Clinicopathological findings, treatment, and outcome in 60 cats with gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia (GESF) in cats presents as mass(es) associated with the gastrointestinal tract, mesentery, and abdominal lymph nodes.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

To report the clinicopathological findings, treatment, and outcome of cats with GESF.

ANIMALS

Sixty client-owned cats diagnosed with GESF.

METHODS

Retrospective review of medical records of cats with histopathologically confirmed GESF.

RESULTS

The median age was 5.4 years (interquartile range [IQR], 3.3-8.9.); 30% were Domestic Shorthairs and 12% were Domestic Longhair cats, with the most prevalent pedigree breeds being Ragdolls (25%), Exotic Shorthair (10%) and Persian (8%) cats. The median duration of clinical signs was 90 days (IQR, 17.5-247.0); the most common clinical signs were weight loss (60%), hyporexia/anorexia (55%), chronic vomiting (37%), lethargy (35%) and chronic diarrhea (27%). Masses were located in the small intestine (32%), stomach (27%), ileocolic junction (15%), colon (10%), lymph node (8%) and mesentery (8%) and 15% of cats had >1 mass. Eosinophilia was present in 50% and hypoalbuminemia in 28% of cats. The mass was removed surgically in 37% of cases. Most cats (98%) were treated with corticosteroids. Survival was not statistically different between cats treated with surgical resection and cats treated with medical therapy alone, 88% of the cats were still alive at the time of writing.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

GESF is an important differential diagnosis for abdominal masses in cats, and has a much better prognosis than previously reported.

Observation of New Isotopes in the Fragmentation of ^{198}Pt at FRIB

Five previously unknown isotopes (^{182,183}Tm, ^{186,187}Yb, ^{190}Lu) were produced, separated, and identified for the first time at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) using the Advanced Rare Isotope Separator (ARIS). The new isotopes were formed through the interaction of a ^{198}Pt beam with a carbon target at an energy of 186  MeV/u and with a primary beam power of 1.5 kW. Event-by-event particle identification of A, Z, and q for the reaction products was performed by combining measurements of the energy loss, time of flight, magnetic rigidity Bρ, and total kinetic energy. The ARIS separator has a novel two-stage design with high resolving power to strongly suppress contaminant beams. This successful new isotope search was performed less than one year after FRIB operations began and demonstrates the discovery potential of the facility which will ultimately provide 400 kW of primary beam power.

Extreme low pH, not Al3+ , is a key abiotic stressor for the extremophyte Carex angustisquama (Cyperaceae) in highly acidic solfatara fields

Volcanic acidification creates extreme soil conditions, where rhizotoxicity from extremely low pH (2-3) and high Al³⁺ strongly inhibit plant growth. C. angustisquama is a dominant extremophyte in highly acidic solfatara fields, where no other vascular plants can survive. Here we investigated the key abiotic stressor determining survival of this extremophyte. Soil analyses and topographic surveys were conducted to examine the effects of low pH and Al³⁺ , two major abiotic stressors in acidic soils, on the occurrence of C. angustisquama in solfatara fields. Hydroponic culture experiments were also performed to test its growth responses to these stressors. In field surveys, the spatial distribution of soil pH was consistent with vegetation zonation within a solfatara field. In contrast, soil exchangeable Al content was overall low due to strong eluviation. Statistical analysis also supported the significant role of soil pH in determining the distribution of C. angustisquama in a solfatara field. Furthermore, hydroponic culture experiments revealed a higher tolerance of C. angustisquama to low pH than a sister species, especially in the range pH 2-3, corresponding to the pH values of the actual habitats of C. angustisquama. Conversely, no significant interspecific difference was detected in Al³⁺ tolerance, indicating that both species had high Al³⁺ tolerance. This study suggests that low pH is a critical abiotic stressor leading to formation of the extremophyte in highly acidic solfatara fields. In contrast, C. angustisquama displayed high tolerance to Al³⁺ toxicity, probably acquired prior to speciation.

A retrospective study of adverse effects of mycophenolate mofetil administration to dogs with immune-mediated disease

Background

Information regarding adverse events (AEs) of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is limited.

Objectives

To evaluate the types and frequency of potential AEs of MMF in dogs with immune‐mediated disease.

Animals

One hundred thirty‐one dogs treated with MMF for management of suspected immune‐mediated disease.

Methods

Retrospective study. Medical records were reviewed to find and group suspect AEs in gastrointestinal (GI), hematologic, and other categories. Age, dosage, body weight, and sex were analyzed between dogs with and without AEs by using the Mann‐Whitney U‐test and chi‐squared test.

