test. Sedation onset occurred at 4 (3-5) minutes with maximum sedation scores reached at 12 (10-15) minutes. Maximum sedation scores were 12 (11-12) out of 12, allowing echocardiographic examination with minimal manual restraint and venous catheterisation. Heart rate decreased from 128 ± 40 at T0 to 74 ± 24 beats minute-1 at T15 (p < 0.001) while noninvasive arterial blood pressures remained unchanged. Ejection fraction (71 ± 8% to 53 ± 11%) and fractional shortening (42 ± 7% to 32 ± 5%) decreased at T15 (p < 0.001, both). End-systolic volume (11.6 ± 8.6 to 15.8 ± 9.3 mL, p = 0.012) and left ventricle internal diameter at end-systole (2.0 ± 0.6 to 2.3 ± 0.5 cm; p = 0.001) increased. A decrease was also observed in early diastolic velocities (transmitral: 89.6 ± 16.4 to 63.7 ± 15.8 cm s-1, p < 0.001; annular: 9.5 ± 2.1 to 7.9 ± 2.0 cm s-1, p = 0.007). Isovolumic relaxation time increased after medetomidine-vatinoxan injection (67.0 ± 22.2 to 85.8 ± 18.7 ms, p = 0.002). Intramuscular medetomidine-vatinoxan induced reliable sedation while inducing changes in baseline echocardiographic variables in healthy dogs.
Extracellular matrix degradation is a fundamental pathological feature of osteoarthritis, while the roles of degraded matrix remain largely unknown. We previously showed that serum elastin fragments were a systemic aging driver. Here, we found that elastin fragments were upregulated in synovial fluid in dual-center osteoarthritis patients. Elastin fragments actively impaired joint tissue in mice and human explants. Mechanistically, a specific elastin motif containing Valine-Glycine-Valine-Alanine-Proline-Glycine (VGVAPG) oligopeptide (E-motif) promoted macrophage secretion of inflammatory factors via the neuraminidase-1, a component of the elastin receptor complex. These inflammatory factors, together with the E-motif, upregulated serum amyloid A3 protein in chondrocytes, accelerating cartilage degeneration. Therapeutically, both the myeloid-specific knockout of neutrophil elastase and the pharmacological inhibition using a clinically applied drug (sivelestat) alleviated joint degeneration in naturally aging mice partly by reducing elastin fragments levels. The pharmacological inhibitor exhibited 1-y systemic safety in dogs and alleviated osteoarthritis-like phenotypes in naturally aging dogs and human explants. Finally, several matrix fragments, including the fragments of type II collagen, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, and aggrecan, were demonstrated to universally induce cartilage degeneration. Conclusively, this study identifies degraded matrix, especially elastin fragments, as one of the drivers of joint degeneration via pathological macrophage-chondrocyte crosstalk, suggesting elastase inhibitors as a potential therapeutic strategy for aging-related osteoarthritis.
This case series describes the clinical outcomes of adjunctive use of a collagen membrane in the surgical closure of oronasal fistulae (ONF) in dogs presenting with clinical conditions that may compromise stable closure using a standard single-flap technique. Six dogs (eight maxillary canine teeth) with ONF were included in this consecutive clinical case series, selected based on the presence of multiple challenging clinical conditions, often in combination, including marked loss of buccal gingiva, insufficient alveolar bone support, and reduced soft tissue mobility associated with scarring. Following extraction of the affected teeth, a mucoperiosteal flap with adequate tension release was created. A trimmed collagen membrane was then placed on the nasal surface of the mucoperiosteal flap to support the suture line, and primary closure was achieved using a single-flap technique. In all cases, clinical signs associated with ONF, including epistaxis, nasal discharge, and sneezing, resolved within 14-21 days postoperatively. During the available follow-up period, no clinical or oral findings suggestive of fistula recurrence were observed. Although this technique is not intended to replace established closure methods, the adjunctive placement of a collagen membrane on the nasal surface of the mucoperiosteal flap to support the suture line may serve as a temporary supportive measure to stabilize the early healing environment at the suture line during the immediate postoperative period. The collagen membrane does not reduce the need for appropriate flap design or adequate tension release in selected ONF cases with challenging local conditions.
The 2024 Shelter Heartworm Management Practices Survey was performed to update current knowledge on heartworm management practices in animal shelters, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The survey mirrored the 2019 survey with updates to questions based on new products and practices. The electronic survey was then distributed to veterinarians working with animal shelters in North America. A total of 135 responses were received and distributed across private humane societies, municipal shelters, traditional shelters, breed/species-specific rescues, and foster-based organizations. Most organizations (77%) provided monthly heartworm preventives for dogs, using oral ivermectin products per label (50%), followed by oral milbemycin (33%). Shelters in the Midwest provided the highest percentage of heartworm preventives to both dogs and cats (37% and 40%), followed by the Southeast (31% and 34%). Heartworm testing was conducted in 76.2% of shelters for all dogs > 6 months of age, primarily using antigen testing (96.4%). Heartworm treatment was provided to all infected dogs in 66.1% of shelters. Those that only treated some dogs (22.9%) made treatment decisions based on adoptability (48.1%) and resources (25.9%). Primary adulticidal treatment was a three-dose melarsomine protocol (70.5%), followed by a two-dose melarsomine protocol (22.9%). A majority included doxycycline or minocycline and other common adjunctive treatments included steroids (75.3%) and macrocyclic lactones (60.2%). Heartworm-positive dogs were typically housed in the shelter (67%) or foster homes (49.5%) and made available for adoption. Exercise restrictions were applied in 80.6% of shelters, starting at diagnosis (55.8%) and continuing for several weeks after the last melarsomine injection (89.6%). During the restriction period, 58.2% of the shelters used psychopharmaceutical medications. Heartworm prevention was provided by 49.1% of shelters who admitted cats and 25.9% of those who admitted ferrets. Compared to 2019, shelter respondents reported increased use of preventives, microfilaria testing, doxycycline and three-dose melarsomine treatment for dogs, and a decrease in use of protocols for prevention of feline heartworm disease. Survey results highlight the challenges shelters have faced and the improvements made over the past 5 years, offering insights for targeted operational and educational improvements.