A survey on anesthetic procedures for elective surgeries in small animal practices in Flanders

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to report and evaluate the auxiliary anesthetic equipment and procedures used for elective surgical castration procedures with a low perianesthetic risk in small animal practices in Flanders. This online survey showed an overall acceptable standard of anesthetic procedures by veterinarians in Flanders. Practices are fairly well equipped to monitor patients safely during anesthesia. The main areas of improvement include in general an absence of emergency crash kits and a lack of intraoperative fluid therapy. Specifically for feline anesthesia, there appears to be a lack of endotracheal intubation, IV access and anesthetic monitoring. Although postoperative analgesia is offered to most patients, additional attention should be given to provide analgesia for a sufficient period of time.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the RECOVER guidelines at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University

The implementation of the RECOVER guidelines at the Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Ghent University was assessed by performing both a cross-sectional research and a study on the impact of training. During a six-month prospective cross-sectional study, 39 patients, which underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), were recorded. This corresponds with an incidence of 1.8% of all hospitalized patients that underwent CPR during the same period. Of these cases, 32 were included in the statistics. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was obtained in eleven patients (34.3%), but only one dog (3.1%) survived to discharge. In this study, an association between hemolymphatic disease as concomitant disease and not obtaining ROSC was shown. Subsequently, four cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training sessions were organized. The confidence of the participants was evaluated before and after these training sessions and showed a significant increase after the training session. With increased training of all personnel and students involved in CPR efforts, the aim of this study was to increase positive outcomes and to achieve a more standardized CPR protocol.

The effect of patient positioning on adrenal gland linear measurements estimated from computed tomographic images in healthy beagle dogs

Considering that recumbency can lead to a change in localization, detectability of distinct margins and thus measurement of the organs and reconstruction quality, it is of value to evaluate the effect of positioning on the objective evaluation of abdominal organs in computed tomography (CT). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of patient decubitus on adrenal gland CT biometry. For this purpose, 6 clinically healthy adult beagle dogs underwent CT examination in 4 recumbencies. The various adrenal gland's size measurements were performed by 2 observers. Statistical analyses revealed that repeatability and reproducibility was the highest on the ventral and right lateral recumbencies, respectively. Significant differences were found in the left adrenal gland's length between the different positions (P < 0.001) and the left adrenal gland's width of the cranial pole measured in the dorsal plane (P < 0.04). The measurements on the parasagittal images differed significantly for the left adrenal length (P = 0.01), cranial pole height (P = 0.03), the right adrenal gland's lateral limb's length (P = 0.05) and medial limb's caudal poles height (P < 0.01). The caudal pole height of the right adrenal gland's medial limb was significantly different (P < 0.01) in all positions on the transverse images. In addition, the adrenal position differed significantly, except for the left adrenal gland relative to the nearest renal vessel (P = 0.1). According to these results, it is recommended to perform a CT of adrenal glands always in the same recumbency. If adrenal glands are evaluated on images taken in various recumbencies, we suggest relying on the measurements made on transverse plane images.

Anesthesie bij de obese hond en kat

Obesitas is een belangrijk probleem in de diergeneeskunde. Aangezien obesitas niet enkel een opstapeling van vet is maar ook belangrijke cardiovasculaire en respiratoire implicaties heeft, kan dit het verloop van de anesthesie sterk beïnvloeden bij de betrokken patiënten. Bovendien kan obesitas een onderliggende oorzaak hebben of leiden tot gerelateerde aandoeningen die op hun beurt de anesthesie compliceren. Tot slot leidt obesitas ook tot veranderingen in de farmacokinetiek en -dynamiek, van onder andere anesthetica. Deze veranderingen vereisen dosisaanpassingen, afhankelijk van het anestheticum. In de diergeneeskunde is de beschikbare informatie hierover echter zeer beperkt en wordt ze daarom grotendeels verkregen door extrapolatie uit de humane geneeskunde. In dit artikel wordt een overzicht gegeven van de pathofysiologische en farmacologische veranderingen bij obese dieren waarmee rekening gehouden moet worden tijdens de anesthesie.

Prevalentiestudie naar feliene immunodefiëntievirus en feliene leukosevirus bij straatkatten in Gent

Het feliene immunodeficiëntievirus (FIV) en het feliene leukosevirus (FeLV) zijn twee ziekteverwekkers bij de kat die de gezondheid van het dier op lange termijn aantasten. Zwerfkatten vormen een reservoir voor het behoud en de verspreiding van beide virussen tussen wilde dieren en naar gezelschapsdieren. Stad Gent voert al jarenlang een zwerfkattenbeleid volgens het vangen-castreren-terugplaatsen- (“trap-neuter-return”) principe, waarbij FIV- of FeLV-positief-testende katten geëuthanaseerd worden. Om de invloed van het bestrijdingsplan van Stad Gent op de prevalentie van FIV en FeLV te onderzoeken, werden data van zwerfkatten gevangen in 2009 en 2017 met elkaar vergeleken. Wat FeLV betreft, werd een sterke daling gezien (van 9,9% naar 0,7%). Bij FIV bleven opvallende verschillen uit (9,1% versus 10,3%). Er was ook een verschuiving waarneembaar van zowel het aantal gevangen zwerfkatten als van positief-testende katten van de binnenstad naar de randgebieden. Aanvullend onderzoek is aangeraden om meer factoren in kaart te brengen die de evolutie van FIV en FeLV bij verwilderde katten in de regio Gent bepalen.