Results

The median starting dosage of MMF was 17.5 mg/kg/day (interquartile range [IQR] = 15.1‐20.6 mg/kg/day) and the median treatment duration was 56 days (IQR = 14‐236 days). Mycophenolate mofetil was prescribed for immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (n = 31), immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (n = 31), pemphigus foliaceus (n = 15), immune‐mediated polyarthritis (n = 12), and others (n = 42). Overall, potential AEs of MMF were observed in 34 of 131 dogs (GI 24.4% [31/127], neutropenia 4% [3/76], anemia 4% [1/25], thrombocytopenia 4.0% [1/25], and dermatologic 1.5% [2/131]). There were no significant differences among dogs with (n = 37) or without potential AEs (n = 94) in regards to sex, age, body weight, or dosage of MMF (P = .06, .13, .24, and .26, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In the dogs administered MMF, GI AEs were most common. Since potential hematologic and dermatologic AEs developed in a few dogs, clinicians should be aware of these when prescribing MMF to dogs with immune‐mediated disease.

Transmission of Helicobacter pylori between a human and two dogs: A case report

BACKGROUND

Whereas non-Helicobacter pylori helicobacters, which are frequently detected in the stomachs of dogs and cats as a source of zoonoses, have attracted considerable attention, the role of pets in H. pylori epidemiology is unclear. In our previous study, an H. pylori infection was detected in the stomach of a dog (Dog 1). Here, we investigated the H. pylori infection status in the female offspring of Dog 1 (Dog 2) and its owner within the same household.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Biopsy specimens were obtained from the dog's owner and tested for H. pylori. DNA from gastric biopsy samples of Dog 1, gastric fluid sediment of Dog 2, and bacteria from the stomach of the owner was obtained, and Helicobacter genus- and species-specific PCRs were performed. Then, sequence analyses of the partial region of the ureAB gene were conducted.

RESULTS

Samples from both dogs and the owner reacted positively in the genus-specific PCR and negative in the Helicobacter felis-, Helicobacter bizzozeronii-, and Helicobacter heilmannii sensu stricto-specific PCRs. All three samples also reacted positively in the H. pylori-specific PCR. Sequences of the partial ureAB gene from all subjects were identical.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested that the two dogs and their owner were infected with an identical H. pylori strain. This report is the first to demonstrate that H. pylori can be transmitted between humans and dogs. Further studies are required to investigate the risk factors for the transmission of H. pylori between humans and dogs from the perspective of preventive epidemiology.

Effect of two different pre-anaesthetic omeprazole protocols on gastroesophageal reflux incidence and pH in dogs

OBJECTIVES

Gastroesophageal reflux can occur during anaesthesia and may lead to esophagitis and occasionally oesophageal stricture formation. The aim of the study is to assess two omeprazole protocols on gastroesophageal reflux incidence and pH in anaesthetised dogs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-five dogs undergoing elective ovariectomy were randomly assigned to: omeprazole single dose 1 mg/kg orally the evening before anaesthesia (20 dogs), omeprazole two doses 1 mg/kg orally the evening and 3 hours before anaesthesia (15 dogs), and control group that did not receive omeprazole (20 dogs). An oesophageal impedance/pH probe was used to measure gastroesophageal reflux incidence and pH during anaesthesia.

RESULTS

Gastroesophageal reflux was observed in 55% (11/20) of control dogs, 55% (11/20) of dogs receiving omeprazole once and 47% (7/15) of dogs receiving omeprazole twice. The incidence was not statistically significant different between groups. Gastroesophageal reflux pH (mean ± sd) was higher in dogs receiving omeprazole twice (6.3 ± 1.5), when compared to either control dogs (3.8 ± 1.1) or dogs receiving omeprazole once (4.1 ± 1.5). Strongly acidic reflux (pH < 4) was observed in 7% (1/15) of dogs receiving omeprazole twice versus 55% (11/20) and 35% (7/20) of control dogs and dogs receiving omeprazole once, respectively.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Omeprazole administered the evening and 3 hours before anaesthesia increased gastroesophageal reflux pH and decreased the incidence of strongly acidic reflux in dogs. A single dose of omeprazole given the evening before anaesthesia had no effect on reflux pH.

