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Brunori L, Walesby OX, Lewis DH, Boag AM. A retrospective study of hydrocortisone continuous rate infusion compared with administration of dexamethasone boluses in dogs with adrenal crisis. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:951-959. [PMID: 38353573 PMCID: PMC10937513 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence indicating the optimal treatment protocol for dogs in adrenal crisis is lacking. OBJECTIVES Compare outcomes of dogs presented in adrenal crisis treated with either hydrocortisone (HC) continuous rate infusion (CRI) or intermittent dexamethasone (DEX) administration. ANIMALS Thirty-nine client-owned dogs. METHODS Multi-institutional retrospective observational study (July 2016-May 2022) including dogs diagnosed with adrenal crisis and with available sequential blood work during hospitalization. Dogs were excluded if already on treatment with exogenous corticosteroids. Outcomes assessed included duration of hospitalization, survival, number of repeat measurements of electrolyte concentrations, and time to normalization of electrolyte and acid-base status. RESULTS No significant difference was found between the groups for hospitalization time (P = .41; HC median [range] 48 h [19-105 h]; DEX 57 h [17-167 h]) nor case fatality rate 2/28 in the DEX group and 0/11 in the HC group (P = 1), nor in number of measurements of electrolyte concentrations (P = .90; HC 4 [2-10]; DEX 4.5 [2-15]). No significant differences were found between the 2 treatment groups in time to normalization of serum Na (P = .30; HC 33 h [7-66 h]; DEX 16 h [1.5-48 h]), K (P = .92; HC 17 h [4-48 h]; DEX 16 h [1.25-60 h]) or Na/K ratio (P = .08; HC 17 h [8-48 h]; DEX 26 h [1.5-60 h]). CONCLUSIONS This study detected no difference in outcomes for dogs in adrenal crisis treated with either DEX boluses or HC CRIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Brunori
- Emergency & Critical Care Specialist ServiceVetsNow 24/7 Pet Emergency & Specialty HospitalGlasgowUK
| | - Olivia X. Walesby
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, Easter Bush CampusThe University of EdinburghMidlothianUK
| | - Daniel H. Lewis
- Emergency & Critical Care Specialist ServiceVetsNow 24/7 Pet Emergency & Specialty HospitalGlasgowUK
| | - Alisdair M. Boag
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, Easter Bush CampusThe University of EdinburghMidlothianUK
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Davies H, Nenadic G, Alfattni G, Arguello Casteleiro M, Al Moubayed N, Farrell SO, Radford AD, Noble PJM. Text mining for disease surveillance in veterinary clinical data: part one, the language of veterinary clinical records and searching for words. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1352239. [PMID: 38322169 PMCID: PMC10844486 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1352239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of natural language processing techniques for deriving useful information from unstructured clinical narratives is a fast-paced and rapidly evolving area of machine learning research. Large volumes of veterinary clinical narratives now exist curated by projects such as the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) and VetCompass, and the application of such techniques to these datasets is already (and will continue to) improve our understanding of disease and disease patterns within veterinary medicine. In part one of this two part article series, we discuss the importance of understanding the lexical structure of clinical records and discuss the use of basic tools for filtering records based on key words and more complex rule based pattern matching approaches. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches highlighting the on-going potential value in using these "traditional" approaches but ultimately recognizing that these approaches constrain how effectively information retrieval can be automated. This sets the scene for the introduction of machine-learning methodologies and the plethora of opportunities for automation of information extraction these present which is discussed in part two of the series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Davies
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Goran Nenadic
- Department of Computer Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ghada Alfattni
- Department of Computer Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Computer Science, Jamoum University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Noura Al Moubayed
- Department of Computer Science, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Sean O. Farrell
- Department of Computer Science, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Alan D. Radford
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Peter-John M. Noble