Vraag & Antwoord

Orale sedatie, voorafgaand aan euthanasie bij agressieve honden

A perianesthetic approach of heat stroke in a dog with laryngeal paralysis

In this case report, a seven-year-old, male, castrated Landseer presented with chronic respiratory distress, occasional coughing, dysphonia and exercise intolerance is described. The stress caused by transportation and the physical examination rendered the dog severely dyspneic and cyanotic. At that moment, the core body temperature was increased up to 42.5 °C. Based on the clinical signs, laryngeal paralysis causing heat stroke was the most likely diagnosis. The dog was anesthetized and intensive temperature control methods, like active cooling and fluid therapy, were applied. As soon as the dog was cardiovascularly stable, emergency treatment for laryngeal paralysis was performed. As a result of timely intervention, the dog recovered completely without any persisting complications.

Musculotendon excursion potential, tendon slack and muscle fibre length: the interaction of the canine gastrocnemius muscle and tendon

Although the form-function relation of muscles and tendons has been studied extensively, little in vivo data exist on the musculotendon properties of the gastrocnemius complex in dogs. Using a combination of ultrasound and 3D motion tracking, musculotendon parameters were obtained in vivo from the lateral gastrocnemius muscle and the gastrocnemius tendon in nine healthy Labrador Retrievers. These parameters include musculotendon length and excursion potential, tendon slack length, muscle belly length, muscle fibre length, pennation angle and architectural index. This study also examined the variation of muscle and tendon length contributions to musculotendon length, as well as the relation between musculotendon excursion potential and muscle fibre length or tendon length. To facilitate comparison between dog breeds, the femur length as a potential scaling parameter was examined. In the Labrador gastrocnemius musculotendon complex, the tendon contributes 41% (± 9%) of musculotendon length. In longer musculotendon complexes, the contribution of the muscle belly increases while the tendon contribution decreases. Longer muscle belly and musculotendon complexes were, however, associated with shorter muscle fibres. No significant relations were found between musculotendon excursion potential and muscle fibre length or tendon slack length, and femur length did not prove to be a reliable scale factor for the length-related musculotendon parameters examined in this study. Longer musculotendon complexes exhibit relatively longer muscle bellies, which are in turn associated with shorter muscle fibre lengths. This trade-off between gastrocnemius muscle belly length and muscle fibre length might have the advantage that muscle volume stays constant regardless of the length of the limbs.

Closed incision management with negative pressure wound therapy after forelimb amputation in a dog

A four-year-old male castrated German shepherd dog was presented with severe left front leg lameness due to a fibrosarcoma lateral to the elbow. The ill-defined mass was not amendable to wide local excision and a curative-intent limb amputation was performed. Immediately postoperatively, closed incision management with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was applied to minimize the risk of postoperative complications. The incision line was covered with a PrevenaTM dressing attached to a NPWT pump set at a continuous negative pressure of -125 mmHg. The dressing was removed 72 hours later. No wound complications were evident and further healing was unremarkable.

Changes in canine cerebral perfusion after accelerated high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS): A proof of concept study

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been proposed as a treatment for several neuropsychiatric disorders in human beings, but the neurobiological effects of rTMS in dogs have not been investigated to date. A proof of concept study was designed to evaluate the effect of rTMS on cerebral perfusion, measured with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), in dogs. An accelerated high frequency (aHF)-rTMS (20Hz) protocol was applied to the canine left frontal cortex. To accurately target this area, eight dogs underwent a 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan before stimulation. The left frontal cortex was subjected to five consecutive aHF-rTMS sessions with a figure-of-eight coil designed for human beings at an intensity of 110% of the motor threshold. The dogs underwent ^99mTc-d,1 hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (HMPAO) SPECT scans 1 week prior to and 1day after the stimulations. Perfusion indices (PIs) were determined semi-quantitatively; aHF-rTMS resulted in significantly increased PIs in the left frontal cortex and the subcortical region, whereas no significant differences were noted for the other regions. Behaviour was not influenced by the stimulation sessions. As has been observed in human beings, aHF-rTMS applied to the left frontal cortex alters regional cerebral perfusion in dogs.

Het bepalen van het optimale tijdstip voor keizersnede bij de hond in functie van de voorspelde partusdatum

Het optimale tijdstip bepalen voor de keizersnede bij de hond kan een uitdaging betekenen voor de praktijkdierenarts. Er moet rekening gehouden worden met de berekende partusdatum, het al dan niet op gang zijn van de partus en het al dan niet aanwezig zijn van dystocie. Sommige teven hebben een verlengde dracht, bij andere start de partus te vroeg. In beide gevallen is de kans op overleving van de pups zeer laag. Ook wanneer er bij dystocie te lang gewacht wordt om een keizersnede uit te voeren, komt de overleving van de pups in het gedrang. Het is daarom van groot belang de juiste partusdatum bij elke individuele hond te kunnen voorspellen, zeker bij risicopatiënten. De partusdatum kan berekend worden door het begin van de metoestrus te bepalen via vaginale cytologie of door embryonale en foetale structuren te meten via echografie. De meest accurate methode is echter door middel van cyclusopvolging met progesteronmeting.

Alfaxalone TIVA bij de chirurgische excisie van een tracheaal adenocarcinoma bij een kat

Een tien jaar oude, vrouwelijke, Europese korthaar werd aangeboden met klachten van progressief verergerende dyspnee, ademen met open muil en inspiratoire en expiratoire stridor. Met behulp van tracheoscopie met bioptname kon de histopathologische diagnose van een intraluminaal tracheaal adenocarcinoma gesteld worden. Computertomografie (CT) toonde aan dat er geen metastasen waren, waarna tijdens dezelfde anesthesie werd overgegaan tot excisie van de tumor. Omwille van de moeilijke hanteerbaarheid van de patiënt was intraveneuze premedicatie niet mogelijk en gebeurde de inductie van de anesthesie aan de hand van een intramusculaire injectie met alfaxalone. De anesthesie werd verder onderhouden met twee verschillende protocollen: initieel werd gebruik gemaakt van een inhalatieanesthesie -protocol, waarbij isofluraan via een laryngeaal masker werd verdampt in 100% zuurstof via een cirkelsysteem, waarna er werd overgeschakeld naar totale intraveneuze anesthesie (TIVA) met alfaxalone tijdens de eigenlijke excisie van de tumor. Door het verwijderen van zeven trachearingen kon de tumor volledig verwijderd worden.