First Simultaneous Acceleration of Multiple Charge States of Heavy Ion Beams in a Large-Scale Superconducting Linear Accelerator

Experimental studies of the simultaneous acceleration of three-charge-state ^{129}Xe^{49+,50+,51+} beam from 17 to 180  MeV/nucleon in a superconducting linear accelerator are presented. The beam parameters for each individual- and multiple-charge-state beam were measured and compared with the particle tracking simulations. Detailed measurements were performed to characterize the multiple-charge-state beam's recombination after a second-order achromat and isopath 180° bending system. As a result of the recombination of three charge states in the six-dimensional phase space, the xenon beam intensity was increased by 2.5-fold compared to the single-charge-state beam. The results presented in the Letter fully validate the possibility to produce and utilize high-quality multiple-charge-state heavy-ion beams in a large-scale superconducting linac to increase the available beam power on an isotope production target.

The correlations between anti-factor Xa activity values and PT/APTT at peak and trough times in patients with venous thromboembolism using high dose of apixaban

Background

The high dose (20mg/day) of apixaban is used for the initial treatment of venous thromboembolism for the first week. Although patients taking direct oral anticoagulants do not require routine coagulation monitoring, the correlations between anti-factor Xa activity (AXA) and routine coagulation markers such as prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) at peak and trough times especially when using high dose of apixaban have not been reported so far.

Purpose

The purpose is to assess the correlations between AXA values and PT/APTT at peak and trough times in patients with venous thromboembolism using high dose of Apixaban.

Methods

Twenty-six patients (10 male; 71±15 years) with proximal venous thromboembolism or pulmonary embolism using high dose (20mg/day) of apixaban were enrolled. We measured AXA, using chromogenic assay with the HemosIL Liquid Heparin kit, PT and APTT at peak and trough times. The peak time was defined as 3 hours after the intake of apixaban, and the trough time was defined as that immediately before the intake of apixaban.

Results

A significant and strong positive correlation was observed between AXA and PT at both peak and trough times (R=0.795, p&lt;0.01 and R=0.766, p&lt;0.01, respectively). A significant and moderate positive correlation was observed between AXA and APTT at trough time (R=0.527, p&lt;0.01), but no correlation was observed between AXA and APTT at peak time (R=0.366, p=0.07).

Conclusion

Our findings reveal the relationship between AXA and PT at peak and trough times has a significant strong correlation. These results suggest measuring of PT may be alternative and effective way of monitoring of AXA values when using high dose of apixaban.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

The distribution of anti-factor Xa activity value, PT and APTT at peak and trough times in patients with direct anti-factor Xa inhibitors

Background

Although patients taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) do not require routine coagulation monitoring, the distribution of anti-factor Xa activity (AXA) values, prothrombin time (PT), PT-international normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in patients on apixaban, edoxaban and rivaroxaban therapy is still not clear.

Purpose

The aim is to set the standard values of AXA values, PT, PT-INR and APTT in patients using DOACs.

Methods

We measured AXA, using chromogenic assay with the HemosIL Liquid Heparin kit, PT, PT-INR and APTT at trough and peak times in 224 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism, of whom 90 received apixaban, 100 received edoxaban and 34 received rivaroxaban. The peak time was defined as 3 hours after the intake of apixaban or rivaroxaban, and 2 hours after the intake of edoxaban. The trough time was defined as that immediately before the intake. The AXA values, PT, PT-INR and APTT were measured at least 72 hours after the start of treatment. The dosage of DOACs is defined according to the prescribing information in Japan.

Results

(The order of results below is apixaban, edoxaban and rivaroxaban, respectively.) The average AXA values were 2.29, 0.23 and 0.39 (IU/mL) at trough time, and 3.04, 1.01 and 1.70 (IU/mL) at peak time. The average PT values were 17.9, 12.9 and 13.1 (s) at trough time, and 19.7, 15.5 and 17.5 (s) at peak time. The average PT-INR values were 1.49, 1.07 and 1.08 at trough time, and 1.65, 1.29 and 1.45 at peak time. The average APPT values were 34.5, 31.3 and 32.0 (s) at trough time, and 39.5, 35.9 and 39.8 (s) at peak time.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal the standard values of AXA, PT, PT-INR and APTT in patients using apixaban, edoxaban and rivaroxaban in each dosage. The DOACs should be changed if the measured value is out of those standard values in 90% confidence interval.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Treatment with rivaroxaban and monitoring of coagulation profiles in two dogs with venous thromboembolism

Two dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia complicated with thromboembolism were presented. Both of the dogs were initially treated with immunosuppressive therapy in conjunction with dalteparin and clopidogrel. Although the immunosuppressive therapy was effective, peritoneal effusion due to thromboembolism was observed during the course of the disease in these dogs. After initiation of rivaroxaban treatment, peritoneal effusion decreased immediately in parallel with the normalization of D-dimer, antithrombin (AT), and thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT). Hematochezia, cutaneous hemorrhage, and hematuria were observed as adverse events after administration of rivaroxaban in one case. Rivaroxaban was effective for the control of thromboembolism secondary to immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, and D-dimer, AT, and TAT were useful to monitor the status of thromboembolic disease in dogs.