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Tardo AM, Del Baldo F, Leal RO, Galiazzo G, Pietra M, Gaspardo A, Fracassi F. Prevalence of eunatremic, eukalemic hypoadrenocorticism in dogs with signs of chronic gastrointestinal disease and risk of misdiagnosis after previous glucocorticoid administration. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:93-101. [PMID: 38053513 PMCID: PMC10800188 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dogs with eunatremic, eukalemic hypoadrenocorticism (EEH) typically show signs of chronic gastrointestinal disease (CGD). Previous glucocorticoid administration (PGA) can give false-positive results on the ACTH stimulation test (ACTHst). HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of EEH in dogs with signs of CGD, and to identify clinical and clinicopathological features for EEH and PGA. ANIMALS One hundred twelve dogs with CGD (101 non-PGA and 11 PGA), 20 dogs with EEH. METHODS Multicenter prospective cohort study. Basal serum cortisol (BSC) concentration was measured in dogs with signs of CGD. When BSC was <2 μg/dL and in PGA dogs, ACTHst plus measurement of endogenous ACTH (eACTH) were performed. Records of dogs with EEH from 2009 to 2021 were reviewed. RESULTS The BSC concentration was <2 μg/dL in 48/101 (47.5%) non-PGA and in 9/11 (82%) PGA dogs. EEH was diagnosed in 1/112 dog (prevalence 0.9%; 95% CI, 0.1%-4.8%); the ACTHst provided false-positive results in 2/11 PGA dogs. PGA dogs showed lower C-reactive protein-to-haptoglobin ratio (median 0.01, range 0.003-0.08; P = .01), and higher haptoglobin (140, 26-285 mg/dL; P = .002) than non-PGA dogs (0.04, 0.007-1.5; 38.5, 1-246 mg/dL, respectively). eACTH was higher (P = .03) in EEH (396, 5->1250 pg/mL) than in non-PGA dogs (13.5, 7.3-46.6 pg/mL). Cortisol-to-ACTH ratio was lower (P < .0001 and P = .01, respectively) in EEH (0.002, 0.0002-0.2) than in non-PGA (0.1, 0.02-0.2) and PGA dogs (0.1, 0.02-0.2). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The prevalence of EEH in dogs with signs of CGD was lower than previously reported. The clinical and clinicopathological features herein identified could increase the index of suspicion for EEH or PGA in dogs with an unclear history of glucocorticoid administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Maria Tardo
- Department of Veterinary Medical SciencesUniversity of Bologna, Ozzano dell'EmiliaBolognaItaly
| | - Francesca Del Baldo
- Department of Veterinary Medical SciencesUniversity of Bologna, Ozzano dell'EmiliaBolognaItaly
| | - Rodolfo Oliveira Leal
- CIISA – Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS)LisbonPortugal
| | - Giorgia Galiazzo
- Department of Veterinary Medical SciencesUniversity of Bologna, Ozzano dell'EmiliaBolognaItaly
| | - Marco Pietra
- Department of Veterinary Medical SciencesUniversity of Bologna, Ozzano dell'EmiliaBolognaItaly
| | - Alba Gaspardo
- Department of Veterinary Medical SciencesUniversity of Bologna, Ozzano dell'EmiliaBolognaItaly
| | - Federico Fracassi
- Department of Veterinary Medical SciencesUniversity of Bologna, Ozzano dell'EmiliaBolognaItaly
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Treeful AE, Searle KM, Carroll DM, Yost KJ, Hedger AL, Friedenberg SG. A case-control survey study of environmental risk factors for primary hypoadrenocorticism in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:2073-2083. [PMID: 37830238 PMCID: PMC10658521 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary hypoadrenocorticism in dogs is thought to be multifactorial with roles for both genetic and environmental factors. The contributions of environmental factors remain unexplored. OBJECTIVE Identify environmental and lifestyle exposures associated with primary hypoadrenocorticism in 2 dog breeds with high risk of developing the disease. ANIMALS Animals were not used in this study. Owners of Standard Poodles (STPDs) and Portuguese water dogs (POWDs) participated in a survey. METHODS Retrospective case-control study. Dog owners were invited to participate in an online survey through convenience sampling. Questions regarded the demographics, health histories, and indoor/outdoor environments in which their dogs live and play. Responses for dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism were compared to those without the disease using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS Five thousand forty-seven responses (358 cases, 4689 controls) met initial inclusion criteria. Significant associations with modest effect size were found for community type, ingestion of canned food, and use of lawn fertilizer in some analysis models. Reproductive (spay/neuter) status exhibited the strongest association with high effect size across all models with adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-4.5; P = .003) for spayed females and 6.0 (95% CI, 2.6-13.9; P < .001) for neutered males. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The large effect size for reproductive status reflects its high potential clinical relevance, whereas modest effect sizes for other environmental variables suggest lower potential clinical relevance. These findings are associations and do not necessarily imply causation. Before any actionable recommendations are warranted, additional evidence regarding biological mechanisms is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E. Treeful
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaSt. Paul, Minnesota 55108USA
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaSt. Paul, Minnesota 55108USA