Congenital lobar emphysema in a kitten

A five-month-old ragdoll cat presented with severe respiratory signs, unresponsive to medical therapy. Hyperinflation of the right middle lung lobe was diagnosed with radiography and computed tomography. Lung lobectomy following a median sternotomy led to full recovery. Histopathological analysis revealed lobar emphysema and, based on the animal's age, congenital lobar emphysema was considered the most likely diagnosis.

Behandeling van een chronische huidwonde bij een hond via negatieve druktherapie

Een vier jaar en acht maanden oude whippet werd aangeboden met een chronische huidwonde ter hoogte van het mediale aspect van de rechterelleboog. Wegens de chroniciteit van de wonde werd het wondbed eerst zorgvuldig gedebrideerd en nadien behandeld met negatieve druktherapie. Deze relatief nieuwe techniek in de diergeneeskunde biedt allerlei voordelen die het genezingsproces van een chronische wonde ten goede komen. In de huidige casus leidde de negatieve druktherapie in eerste instantie tot de snelle ontwikkeling van een mooi granulatiebed. Om een optimaal eindresultaat te bekomen werd daaropvolgend gebruik gemaakt van een autologe huidtransplantatie (“full-thickness mesh graft”), die eveneens onder negatieve druktherapie werd geplaatst. Dit zorgde, ondanks de lastige lokalisatie van de wonde, voor een snelle aanhechting en optimale overleving van de huidgreffe. Na amper vier weken was de wonde nagenoeg volledig geheeld, terwijl ze eerder, ondanks allerlei behandelingen, gedurende meer dan twee maanden geen genezing vertoonde.

No evidence that medicinal honey reduces bacterial skin colonisation at a peripheral catheter insertion site in dogs

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether topical exit-site application of medicinal honey at the catheter insertion place reduces bacterial skin colonisation.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Dogs were selected at random and divided into the honey or the control group. When the catheter was removed, an area of approximately 3×3 cm of the skin at the insertion site was sampled with a sterile cotton swab. The catheter stayed in place for a median of 84 hours. Out of 46 patients, 6 patients in the honey group and 5 out of 54 patients in the control group had a positive skin culture at the time of catheter removal (P=0·547). Infection was clinically suspected in 1 of those 11 dogs; catheter-associated complications were observed in 8 additional dogs that did not have a positive skin culture.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Few catheter-associated complications were observed. Extra attention to hygiene by working with a standardised catheter placement and handling protocol might have resulted in this low incidence. In this study topical application of a medicinal honey did not reduce bacterial skin colonisation at the insertion site of peripheral catheters in dogs.

Immunological and angiogenic markers during metronomic temozolomide and cyclophosphamide in canine cancer patients

Metronomic chemotherapy stimulates the immune response via depletion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and suppresses angiogenesis by modulating the secretion of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In this study, blood was collected from 10 healthy dogs and from 30 canine cancer patients before and 2 and 4 weeks after treatment with metronomic temozolomide (6.6 mg m^-2 ), cyclophosphamide (12.5 mg m^-2 ) or cyclophosphamide and temozolomide. The percentage of circulating CD25⁺ Foxp3⁺ CD4⁺ Tregs and the plasma levels of TSP-1 and VEGF were measured. There was a significant difference in the percentage of Tregs between cancer patients and healthy dogs. A significant decrease in Tregs was noted in patients treated with metronomic cyclophosphamide and the combination. Treatment with temozolomide had no effect on the percentage of Tregs. TSP-1 and VEGF levels were, respectively, significantly lower and higher in cancer patients than in healthy dogs, but they were not influenced by any of the studied metronomic treatment regimens.

Cosmetische rostrale neusreconstructie na plaveiselcelcarcinoomresectie bij twee honden

Twee mannelijke golden retrievers van ongeveer tien jaar oud werden aangeboden met een zichtbare massa in de neus, niesden en vertoonden epistaxis. Uit histologisch onderzoek na bioptname bleek dat het bij beide honden om een plaveiselcelcarcinoom ging. Bij verdere stagering waren er geen aanwijzingen voor metastasen. Chirurgische wegname van de tumor door middel van een planectomie of nosectomie werd voorgesteld. Omdat de klassieke excisie van de neusspiegel voor deze eigenaars cosmetisch onaanvaardbaar was, werd bij beide honden gekozen voor een rostrale neusreconstructie. Bij de eerste hond bevond de tumor zich aan de oppervlakte, waardoor resectie van het kraakbenig deel van de neus voldoende was en een planectomie werd uitgevoerd. Bij de tweede hond daarentegen was er tevens botaantasting, waardoor niet alleen de neus, maar ook het os incisiva werd verwijderd (nosectomie). Bij beide honden werd een remissie van de tumor verkregen na een follow-up van respectievelijk 35 en 29 maanden, met tegelijkertijd een uitstekend cosmetisch resultaat.