Evaluation of an automated point-of-care test system for measuring thrombin-antithrombin complex in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the utility of the chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) method for point-of-care (POC) measurement of canine plasma thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) concentration.

ASSESSMENT AND MAIN RESULTS

Plasma TAT concentration was measured in 54 healthy dogs and in 72 dogs with various diseases. A significant correlation was found between TAT concentration measured by CLEIA and that measured by an ELISA that was previously used in dogs. The upper limit of the reference value of TAT concentrations measured by CLEIA was determined to be 0.2 ng/mL based on the TAT concentration in 54 healthy dogs. TAT concentrations exceeded the reference interval in a portion of dogs when a hypercoagulable state may be present.

CONCLUSIONS

Canine plasma TAT concentrations measured using CLEIA were correlated with that measured using ELISA. Hence, a POC testing instrument may be used for early detection of activation of thrombin generation in emergency and critical care settings.

P3354Papillary muscle ischemia and global myocardial flow reserve: assessment by high-resolution cine imaging of 13N ammonia PET

Purpose

Papillary muscle ischemia (PMI) is caused by micro-vessels' occlusion in the broad endocardium because papillary muscle perfusion is supply from micro-vessels of peripheral coronary arteries and is easy to fail by the increase in peripheral vascular resistance. However, the clinical significant is not understood because PMI could not be detected by existing perfusion imaging such as SPECT and MRI. We propose the detection method of PMI using 13N-ammonia PET (NH3-PET), and investigate the association with the global myocardial flow reserve (Global-MFR) reflecting coronary microvascular dysfunction.

Methods

Data of adenosine-stress NH3-PET for consecutive 260 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or suspected CAD was retrospectively analyzed. Using high-resolution cine imaging derived from NH3-PET, PMI was defined as the absence of the PM accumulation at stress conditions. Myocardial flow was generated from the time activity curve of left ventricle input and myocardial uptake using 3-compartment model and the first 2 minutes' dataset of list mode images. Global-MFR was calculated by stress to rest flow ratio. Summed stress score (SSS) was used as an estimate of the extent of myocardial ischemia. 150 out of 260 patients (58%) with SSS ≥4 or with the past history of coronary artery diseases were classified as ischemic group, and 110 patients (42%) with SSS<4 were classified as non-ischemic group.

Results

PMI was seen in 68 of 260 patients (26.6%). The frequency of PMI was higher in the ischemic group than the non-ischemic group (37.8% vs. 10.1%, p<0.0001). Global-MFR was significantly lower in patients with PMI than those without (1.87±0.55 vs. 2.39±0.80, p<0.0001). In both ischemic and non-ischemic group, global-MFR was significantly reduced in patients with PMI. (Ischemic group: 1.83±0.56 vs. 2.12±0.52, p=0.0043, Non-ischemic group: 2.06±0.45 vs. 2.63±0.91, p=0.040).

Typical case of PMI

Conclusion

High-resolution cine imaging derived from NH3-PET makes it possible to detect PMI in about a quarter of patients with CAD or suspected CAD. PMI associates with reduced Global-MFR regardless of the presence of myocardial ischemia, suggesting that PMI is an important sign of early ischemia confined to the papillary muscle or the broad microvascular injury.

Pneumatosis coli after partial ligation of congenital portosystemic shunt in a dog

Pneumatosis coli is a rare intestinal disorder in dogs that is characterized by submucosal or subserosal emphysema of the colon. An 8-year-old castrated male Shih Tzu developed anorexia and hematochezia after undergoing surgery for a congenital splenophrenic shunt. Abdominal radiographic examination revealed linear radiolucency throughout the wall of the large intestine. Results of abdominal computed tomography revealed intramural gas tracking along the colon and rectum. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of pneumatosis coli was made. The dog was treated with antibiotics, but the general condition gradually deteriorated, and the dog died 6 days after the day of diagnosis. It was suspected that portal hypertension following partial ligation of congenital portosystemic shunt may have been associated with pneumatosis coli in this case.