| | - Kelly M. Searle
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public HealthUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolis, Minnesota 55455USA
| | - Dana M. Carroll
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public HealthUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolis, Minnesota 55455USA
| | - Kathleen J. Yost
- Department of Quantitative Health SciencesMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Anna L. Hedger
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaSt. Paul, Minnesota 55108USA
| | - Steven G. Friedenberg
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaSt. Paul, Minnesota 55108USA
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Hall H, Williams T, Florey J, Moreno MP, Black V, Thompson D, Skelly B. Prevalence of hypercalcemia in primary hypoadrenocorticism in dogs: Multicenter, retrospective study. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:1685-1693. [PMID: 37382221 PMCID: PMC10472996 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoadrenocorticism is an important differential for hypercalcemia. The etiology of hypercalcemia in hypoadrenocorticism in dogs is unclear. OBJECTIVE To review the prevalence of hypercalcemia and use statistical models to identify clinical, demographic, and biochemical variables associated with hypercalcemia in dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism. ANIMALS One hundred ten dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism; 107 with recorded total calcium (TCa), 43 recorded ionized calcium (iCa). METHODS Multicenter retrospective observational study at 4 UK referral hospitals. Univariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between independent variables of signalment, hypoadrenocorticism type (glucocorticoid only deficient hypoadrenocorticism [GHoC] vs glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficient hypoadrenocorticism [GMHoC]), clinicopathological variables and hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia was defined as elevated TCa, an elevated iCa, or both elevated TCa and iCa (Model 1) or as elevated iCa (Model 2). RESULTS Overall prevalence of hypercalcemia was 34.5% (38/110). The odds of hypercalcemia (Model 1) were increased (P < .05) in dogs with GMHoC ([vs GHoC], OR [odds ratio] = 3.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.105-13.463), higher serum creatinine (OR = 1.512, 95% CI 1.041-2.197), and higher serum albumin (OR = 4.187, 95% CI 1.744-10.048). The odds of ionized hypercalcemia (Model 2) were increased (P < .05) with reduced serum potassium concentration (OR = 0.401, 95% CI 0.184-0.876) and younger age (OR = 0.737, 95% CI 0.558-0.974). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE This study identified several key clinical and biochemical variables associated with hypercalcemia in dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism. These findings aid understanding of the pathophysiology and etiology of hypercalcemia in dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Hall
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Queen's Veterinary School HospitalUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Dick White Referrals, Six Mile BottomCambridgeshireUnited Kingdom
| | - Timothy Williams
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Queen's Veterinary School HospitalUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Jessica Florey
- Dick White Referrals, Six Mile BottomCambridgeshireUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Victoria Black
- Langford VetsBristol Veterinary School, Langford HouseLangford BS40 5DUUnited Kingdom
| | - Daniel Thompson
- Davies Veterinary Specialists, Manor Farm Business Park, Higham GobionHitchinUnited Kingdom
| | - Barbara Skelly
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Queen's Veterinary School HospitalUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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6
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Petini M, Drigo M, Caldin M, Zoia A. Diagnostic predictivity of transtubular potassium gradient for primary hypoadrenocorticism in hyperkalemic dogs: a cross-sectional study. J Small Anim Pract 2023; 64:434-441. [PMID: 37037658 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transtubular potassium gradient has never been evaluated in the diagnosis of primary hypoadrenocorticism in dogs. The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic utility of transtubular potassium gradient for the diagnosis of primary hypoadrenocorticism in dogs with serum K+ > 5.5 mol/L. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cross-sectional study including dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism and dogs with other disease. Differences in signalment and laboratory parameters between groups were assessed by binary logistic regression modelling. Variables significantly associated with primary hypoadrenocorticism were evaluated for their diagnostic accuracy of this condition by receiver operator characteristic curve analysis and by multivariable logistic regression analysis, respectively. RESULTS Dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism (n=39) were significantly younger than hyperkalemic dogs without primary hypoadrenocorticism (n=41). Moreover they had higher serum and urinary concentrations of Na+ and Na+ :K+ , but lower transtubular potassium gradient than hyperkalemic dogs without hypoadrenocorticism. Serum Na+ (sNa+ ) had the highest diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.87, 95% confidence interval, 0.78 to 0.96), followed by the transtubular potassium gradient (AUC: 0.81, 0.72 to 0.91), however the accuracy of the two AUCs was not statistically different. The transtubular potassium gradient-sNa+ additive index (i.e. transtubular potassium gradient+sNa+ /10) had a greater accuracy (AUC: 0.88, 0.79 to 0.94) than transtubular potassium gradient or sNa+ , although it was not statistically superior to the latter. The multivariable logistic regression model showed that transtubular potassium gradient (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.51, 0.3 to 0.84), sNa+ (aOR: 0.86, 0.78 to 0.95) and spayed female (aOR: 24.96, 2.32 to 267.66) were associated with primary hypoadrenocorticism. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Transtubular potassium gradient-sNa+ additive index can contribute to decision-making on diagnosis of primary hypoadrenocorticism in dogs presenting with hyperkalaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Petini
- Division of Internal Medicine, San Marco Veterinary Clinic, Via dell'Industria 3, Veggiano, Italy
| | - M Drigo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, V.le dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - M Caldin
- San Marco Veterinary Laboratory, Via dell'Industria 3, Veggiano, Italy
| | - A Zoia
- Division of Internal Medicine, San Marco Veterinary Clinic, Via dell'Industria 3, Veggiano, Italy
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7
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Hazuchova K. Optimising the long‐term management of dogs with hypoadrenocorticism. Vet Rec 2022; 191:414-416. [DOI: 10.1002/vetr.2458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Hazuchova
- Small Animal Clinic – Internal Medicine Justus Liebig University Giessen Giessen Germany
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8
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Bacon J, Graham PA, Hrovat A, Kilpatrick S, Mann NO, Swales H. Successful use of a benchtop fluorescent enzyme immunoassay analyzer to measure serum cortisol concentration as a screening test for hypoadrenocorticism in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2022; 261:111-117. [PMID: 36288206 DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.08.0346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the diagnostic performance of a benchtop fluorescent enzyme immunoassay analyzer (AIA-360; Tosoh Bioscience Inc) for the measurement of serum cortisol concentration as a screening test for hypoadrenocorticism in dogs. ANIMALS 173 client-owned dogs (20 with hypoadrenocorticism and 153 with nonadrenal illness). PROCEDURES Medical records of all dogs that underwent an ACTH stimulation test between June 2015 and October 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Dogs were excluded if the ACTH stimulation test was performed on the basis of a suspicion of hypercortisolism, serum cortisol concentrations were measured using an analyzer other than the one assessed in the present study, or dogs had received medication known to affect the pituitary-adrenal axis in the 4 weeks1,2 preceding ACTH stimulation testing. The diagnostic performance of the benchtop analyzer was evaluated by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios at various cutoff points. RESULTS Serum resting cortisol cutoff point concentrations of 0.8 μg/dL (22 nmol/L), 1 μg/dL (28 nmol/L), and 2 μg/dL (55 nmol/L) had a sensitivity of 100%. An optimal serum resting cortisol cutoff point of 0.58 μg/dL (16 nmol/L) had a sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of 100%, 97%, and 30.6 and 0.0, respectively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings indicated that previously derived cutoff points could be used with excellent sensitivity to exclude hypoadrenocorticism in this population of dogs when serum cortisol concentration was measured with the evaluated benchtop analyzer. An ACTH stimulation test may need to only be performed to diagnose hypoadrenocorticism if resting serum cortisol concentration is ≤ 0.58 μg/dL when measured with the evaluated benchtop analyzer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Bacon
- Wear Referrals Veterinary Hospital, Bradbury, Stockton-on-Tees, UK
| | - Peter A Graham
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | | | | | - Nicholas O Mann
- Wear Referrals Veterinary Hospital, Bradbury, Stockton-on-Tees, UK
| | - Harry Swales
- Moorview Referrals, Cramlington, Northumberland, UK
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9