Stimulation of in vivo dopamine transmission and intravenous self-administration in rats and mice by JWH-018, a Spice cannabinoid

The synthetic cannabinoid 1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)-indole (JWH-018) has been detected in about 140 samples of a smokable herbal mixture termed "Spice". JWH-018 is a CB1 and CB2 agonist with a higher affinity than Δ9-THC. In order to investigate the neurobiological substrates of JWH-018 actions, we studied by microdialysis in freely moving rats the effect of JWH-018 on extracellular dopamine (DA) levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and core and in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). JWH-018, at the dose of 0.25 mg/kg i.p., increased DA release in the NAc shell but not in the NAc core and mPFC. Lower (0.125 mg/kg) and higher doses (0.50 mg/kg) were ineffective. These effects were blocked by CB1 receptor antagonists (SR-141716A and AM 251) and were absent in mice lacking the CB1 receptor. Ex vivo whole cell patch clamp recordings from rat ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neurons showed that JWH-018 decreases GABAA-mediated post-synaptic currents in a dose-dependent fashion suggesting that the stimulation of DA release observed in vivo might result from disinhibition of DA neurons. In addition, on the "tetrad" paradigm for screening cannabinoid-like effects (i.e., hypothermia, analgesia, catalepsy, hypomotility), JWH-018, at doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg i.p., produced CB1 receptor-dependent behavioural effects in rats. Finally, under appropriate experimental conditions, rats (20 μg/kg/inf i.v., FR3; nose-poking) and mice (30 μg/kg/inf i.v., FR1; lever-pressing) self-administer intravenously JWH-018. In conclusion, JWH-018 shares with the active ingredient of Marijuana, Δ9-THC, CB1-dependent reinforcing and DA stimulant actions.

Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Multislice Computed Tomography for the Detection of Cervical Syringomyelia in Dogs

BACKGROUND

Syringomyelia (SM) is defined as the presence of fluid-containing cavities within the parenchyma of the spinal cord. Sagittal magnetic resonance (MR) images have been described as the preferred technique for visualizing SM in dogs and humans.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether computed tomography (CT) can be used to diagnose SM.

ANIMALS

Thirty-two client-owned dogs referred for investigation of the cervical spine on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT.

METHODS

Two reviewers retrospectively analyzed sagittal and transverse T1-weighted spin echo (T1WSE) MR images and CT images from each dog for the presence of SM and, if SM was present, the width (mm, syrinx width [SW]) was measured. The results were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

For the presence of SM there was a moderate interobserver agreement for MR (81%, κ = 0.54) and almost perfect agreement for CT (94%, κ = 0.87). There was a moderate intramodality agreement for both observers (observer 1 81%, κ = 0.59; observer 2 81%, κ = 0.57). For measurement of SW the repeatability was the best on the midsagittal T1WSE images (95% repeatability coefficient <0.52 mm) and the reproducibility was the best on midsagittal images in both modalities (95% limits of agreement -0.55-0.45; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Both techniques can be used to detect SM. Midsagittal MR and CT images are best used for measuring SW. Computed tomography can be used as a diagnostic tool for SM when MRI is not available, but CT cannot replace MRI as the standard screening technique for the detection of SM in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for breeding purposes.

Clinical parameters as predictors of bacterial isolation in the uterine content of dogs suspected of pyometra

In this study, female canines referred with clinical signs consistent with pyometra were prospectively evaluated. Signalment, clinical signs, laboratory findings and surgical findings were compared between dogs with and without bacterial isolation based on aerobic techniques. Patients with positive bacterial isolation were placed in the pyometra group, whereas patients with negative bacterial isolation were grouped as mucometra. A total of 140 dogs (118 with pyometra and 22 with mucometra) met the inclusion criteria. Prereferral antibiotic administration was associated with a prolonged duration of clinical signs in the patients of the pyometra group (12 ± 2 days versus 7 ± 1 days; P=0.006). In the pyometra patients, clinical signs, like pyrexia, anorexia and discomfort on abdominal palpation, were observed more commonly than in the mucometra group. The total leukocyte count was the only parameter that differed significantly between the two groups (P=0.01). Although no difference in color and consistency of the uterine fluid was noted, the uteri of the pyometra group were heavier (851.80 ± 800.30 g compared to 263.50 ± 297.10 g). E. coli was the most commonly isolated bacterium (92/123).

Relationship between age at gonadectomy and health problems in kittens adopted from shelters

Prepubertal gonadectomy (PPG) is promoted as a way of managing overpopulation in cats, but concerns about PPG and potential health issues still exist. The objective of the present study was to evaluate short-term and long-term health problems in cats subjected to PPG in comparison to gonadectomy at traditional age (TAG). In a prospective clinical trial, 800 shelter kittens aged between approximately 8 weeks and 12 weeks were recruited before adoption and randomly assigned to either the PPG group (gonadectomy performed immediately) or the TAG group (gonadectomy delayed until six months to eight months of age). Short-term health issues included mortality between when kittens arrived at the clinic and up to seven days after they returned to the shelter, as well as the occurrence of various other health issues arising in the first month following adoption. Kittens were followed-up until 24 months of age specifically for feline lower urinary tract disease, urethral obstruction (male cats), lameness, fractures and hypersensitivity disorders with dermatological presentation. In the short term, there were no significant differences between health problems in PPG and TAG kittens. Similarly, no significant differences were observed between treatment groups in terms of the type or number of health issues in the long term. In conclusion, there are no health-related contraindications to advocating PPG strategies in shelter cats. Ideally, PPG should be performed at the shelter facility itself as long as excellent infectious disease control and postoperative clinical observation before adoption are guaranteed.