Effect of prednisolone administration on gallbladder emptying rate and gallbladder bile composition in dogs

OBJECTIVE To investigate effects of prednisolone administration on gallbladder emptying rate and gallbladder bile composition in dogs. ANIMALS 6 healthy Beagles. PROCEDURES Prednisolone was administered (2 mg/kg, SC, once daily for 2 weeks) to each dog and tapered over 2 weeks. Gallbladder emptying rate and bile composition were evaluated before and after administration of prednisolone for 2 weeks as well as 1 week after cessation of prednisolone administration. RESULTS Gallbladder emptying rate decreased significantly after prednisolone administration (median, 27%; range, 0% to 38%), compared with rate before administration (median, 59%; range, 29% to 68%), but then increased 1 week after cessation of administration (median, 45%; range, 23% to 48%). Gallbladder bile mucin concentration decreased significantly after prednisolone administration (median, 8.8 mg/dL; range, 6.2 to 11.3 mg/dL), compared with concentration before administration (median, 13.1 mg/dL; range, 10.7 to 21.7 mg/dL), but then increased 1 week after cessation of administration (median, 14.3 mg/dL; range, 9.6 to 26.7 mg/dL). Gallbladder taurochenodeoxycholic acid concentration decreased significantly after prednisolone administration (8.1 mmol/L; range, 6.8 to 15.2 mmol/L), compared with concentration before administration (median, 27.2 mmol/L; range, 22.0 to 31.9 mmol/L), but then increased 1 week after cessation of administration (median, 26.4 mmol/L; range, 15.1 to 31.5 mmol/L). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE A lower gallbladder emptying rate caused by prednisolone administration may be involved in the pathogenesis of gallbladder disease in dogs. Further studies are required to determine the clinical importance of lower gallbladder bile mucin concentrations caused by glucocorticoid administration in the pathogenesis of gallbladder disease in dogs.

Multiple acquired portosystemic shunts secondary to primary hypoplasia of the portal vein in a cat

A 6-year 5-month-old spayed female Scottish Fold cat presented with a one-month history of gait abnormalities, increased salivation, and decreased activity. A blood test showed hyperammonemia and increased serum bile acids. Imaging tests revealed multiple shunt vessels indicating acquired portosystemic shunt. Histopathologic analysis of liver biopsy showed features consistent with liver hypoperfusion, such as a barely recognizable portal vein, increased numbers of small arterioles, and diffuse vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes. These findings supported the diagnosis of primary hypoplasia of the portal vein/microvascular dysplasia, (PHPV/MVD). To our knowledge, this is the first case of feline PHPV/MVD that developed multiple acquired portosystemic shunts and presented with hepatic encephalopathy.

Effect of a high-fat-high-cholesterol diet on gallbladder bile acid composition and gallbladder motility in dogs

OBJCTIVE To investigate the effects of dietary lipid overload on bile acid metabolism and gallbladder motility in healthy dogs. ANIMALS 7 healthy Beagles. PROCEDURES In a crossover study, dogs were fed a high-fat-high-cholesterol diet (HFCD) or a low-fat diet (LFD) for a period of 2 weeks. After a 4-month washout period, dogs were fed the other diet for 2 weeks. Before and at the end of each feeding period, the concentrations of each of the gallbladder bile acids, cholecystokinin (CCK)-induced gallbladder motility, and bile acid metabolism-related hepatic gene expression were examined in all dogs. RESULTS The HFCD significantly increased plasma total cholesterol concentrations. The HFCD also increased the concentration of taurochenodeoxycholic acid and decreased the concentration of taurocholic acid in bile and reduced gallbladder contractility, whereas the LFD significantly decreased the concentration of taurodeoxycholic acid in bile. Gene expression analysis revealed significant elevation of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase mRNA expression after feeding the HFCD for 2 weeks, but the expression of other genes was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Feeding the HFCD and LFD for 2 weeks induced changes in gallbladder bile acid composition and gallbladder motility in dogs. In particular, feeding the HFCD caused an increase in plasma total cholesterol concentration, an increase of hydrophobic bile acid concentration in bile, and a decrease in gallbladder sensitivity to CCK. These results suggested that similar bile acid compositional changes and gallbladder hypomotility might be evident in dogs with hyperlipidemia.