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O'Neill DG, Kim K, Brodbelt DC, Church DB, Pegram C, Baldrey V. Demography, disorders and mortality of pet hamsters under primary veterinary care in the United Kingdom in 2016. J Small Anim Pract 2022; 63:747-755. [PMID: 35732354 PMCID: PMC9796486 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hamsters are popular pets worldwide but there is limited evidence on the overall health issues of pet hamsters. This study aimed to characterise the demography, disorder prevalence and mortality of pet hamsters in the United Kingdom. METHOD The VetCompass study included anonymised clinical records of 16,605 hamsters. RESULTS The most common hamster species were Syrian (golden) (Mesocricetus auratus) (n=12,197, 73.45%), Djungarian (winter white dwarf) (Phodopus sungorus) (2286, 13.77%) and Roborovski hamsters (Phodopus roborovskii) (1054, 6.35%). The most prevalent precise-level disorders recorded across all hamsters were a presentation categorised as 'wet tail' (n=293, 7.33%), disorder undiagnosed (292, 7.30%), bite injuries from other hamsters (235, 5.88%), overgrown nail(s) (165, 4.13%), overgrown incisor(s) (159, 3.98%) and traumatic injury (152, 3.80%). The most prevalent disorders groups across all species of hamster were traumatic injury (n=616, 15.41%), enteropathy (450, 11.26%), ophthalmological disorder (445, 11.13%), skin disorder (362, 9.05%) and mass (361, 9.03%). The median age at death across all hamsters was 1.75 years (interquartile range: 0.83 to 2.20, range: 0.01 to 3.65). The most common causes of death at a precise level were wet tail (7.88%, 95% confidence interval: 6.35 to 9.66), abdominal mass (6.40%, 95% confidence interval: 5.01 to 8.03), neoplasia (5.38%, 95% confidence interval: 4.11 to 6.90) and dyspnoea (3.99%, 95% confidence interval: 2.9 to 5.34). CONCLUSION This study provides veterinary professionals, educators, welfare scientists and owners with an evidence base on pet hamster health. A greater understanding of the common disorders of pet hamsters can support veterinary professionals to communicate more effectively with owners on key issues and outcomes to expect from hamster ownership.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. G. O'Neill
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary CollegeHatfieldAL9 7TAUK
| | - K. Kim
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary CollegeHatfieldAL9 7TAUK
| | - D. C. Brodbelt
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary CollegeHatfieldAL9 7TAUK
| | - D. B. Church
- Clinical Science and ServicesThe Royal Veterinary CollegeHatfieldAL9 7TAUK
| | - C. Pegram
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary CollegeHatfieldAL9 7TAUK
| | - V. Baldrey
- Clinical Science and ServicesThe Royal Veterinary CollegeHatfieldAL9 7TAUK
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10
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Hupfeld J, Dölle M, Volk H, Rieder J. Effect of long-term management of hypoadrenocorticism on the quality of life of affected dogs and their owners. Vet Rec 2022; 191:e1977. [PMID: 35941756 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.1977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of canine adrenal insufficiency consists of hormone substitution and requires high owner compliance and intense human-dog interaction. This might affect the quality of life (QoL) of owners and their pets. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of hypoadrenocorticism and its treatment on the QoL of dogs and their owners. METHODS Owners completed a web-based survey that contained items concerning signalment, owner QoL, dog QoL and long-term therapy. RESULTS Three hundred and twenty-two owners participated. Most owners feared an adrenal crisis. Approximately half of the participants reported that the bond between them and their pet increased after diagnosis. Although many participants felt that their own QoL was not affected by their dog's disease, worries about costs and leaving their dog unsupervised were frequently reported. Half of the study participants increased their dog's glucocorticoid doses when a stressful situation was foreseeable ('boosting' of therapy). Some administered hydrocortisone, mostly switched from prednisolone, resulting in a reduction in side effects. CONCLUSIONS Special attention should be given to glucocorticoid therapy and owner's QoL. The overall worry of an adrenal crisis might increase caregivers' burden, reducing their overall QoL. Hydrocortisone might be a safe alternative to prednisolone, but further research is necessary to evaluate its long-term efficacy and safety in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hupfeld
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Dölle
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Holger Volk
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Johanna Rieder
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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11