Wat na het project Sterycat? - De mening van deelnemende asielmedewerkers en dierenartsen over vroegcastratie bij katten

Het project Sterycat is een door de Federale Overheidsdienst Volksgezondheid, Veiligheid van de Voedselketen en Leefmilieu gefinancierd wetenschappelijk onderzoek dat, in een samenwerking tussen de Faculteit Diergeneeskunde en zeventien Vlaamse asielen, het effect van vroegcastratie op de gezondheid en het gedrag van katten heeft onderzocht. Om vroegcastratie van asielkittens efficiënt te kunnen integreren in het overheidsbeleid, is het belangrijk de opinie van het werkveld te kennen. Daarom werd op het einde van het project een enquête (16 vragen, 70 exemplaren in totaal) rondgestuurd naar de asieldierenartsen en -medewerkers van de deelnemende asielen. Vijfendertig personen vulden de enquête in (10 asieldierenartsen en 25 asielmedewerkers). De meerderheid onder hen (85%) was voorstander van de voortzetting van vroegcastratie van asielkatten na het project Sterycat. Niettegenstaande was er bij sommige respondenten toch ongerustheid over mogelijke complicaties door de ingreep (58%) en over uitbraken van virale ziekten (72%). De financiële haalbaarheid en het uitwerken van een regeling om derving van inkomsten bij niet-asieldierenartsen tegen te gaan, werden belangrijk geacht voor het succesvol toepassen van vroegcastratie bij asielkatten. Voor het efficiënt reduceren van de overpopulatie van katten zouden daarnaast ook particuliere katteneigenaars en gemeenten hun verantwoordelijkheid inzake reproductiepreventie bij katten moeten opnemen. De perceptie van de haalbaarheid van vroegcastratie en van het chippen van asielkatten was significant geassocieerd met het enthousiasme van de dierenarts, de toegenomen adoptiekansen van de kittens en met het feit dat bijgedragen werd tot het reduceren van de overpopulatie van katten in asielen. De mate waarin de voortzetting van vroegcastratie van asielkatten belangrijk werd geacht was dan weer geassocieerd met het type asiel en de verwachting van een beter rendement van het asiel. Uit de resultaten van deze enquête kan besloten worden dat de meeste deelnemende asieldierenartsen en -medewerkers het belangrijk vinden dat vroegcastratie van katten verdergezet wordt in hun asiel, mits rekening gehouden wordt met het financiële aspect van de procedure en de verantwoordelijkheid van particuliere katteneigenaars en gemeenten.

Low-field MRI and multislice CT for the detection of cerebellar (foramen magnum) herniation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Background

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) have a high prevalence of Chiari‐like malformation (CM). Herniation of the cerebellum into the foramen magnum is a key diagnostic feature for CM. Midsagittal MR images are the preferred technique for visualizing cerebellar herniation (CH).

Objective

To investigate whether CT can be used to diagnose CH.

Animals

Fifteen client‐owned CKCS dogs referred for investigation of the brain and cranial cervical spine on MRI and CT.

Methods

Two reviewers retrospectively analyzed midsagittal T1WSE and T2WSE MR images and midsagittal pre‐ and postcontrast 2D multiplanar reformatted CT images from each dog for the presence of CH. And, if present, the length (mm, CHL) of the herniation was measured. The results were analyzed statistically.

Results

There was no significant difference between the different observers and techniques for the detection of CH and measurement of CHL. Overall, the CHL was longer on the CT images.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Both techniques are useful for detecting CH and measuring CHL. Because CHL does not have a known direct impact on the clinical presentation of CM, CT can be used as a diagnostic tool in a routine clinical practice for CM in CKCS when MRI is not available. We emphasize that MRI is the standard screening technique in CKCS for breeding purposes to detect the presence of CM and SM and, at the current time, CT cannot replace MRI.

Insidious progressive bone destruction in a dog surgically treated for otitis media: follow-up by clinical examination and computed tomography

A 5.5-year-old Beagle was evaluated for abnormal swallowing and a head tilt of a two-weeks duration. Inspection of the throat and external ear canal revealed an intact but abnormally bulging eardrum. Computed tomographic (CT) examination showed a right-sided tympanic bulla filled with soft-tissue density material, a partially lytic ventral wall and lysis of the petrosal part of the temporal bone. Through ventral bulla osteotomy, sterile cholesterol granuloma and cholesteatoma were diagnosed. The dog recovered but the head tilt re-appeared eight months after surgery. A new CT scan showed expanded lysis of the tympanic wall and increased bone lysis within the petrosal portion of the temporal bone. The owner elected for no further treatment. Another two years later, a third CT scan was performed. Prominent intracranial involvement was present. In contrast to the extent and the progression of the changes, the dog was clinically stable.

Pharmacokinetics of oral transmucosal and intramuscular dexmedetomidine combined with buprenorphine in cats

Plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine and buprenorphine after oral transmucosal (OTM) and intramuscular (i.m.) administration of their combination in healthy adult cats were compared. According to a crossover protocol (1-month washout), a combination of dexmedetomidine (40 μg/kg) and buprenorphine (20 μg/kg) was given OTM (buccal cavity) or i.m. (quadriceps muscle) in six female neutered cats. Plasma samples were collected through a jugular catheter during a 24-h period. Plasma dexmedetomidine and buprenorphine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma concentration-time data were fitted to compartmental models. For dexmedetomidine and buprenorphine, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and the maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax ) were significantly lower following OTM than following i.m. administration. For buprenorphine, time to reach Cmax was also significantly longer after OTM administration than after i.m. injection. Data suggested that dexmedetomidine (40 μg/kg) combined with buprenorphine (20 μg/kg) is not as well absorbed from the buccal mucosa site as from the intramuscular injection site.

Pulmonary edema as a postoperative complication in two obese patients (a horse and a dog)

In this case series, the development and successful treatment of pulmonary edema are described in two obese animals (a horse and a dog) in the postoperative period. This rare but severe complication is normally fairly easy to diagnose, but the cause is usually multifactorial and difficult to determine. Potentially contributing factors are discussed. Both animals responded successfully to therapy and were discharged without further incidents.