Recommendation for severity assessment following liver resection and liver transplantation in rats: Part I

Score sheets were first introduced 30 years ago to assess pain, distress and suffering in animals. To date, however, there is still no general agreement on their use in research practice, and only a few publications can be found on this topic. In the present work, we demonstrate the use of a special score sheet for severity assessment in the first three postoperative days in two showcased studies performed on Wistar and Lewis rats undergoing liver resection or orthotopic liver transplantation, respectively. Scoring of different criteria and the total score were evaluated within each intervention. Additionally, both procedures were compared regarding their degree of severity. Suitability of these score sheets was evaluated for assessing severity of the procedures and these showed a minor severity within each investigated study. A comparison of both studies showed slightly higher scores involving liver transplantation. In contradiction to the common classification of these procedures as a moderate severity grade the score sheets applied here indicates a minor severity grade within each investigated study. Also, limitations and possible improvements in the design of our score sheets for defined interventions are reconsidered.

Analysis of fecal short chain fatty acid concentration in miniature dachshunds with inflammatory colorectal polyps

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) play an important role in the maintenance of colonic homeostasis, and their depletion has been reported in various gastrointestinal disorders. Inflammatory colorectal polyps (ICRPs) are a recently recognized disease specific to miniature dachshunds (MDs), and fecal dysbiosis with a reduction of SCFA-producing bacteria has been reported with this disease. Therefore, this study was performed based on the hypothesis that a reduced SCFA concentration associates with the development of ICRPs. We recruited 11 ICRP-affected MDs and 25 control MDs. Their fecal SCFA concentrations and bacterial proportions were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. The feces of ICRP-affected MDs contained lower amounts of propionic acid and lower proportions of Bifidobacterium than the feces of control MDs. Furthermore, fecal proportions of Bifidobacterium, Firmicutes and Lactobacillus exhibited significant positive correlations with fecal concentrations of total SCFAs and/or propionic acid; fecal Escherichia coli proportions correlated negatively with fecal concentrations of total SCFAs, as well as acetic, propionic and butyric acid. This result indicates an association between fecal dysbiosis and fecal SCFA concentrations; these phenomena may contribute to ICRP pathogenesis in MDs. Potential therapeutic targeting of the reduced propionic acid concentration using probiotics, prebiotics or SCFA enemas merits further study.

Intrahepatic cholelithiasis in dogs and cats: A case series

A retrospective study of intrahepatic cholelithiasis (IC) in 9 dogs and 2 cats was conducted. Only 1 dog showed clinical signs related to hepatobiliary disease before referral and during the follow-up period. Intrahepatic cholelithiasis might be a subclinical finding in both dogs and cats.

Significance of clonal rearrangements of lymphocyte antigen receptor genes on the prognosis of chronic enteropathy in 22 Shiba dogs

Shiba dogs are predisposed to chronic enteropathy (CE) and have poorer prognosis than other dog breeds. The objective of this study was to investigate the significance of polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) results on clinical findings and prognosis of Shiba dogs with CE. We retrospectively collected data on 22 Shiba dogs diagnosed as having CE. Fifty-nine percent of the dogs had clonality-positive results on PARR analysis. Furthermore, on histopathology, epitheliotropic behavior of small lymphocytes of the intestinal mucosa was observed significantly more frequently in dogs with clonal rearrangement of antigen receptor genes (P=0.027). The median overall survival time of clonality-positive dogs was 48 days (range, 4–239 days), compared to 271 days (range, 45–1,316+ days) in clonality-negative dogs. The median overall survival time of epitheliotropism-positive dogs was 76 days (range, 30–349 days) compared to 239 days (range, 4–1,316+ days) for epitheliotropism-negative dogs. Statistical analysis revealed that the clonality-positive result was associated with significantly shorter survival time (P=0.036). In contrast, presence or absence of epitheliotropism had no statistically significant effect on survival time (P=0.223). These cases might appropriately be diagnosed as small T-cell intestinal lymphoma; there are some common clinical and pathogenic features with human enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma type 2. The pathogenesis and poor prognosis for Shiba dogs with CE seem to be associated with this type of lymphoma, although further investigation is warranted.