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Lee GW, Kang MH, Park HM. Case Report: Hindlimb Ataxia Concurrent With Seizures by Presumed Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome in a Dog. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:848405. [PMID: 35782535 PMCID: PMC9247564 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.848405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A 6-year-old castrated male Chihuahua dog was presented with hindlimb paresis and ataxia. The dog had hyponatremia and was diagnosed as hypoadrenocorticism 10 days before its visit, and the neurologic signs including generalized tonic seizures and hindlimb paresis occurred 3 days after correction of hyponatremia at a referral hospital. Based on history and clinical findings, osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) secondary to rapid correction of hyponatremia was highly suspected. After administration of anti-convulsant and supplements, seizures did not occur, and gait was normalized within 2 weeks. Phenobarbital was tapered and finally discontinued after 3 months, and seizure did not recur. The neurologic signs were completely resolved and the dog continued to be free of neurologic or additional clinical signs over the 19-month follow-up period. ODS should be included among the differential diagnoses in case of any acute neurological dysfunction that occurs with episodes of rapid correction of hyponatremia. To the author's knowledge, this is the rare case report of a dog with hypoadrenocorticism and presumed ODS after rapid correction of hyponatremia leading to neurologic signs including seizures and ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ga-Won Lee
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min-Hee Kang
- Department of Bio-Animal Care, Jangan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Hee-Myung Park
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Hee-Myung Park
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12
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Burnett E, Brand CL, O'Neill DG, Pegram CL, Belshaw Z, Stevens KB, Packer RMA. How much is that doodle in the window? Exploring motivations and behaviours of UK owners acquiring designer crossbreed dogs (2019-2020). Canine Med Genet 2022; 9:8. [PMID: 35610665 PMCID: PMC9127489 DOI: 10.1186/s40575-022-00120-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Demand for intentional crosses of purebred dog breeds, often labelled ‘designer crossbreeds’ (e.g., Labrador Retriever X Poodle, the ‘Labradoodle’), has recently increased in the UK. This study aimed to explore this phenomenon by comparing pre-purchase motivations, pre-purchase and purchase behaviours of UK owners of designer crossbred puppies purchased during 2019-2020 with those of owners of purebred puppies purchased during the same period. Results Data were collected in an online cross-sectional survey between November-December 2020. Responses from n = 6293 puppies (designer crossbred puppies: n = 1575; purebred puppies: n = 4718) were analysed. Perceived hypoallergenicity was cited as a motivator for breed/crossbreed choice by almost half of designer crossbreed owners (47.1%), six times more than purebred dog owners (7.86%; odds ratio [OR]: 9.12, 95% CI: 7.70-10.8). Designer crossbred puppies were more likely to have been acquired via a general selling website (e.g., Gumtree; 13.8%) compared to purebred puppies (7.67%; OR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.77-2.71), or an animal-specific selling websites (e.g., Pets4Homes; 55.7%) compared to purebred puppies (37.4%; OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.65-2.17). Designer crossbreed owners were less likely to see their puppy in person prior to purchase than purebred owners (60.4% vs. 67.0%, respectively; OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.64-0.85), and at purchase, designer crossbred puppies were less likely to be seen with their mother (73.1% vs. 79.8%, respectively; OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70-0.95), and littermates (67.7% vs. 78.1%, respectively; OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.55-0.73). Designer crossbreeds had a significantly higher purchase price, with 25.7% of designer crossbreed puppies costing £2000-£2999 compared to 15.1% of purebred puppies (X2 = 207.31, p < 0.001). Conclusions The recent boom in designer crossbreeds in the UK has been fuelled by a desire for perceived hypoallergenic and generally healthy dogs that fit the lifestyles of households with children and limited experience with dogs. Some sought-after traits in designer crossbreeds are misconceptions that risk canine welfare, including relinquishment risk, if owner expectations are not met. Purchasing practices fuelling this boom support irresponsible breeding and selling practices, which combined with reduced pressure for health testing from buyers, may result in a higher disease burden and poorer future welfare for this growing designer dog population.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Burnett
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK.,School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicester, UK
| | - C L Brand
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - D G O'Neill
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - C L Pegram
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Z Belshaw
- EviVet Evidence-based Veterinary Consultancy, Nottingham, UK
| | - K B Stevens
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - R M A Packer
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK.