Vraag & Antwoord

Anesthetica voor een keizersnede bij de teef Het gebruik van gabapentine bij paarden Urticaria bij het paard

Anaphylaxis after intravenous administration of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in two dogs under general anesthesia

In this case series, the occurrence and successful treatment of anaphylaxis after the intravenous administration of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid are described in two dogs under general anesthesia. Within five to ten minutes after the administration of the antibiotic, a severe hypotension occurred in both dogs, accompanied by labial and periorbital swelling and erythema. Therapy consisted of counteracting the cardiovascular effects of anaphylaxis and preventing further release of inflammatory mediators. Both dogs recovered uneventfully from the drugrelated anaphylaxis.

Twee gevallen van persisterende ductus arteriosus bij de hond

Persisterende ductus arteriosus (PDA) is één van de meest vastgestelde congenitale hartaandoeningen bij de hond. Indien de aandoening niet behandeld wordt, sterft meer dan de helft van de honden in hun eerste levensjaar. Het sluiten van de PDA via occlusie of ligatie is dan ook aanbevolen en heeft een goede langetermijnprognose. De belangrijkste complicatie bij de nietinvasieve technieken is het optreden van embolie terwijl bloeding na ruptuur van de ductus of een naburig bloedvat het meest voorkomende probleem is bij ligatietechnieken. Twee gevallen van PDA worden hier besproken. Bij de eerste hond werd de PDA succesvol chirurgisch gecorrigeerd. Bij de tweede hond daarentegen ontstonden er tijdens de chirurgische ingreep meermaals ernstige bloedingen te wijten aan de uitzonderlijke aanwezigheid van een persisterende vijfde aortaboog (PFAA). Er werd intraoperatief besloten om tot euthanasie over te gaan.

Immunohistochemical expression of potential therapeutic targets in canine thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Thyroid carcinoma is a common endocrine tumor in the dog. Local invasive growth frequently precludes surgical excision and, in up to 38% of dogs, the tumor has already metastasized by the time of diagnosis. Therefore, it is important to investigate new treatment modalities that may be useful for the large number of dogs with inoperable tumors or metastatic disease.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

To investigate the immunohistochemical expression of potential therapeutic targets in canine thyroid tumors.

ANIMALS

74 dogs with thyroid neoplasia.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was performed for thyroglobulin, calcitonin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), p53, cycloxygenase-2 (cox-2), and P-glycoprotein (P-gp).

RESULTS

Fifty-four (73%) tumors were classified as follicular cell thyroid carcinomas (FTCs) and 20 (27%) as medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs). Eighty percent of FTCs and all MTCs had a high percentage (76-100%) of neoplastic cells immunopositive for VEGF. Thirteen percent of FTCs and 50% of MTCs expressed cox-2. Seven percent of FTCs and 70% of MTCs expressed P-gp. No tumor was immunopositive for p53 expression. Expression of VEGF (P = .034), cox-2 (P = .013), and P-gp (P < .001) was significantly higher in MTCs compared to FTCs.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

VEGF is a potential therapeutic target in both FTC and MTC in dogs. Cox-2 and P-gp may be useful molecular targets in canine MTC.

Losse processus coronoïdeus van de elleboog bij een tien jaar oude Tervuerense herder

In deze casus wordt de aanwezigheid van een losse processus coronoïdeus bij een tien jaar oude, mannelijke Tervuerense herder beschreven. Het signalement is atypisch, aangezien deze aandoening voornamelijk jonge honden treft en ze minder frequent bij Tervuerense herders voorkomt. De hond vertoonde unilaterale kreupelheid aan de linkervoorpoot die over een periode van negen maanden geleidelijk was toegenomen. Dankzij verder orthopedisch en radiografi sch onderzoek kon een defi nitieve diagnose van een losse processus coronoïdeus worden gesteld. Naast de afwijkende vorm van de mediale processus coronoïdeus en erge osteosclerose was er slechts milde artrose op te merken, wat men niet zou verwachten bij een oudere hond met een chronisch probleem. Bovendien was het probleem unilateraal aanwezig, terwijl een losse processus coronoïdeus zich vaak bilateraal manifesteert. Met behulp van artroscopie kon men het gewricht inspecteren en werd het aanwezige losse fragment met succes verwijderd. In een groot deel van de gevallen blijven oudere dieren na de ingreep manken, maar in dit geval gaf de ingreep aanleiding tot een duidelijke klinische verbetering en de hond werd opnieuw mankvrij.

Vraag & Antwoord

De ziekte van Lyme bij het paard Wandelen met pups Peroroale sedatie van honden

Chirurgische excisie van een branchiale cyste bij een hond

Een zes jaar oude, vrouwelijke, gecastreerde cavalier king charles werd aangeboden voor verderonderzoek en behandeling van een recidiverende zwelling ter hoogte van de linkerkaakregio. Opbasis van een klinisch en echografi sch onderzoek werd de waarschijnlijkheidsdiagnose van eensialocele van de linkerparotisspeekselklier gesteld. Er werd besloten tot chirurgische excisie van despeekselklier. Tijdens de chirurgie werd een cysteus proces van de parotisspeekselklier, verbondenmet een meer ventraal gelegen cyste, gevisualiseerd. Zowel de parotisspeekselklier als de ventralecyste werd vrijgeprepareerd en verwijderd. Op basis van een histopathologisch onderzoek vanhet verwijderde weefsel werd de diagnose van een branchiale cyste gesteld. Afgezien van eengedeeltelijke facialisparalyse de eerste dag postoperatief, verliep het herstel vlot. Tot op heden,inmiddels meer dan een jaar postoperatief, werd geen recidief vastgesteld.