Endoscopic Cytology for the Diagnosis of Chronic Enteritis and Intestinal Lymphoma in Dogs

Although cytology is a rapid diagnostic procedure in dogs, the cytologic criteria of endoscopic biopsies for chronic enteritis and intestinal lymphoma are not well defined. An immediate diagnosis using cytology would benefit patients by enabling prompt initiation of therapy. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between the results of endoscopic cytology and histopathology. In this study, 167 dogs with clinical signs of chronic gastrointestinal disease were included. On the basis of histopathology, the following diagnoses were determined: lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis in 93 dogs; eosinophilic enteritis in 5 dogs; small cell intestinal lymphoma in 45 dogs; and large cell intestinal lymphoma in 24 dogs. Two clinical pathologists retrospectively evaluated the endoscopic cytology of squash-smear preparations. The cytologic diagnoses of inflammation, small cell lymphoma, and large cell lymphoma were based on the severity of lymphocyte infiltration, the size of infiltrated lymphocytes, and eosinophil/mast cell infiltration. The clinical severity score was significantly increased along with the degree of lymphocyte infiltration evaluated by cytology. The cytologic diagnosis was in complete agreement with the histopathologic diagnosis in 136 of 167 (81.4%) cases. For the differentiation between enteritis and lymphoma, endoscopic cytology had a sensitivity of 98.6%, a specificity of 73.5%, a positive predictive value of 72.3%, and a negative predictive value of 98.6%. The log-rank test and Cox regression analysis showed that the results of cytology predicted the prognosis. These results suggest that endoscopic cytology is a useful technique to aid diagnosis of intestinal inflammation and lymphoma in dogs.

Epidemiological study of gastric Helicobacter spp. in dogs with gastrointestinal disease in Japan and diversity of Helicobacter heilmannii sensu stricto

Epidemiological and pathological studies of Helicobacter spp. in canine stomachs in Japan were performed to investigate strain specific pathogenicity. Gastric biopsies from 144 dogs with gastrointestinal diseases were evaluated for the presence of Helicobacter spp. using genus and species specific PCRs for Helicobacter felis, Helicobacter bizzozeronii, Helicobacter heilmannii sensu stricto (s.s.) and Helicobacter pylori. PCR indicated that 50/144 (34.7%) dogs were infected with Helicobacter spp. Of the genus positive samples, 21/50 could not be amplified by any of the species specific PCRs. To investigate Helicobacter at the species level, partial ureAB gene sequences from 48/50 genus positive samples were determined; 47 strains were identified. Thirty-five strains from 45 cases were closely related to H. heilmannii s.s. (89-99% sequence similarity), seven strains from seven cases were closely related to H. bizzozeronii (95-99% sequence similarity), three strains from three cases were closely related to Helicobacter felis (86%, 98% and 99% sequence similarity), one strain from one case was closely related to Helicobacter salomonis (99% sequence similarity) and one strain from one case was closely related to H. pylori (99% sequence similarity). Dogs infected with Helicobacter spp. most similar to H. heilmannii s.s. had a higher frequency of moderate to severe gastritis than dogs negative for Helicobacter spp. (P=0.044). In conclusion, the predominant Helicobacter spp. detected in canine stomachs in our study were most closely related to H. heilmannii s.s. and displayed substantial genetic diversity. Infection with Helicobacter spp. may be associated with more severe gastritis in dogs.

Adenocarcinoma of Barrett's esophagus in a dog

An endoscopic examination revealed a mass in the distal esophagus of a 9-year-old intact male bulldog. Histopathologically, the mass was composed of cuboidal to columnar neoplastic epithelial cells and extended from the squamous epithelium of the esophageal mucosa, indicating that the tumor was derived from Barrett’s esophagus. Moreover, highly atypical foci that exhibited a cribriform pattern and high mitotic indices were also observed. The epithelial cells on the surface of the lesion often produced mucus that was positive for Alcian blue and immunohistochemically positive for MUC5AC. The neoplastic epithelial cells were diffusely positive for cytokeratin 7 and p53, and occasionally positive for cytokeratin 20. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as an adenocarcinoma. This report describes the clinical and pathological features of a spontaneous case of adenocarcinoma of Barrett’s esophagus in a dog.

Epidemiological study on feline gastric Helicobacter spp. in Japan

Epidemiological and pathological studies on Helicobacter spp. in feline stomachs in Japan were conducted using genus- and species-specific (H. felis, H. bizzozeronii, H. heilmannii sensu stricto [s.s.] and H. pylori) polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), ureAB gene sequencing and histopathology. PCR results showed that 28 of 56 cats were infected with Helicobacter spp., and H. heilmannii s.s. was the most prevalent species by both PCR (28/28) and ureAB gene sequencing (26/28). Some of the sequences showed high similarities with those from human patients with gastric diseases (99%). There were no significant differences between Helicobacter spp.-positive and -negative cats in the severity of chronic gastritis (P=0.69). This is the first extensive epidemiological study on feline gastric Helicobacter spp. in Japan.