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Gallego AF, Gow AG, Boag AM. Evaluation of resting cortisol concentration testing in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal signs. J Vet Intern Med 2022; 36:525-531. [PMID: 35118742 PMCID: PMC8965248 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Resting cortisol concentrations are routinely measured in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal signs to rule out hypoadrenocorticism based on a concentration >2 μg/dL (>55 nmol/L). Hypothesis/Objectives To assess the cross‐sectional prevalence of hypoadrenocorticism in a group of dogs with chronic gastrointestinal signs presented to a referral internal medicine service. Animals Two‐hundred and eighty‐two client‐owned dogs with chronic gastrointestinal signs and with resting cortisol concentration testing performed. Methods Retrospective review of medical records (final diagnosis, resting cortisol concentration, and adenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH] stimulation test results) of a referral population of dogs between May 2013 and September 2017. Results Resting cortisol concentration was <2 μg/dL (<55 nmol/L) in 79 patients (28%). Repeated resting cortisol concentration measurements were performed in 28 dogs, and in 8, resting cortisol concentrations remained <2 μg/dL (<55 nmol/L). Post‐ACTH cortisol concentration was <2 μg/dL (<55 nmol/L) in 1 dog, consistent with a diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism and giving a prevalence estimate of hypoadrenocorticism in this population of dogs of 0.3% (95% confidence interval [95CI], 0.03‐1.5%). In 19 dogs with an initial resting cortisol concentration <2 μg/dL (<55 nmol/L), hypoadrenocorticism was excluded based on a repeat resting cortisol concentration >2 μg/dL (>55 nmol/L). Overall, the most common diagnosis was chronic primary inflammatory enteropathy (176/282, 62.4%), followed by extragastrointestinal neoplasia (17/282, 6%), protein‐losing enteropathy, pancreatitis and megaesophagus (10/282, 3.5% each). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Although dogs with hypoadrenocorticism can present with chronic gastrointestinal signs, it was the final diagnosis in only 1 of 282 dogs presenting to a referral internal medicine service for signs of chronic enteropathy. Repeated resting cortisol concentration may be considered as a test to try and exclude hypoadrenocorticism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Fernandez Gallego
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, Easter Bush Campus, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Adam G Gow
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, Easter Bush Campus, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Alisdair M Boag
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, Easter Bush Campus, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
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Schofield I, Brodbelt DC, Niessen SJM, Church DB, Geddes RF, O'Neill DG. Frequency and risk factors for naturally occurring Cushing's syndrome in dogs attending UK primary-care practices. J Small Anim Pract 2021; 63:265-274. [PMID: 34881823 PMCID: PMC9299886 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To estimate the frequency and risk factors for Cushing's syndrome in dogs under UK primary veterinary care. Materials and Methods Dogs with Cushing's syndrome were identified by searching electronic patient records of primary‐care veterinary practices. Pre‐existing and incident cases of Cushing's syndrome during 2016 were included to estimate the 1‐year period prevalence. Incident cases were used to estimate the annual incidence and to identify demographic risk factors for the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome in dogs, through multivariable logistic regression. Results Analysis included 970 pre‐existing and 557 incident cases of Cushing's syndrome from a population of 905,544 dogs. The estimated 1‐year period prevalence for Cushing's syndrome in dogs under veterinary care was 0.17% (95% confidence interval 0.16 to 0.18) and incidence was 0.06% (95% confidence interval 0.05 to 0.07). In multivariable logistic regression modelling, the Bichon frise (odds ratio=6.17, 95% confidence interval 4.22 to 9.00), Border terrier (5.40, 95% confidence interval 3.66 to 7.97) and Miniature schnauzer (3.05, 95% confidence interval 1.67 to 5.57) had the highest odds of Cushing's syndrome. The Golden retriever (0.24, 95% confidence interval 0.06 to 0.98) and Labrador retriever (0.30, 95% confidence interval 0.17 to 0.54) were the most protected breeds. Increasing age, bodyweight greater than the breed‐sex mean and being insured also showed increased odds of Cushing's syndrome. Clinical Significance As Cushing's syndrome is predominately diagnosed and managed in primary‐care practice, this study provides valuable new information of its epidemiology in this setting. Demographics reported are supportive of previous work and additional novel associations identified, such as the Border terrier, could enhance the index of suspicion for veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Schofield
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
| | - D C Brodbelt
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
| | - S J M Niessen
- Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK.,Veterinary Specialist Consultations, Hilversum, The Netherlands
| | - D B Church
- Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
| | - R F Geddes
- Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
| | - D G O'Neill
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
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