The use of the HiSPECT bone scan in canine flexor enthesopathy and coronoid pathology

In this study the use of the high resolution Micro-Single Photon Emission Tomography (HiSPECT) system with a radioactive bonemarker, (99m)Tc-oxidronate, was evaluated in dogs with coronoid pathology and/or flexor enthesopathy. Sixty-five elbows of 34 dogs were included. CT and HiSPECT were performed on all elbows, arthroscopy on 59. Tracer uptake in 8 anatomical regions was graded according to two models. Increased activity in the medial epicondylar region was associated with flexor pathology on CT (P=0.0002) and arthroscopy (P<0.0001) and increased uptake in the medial coronoid (P<0.0001) and the medial condylar area (P<0.013) with coronoid pathology. Uptake in the remaining areas was not associated with both pathologies. In conclusion, the improved resolution of the HiSPECT system allows identification of increased tracer uptake in the anatomical regions involved in coronoid pathology and flexor enthesopathy. This modality may improve the diagnostic potential of the bone scan in canine elbow disease.

Anesthesie van kittens - een literatuuroverzicht met nadruk op de mogelijkheden in België

In België worden zelden electieve chirurgische ingrepen uitgevoerd bij zeer jonge kleine huisdieren. Veel dierenartsen hebben dan ook weinig ervaring met de anesthesie van pediatrische patiënten. In dit overzichtsartikel wordt kort ingegaan op de risicofactoren bij de anesthesie van kittens, gezien hun specifieke anatomie en fysiologie. Vervolgens wordt een overzicht gegeven van geschikte anesthetische protocollen. Injectieanesthesie op basis van combinaties met ketamine is een praktische, economische en efficiënte optie.

Comparison between symptomatic treatment and lomustine supplementation in 71 dogs with intracranial, space-occupying lesions

Brain neoplasia is diagnosed in an increasing number of dogs. Consequently, there is a higher need for an effective treatment. Chemotherapy is considered in cases where surgery or radiation is not optional. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the difference in median survival time (MST) of dogs with intracranial masses, treated symptomatically with corticosteroids and anti-epileptic drugs, compared with the same symptomatic treatment supplemented with lomustine. The records of 71 dogs with intracranial masses were retrospectively evaluated. Fifteen dogs were treated symptomatically with corticosteroids and anti-epileptics, and 56 dogs received additional therapy with lomustine. There was no statistically significant difference in MST between both groups, being 60 and 93 days, respectively. Age, duration of symptoms, intracranial localization of the mass and intra- or extra-axial localization had no influence on survival time. However, female dogs survived significantly longer than male dogs.

Propionate absorbed from the colon acts as gluconeogenic substrate in a strict carnivore, the domestic cat (Felis catus)

In six normal-weight and six obese cats, the metabolic effect of propionate absorbed from the colon was assessed. Two colonic infusions were tested in a crossover design with intervals of 4 weeks. The test solution contained 4 mmol sodium propionate per kg ideal body weight in a 0.2% NaCl solution. Normal saline was given as control solution. Solutions were infused into the hindgut over 30 min. Blood samples were obtained prior to and at various time points after starting the infusion. As body condition did not affect evaluated parameters, all data were pooled. Plasma glucose concentrations showed differences neither over time nor during or after infusion with propionate or control. Plasma amino acid concentrations rose over time (p < 0.001), but were similar for both infusions. Plasma propionylcarnitine rose markedly towards the end of the propionate infusion and decreased afterwards (p < 0.001), whereas 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcarnitine was lower 30 (p = 0.005) and 60 min (p = 0.032) after ending propionate infusions and acetylcarnitine tended to fall at the same time points (p = 0.079; p = 0.080), suggesting inhibition of gluconeogenesis from pyruvate and amino acids, but initiation of propionate-induced gluconeogenesis. In conclusion, propionate absorbed from the colon is hypothesized to act as gluconeogenic substrate, regardless of the cat's body condition.

Expression of P-glycoprotein in the intestinal epithelium of dogs with lymphoplasmacytic enteritis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory disease of the stomach, the small intestine and/or the large intestine. Loss of integrity of the intestinal barrier may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of IBD. In dogs, lymphoplasmacytic enteritis (LPE) is one of the recognized forms of IBD. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a membrane-bound efflux pump constituting an important component of the intestinal barrier. Changes in P-gp expression at the level of the intestinal barrier may be important in the pathogenesis of canine LPE, as this may lead to variable protection against xenobiotics and bacterial products in the intestine. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of epithelial P-gp in the intestine in dogs with LPE compared with disease-free animals. Formalin-fixed intestinal biopsy samples from 57 dogs with histopathological evidence of LPE were immunolabelled with anti-P-gp antibodies (C494 and C219). Endoscopic biopsy samples of the duodenum and colon from 16 healthy beagles were used as controls. None of the control dogs had P-gp expression in the apical membrane of duodenal enterocytes, but all had P-gp labelling at the colonic epithelial surface. Twenty out of 57 dogs with LPE had P-gp expression at the apical surface membrane of villus epithelial cells in the duodenum, jejunum and/or ileum. Six out of 16 colonic samples from dogs with LPE had decreased P-gp expression at the epithelial surface compared with controls. It is unclear whether these changes in P-gp expression in dogs with LPE are a cause or a consequence of the inflammation. The observed changes could affect bioavailability of therapeutic drugs used in LPE.

Clinical and electrophysiological characterization of myokymia and neuromyotonia in Jack Russell Terriers

BACKGROUND

Generalized myokymia and neuromyotonia (M/NM) in Jack Russell Terriers (JRTs) is related to peripheral nerve hyperexcitability syndrome in humans, a symptom complex resulting from diverse etiologies.

OBJECTIVE

Clinical and electrodiagnostic evaluation is used to narrow the list of possible etiological diagnoses in JRTs with M/NM.

ANIMALS

Nine healthy JRTs and 8 affected JRTs.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted comparing clinical and electrophysiological characteristics in 8 JRTs affected by M/NM with 9 healthy JRT controls.

RESULTS

All affected dogs except 1 had clinical signs typical of hereditary ataxia (HA). In 6 dogs, neuromyotonic discharges were recorded during electromyogram. Motor nerve conduction studies showed an axonal neuropathy in only 1 affected dog. Compared with controls, brainstem auditory-evoked potentials (BAEP) showed prolonged latencies (P<.05) accompanied by the disappearance of wave components in 3 dogs. Onset latencies of tibial sensory-evoked potentials (SEP) recorded at the lumbar intervertebral level were delayed in the affected group (P<.001). The BAEP and SEP results of the only neuromyotonic dog without ataxia were normal.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

The BAEP and spinal SEP abnormalities observed in JRTs with M/NM were associated with the presence of HA. Therefore, these electrophysiological findings presumably arise from the neurodegenerative changes characterizing HA and do not directly elucidate the pathogenesis of M/NM. An underlying neuronal ion channel dysfunction is thought to be the cause of M/NM in JRTs.

A comparison of tepoxalin-buprenorphine combination and buprenorphine for postoperative analgesia in dogs: a clinical study

The present study compares the analgesic effect of a tepoxalin-buprenorphine combination to that of buprenorphine alone in the 24 h peri-operative period in 20 dogs undergoing cranial cruciate ligament repair, which were randomly assigned to the two treatment protocols (n = 10). Additionally, possible side effects induced by tepoxalin were investigated. Analgesia was compared using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a multifactorial pain scale (MFPS), by an anaesthetist blinded from treatment. Analysis of the overall VAS-scores showed a significant decrease over time in both treatment groups. The decrease in the two groups was not significantly different from each other. No significant differences were found between the MFPS-scores of both protocols. Potential side effects of tepoxalin were investigated by venous blood sampling before premedication and 24 h after extubation, a buccal mucosal bleeding time test and recording of vomiting, diarrhoea and adverse effects at the surgical site. Analysis of the blood parameters showed that fibrinogen levels were overall higher 24 h after surgery in both protocols, but were significantly more elevated in the tepoxalin group. No significant differences were found for the other blood parameters. Statistically, tepoxalin failed to improve analgesia induced by buprenorphine. There was no convincing evidence that the administration of tepoxalin was not associated with gastrointestinal side effects. There were no significant adverse effects on renal function and primary haemostasis.

Pharmacokinetics of a Lidocaine Patch 5% in Dogs

Lidocaine is increasingly used in transdermal drug delivery systems for different pain conditions in human medicine whereby several pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated minimal systemic absorption in men. In the present study, the pharmacokinetics of a lidocaine patch 5% was studied in six dogs. In the first experiment, one single lidocaine patch was applied for 12 h to the lateral side of the thorax after removing the hair either by clipping or by the application of a depilatory agent, according to a two-way crossover design. No potential adverse effects induced by the patches were observed in either group. In dogs with clipped hair, a mean peak plasma lidocaine concentration of 62.94 ng/ml was obtained after 10.67 h. In the depilatory group, a mean peak plasma concentration of 103.55 ng/ml was reached after 9.27 h. Significant differences in the AUC(0 --> infinity), C(max), k(a) and T(1/2a) were noticed between the two groups. No significant differences were found for the elimination parameters and for T(max). In the second experiment, the patches were applied for 60 h to the clipped skin in order to study the absorption kinetics after a prolonged application period. There, the mean peak lidocaine plasma concentration was 45.18 ng/ml achieved after 24 h and a final concentration of 29.37 ng/ml was obtained at 60 h. In conclusion, all dogs tolerated the transdermal lidocaine patch well. The results of this study suggest that there is an overall minimal absorption from the lidocaine patch. However, the application of a depilatory agent leads to a more rapid and increased absorption of lidocaine.

True hermaphroditism in six female littermates after administration of synthetic androgens to a pregnant bitch

A pregnant bitch was treated with a synthetic testosterone mixture on approximately day 40. The female offspring (six pups) showed an increased anogenital distance, vaginal enlargement and a variable amount of vaginal discharge. The urinary orifice was found dorsally in the vestibulum, stooled on a protruding phallus-like structure. All six pups underwent a laparotomy and subsequent spaying and a modified ventral episioplasty technique to lift up the labia to a more vertical position in order to prevent urine accumulation. Histopathological examination of the genital tracts demonstrated the presence of bilateral ovotestis and remnants of the Wolffian duct system in all cases. The finding of true hermaphroditism of the offspring after exogenous androgen administration during gestation of the bitch has not yet been reported elsewhere.

'Continuous muscle fibre activity' in six dogs with episodic myokymia, stiffness and collapse

Continuous muscle fibre activity was observed in a crossbred dog, a Yorkshire terrier, a border collie and three Jack Russell terriers. The clinical signs consisted of episodes of generalised myokymia which developed into muscle stiffness and delayed muscle relaxation and generally led to the dogs collapsing into lateral recumbency. These episodes were preceded by intense facial rubbing in three of the dogs, and were associated with severe hyperthermia in five of them. All three Jack Russell terriers showed continuous ataxia. The dogs had above normal activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase, but their cerebrospinal fluid was normal. Myokymic discharges were observed by electromyography in two of the dogs. Two of them were treated with membrane-stabilising agents, with variable results.