Bile acid composition of gallbladder contents in dogs with gallbladder mucocele and biliary sludge

OBJECTIVE To examine bile acid composition of gallbladder contents in dogs with gallbladder mucocele and biliary sludge. ANIMALS 18 dogs with gallbladder mucocele (GBM group), 8 dogs with immobile biliary sludge (i-BS group), 17 dogs with mobile biliary sludge (m-BS group), and 14 healthy dogs (control group). PROCEDURES Samples of gallbladder contents were obtained by use of percutaneous ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis or during cholecystectomy or necropsy. Concentrations of 15 bile acids were determined by use of highperformance liquid chromatography, and a bile acid compositional ratio was calculated for each group. RESULTS Concentrations of most bile acids in the GBM group were significantly lower than those in the control and m-BS groups. Compositional ratio of taurodeoxycholic acid, which is 1 of 3 major bile acids in dogs, was significantly lower in the GBM and i-BS groups, compared with ratios for the control and m-BS groups. The compositional ratio of taurocholic acid was significantly higher and that of taurochenodeoxycholic acid significantly lower in the i-BS group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, concentrations and fractions of bile acids in gallbladder contents were significantly different in dogs with gallbladder mucocele or immobile biliary sludge, compared with results for healthy control dogs. Studies are needed to determine whether changes in bile acid composition are primary or secondary events of gallbladder abnormalities.

Analysis of serum corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme in dogs with hepatobiliary diseases

OBJECTIVE

To reveal the relationship between canine corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme activity and hepatobiliary diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of the relationship between serum corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase activity and diagnosis, serum cortisol concentration and alanine transferase activity in dogs with hepatobiliary diseases. Dogs with a history of glucocorticoid administration were excluded.

RESULTS

Seventy-two dogs with hepatobiliary diseases were analysed. The serum corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase concentration was increased in dogs with hepatobiliary diseases. There was no correlation between serum cortisol concentration and serum corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase percentage or activity.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Dogs with hepatobiliary disease can exhibit high serum alkaline phosphatase activity even if the dogs have not been administrated glucocorticoids and the serum cortisol concentration is normal.

Severity assessment in rabbits after partial hepatectomy: Part II

Although the recognition of pain, distress and discomfort has already been described in 1985 by Morton and Griffiths there is still very little known about the establishment of score sheets especially, regarding post-surgical pain and severity assessment for laboratory animals such as rabbits. In this paper we describe the estimation of severity and recovery status of 36 female New Zealand White rabbits (NZW) in a standardized liver resection model using two different adhesive treatments and one control group. Welfare was assessed at 3–4 consecutive days after surgery using a scoring system which included the following criteria: body weight, general state, clinical results, spontaneous behavior and clinical examination. Values could range from 0 to 20 where increasing values indicated increasing severity with a predefined humane endpoint for a score ≥20 points. Documented score points were almost exclusively a result of body weight loss, whereas clinical signs and general health status had no influence on the overall sum of points scored. Behavioral variation was solely observed postoperatively, within the first 24 h, with an average score ≤1. In contrast to the classification of a laparotomy as a moderate procedure in the EU Directive 2010/63 (annex VIII) the assessment herein presented showed a mild burden in all groups according to the scoring system used. The partial hepatectomy itself, as well as the adhesive treatment using either synthetic glue VIVO-107 or fibrin glue, were well tolerated.

Long-term management of a dog with idiopathic megaesophagus and recurrent aspiration pneumonia by use of an indwelling esophagostomy tube for suction of esophageal content and esophagogastric tube feeding

A 10-year-old neutered male Labrador Retriever dog was diagnosed with idiopathic megaesophagus. Despite receiving conventional treatments including elevated feeding, the dog showed repeated regurgitation and aspiration pneumonia, consequently developing weight loss and severe malnutrition. For the purpose of controlling regurgitation, an esophagostomy tube was placed for draining the esophageal fluid. Additionally, an esophagogastric tube was placed for nutritional support. After tube placement, the average frequency of regurgitation was reduced from 2.4 times a day to 0.1 times a day. The nutritional state of the dog improved gradually, and the body weight increased from 18.5 to 27.9 kg. The dog died on day 951, and necropsy revealed a gastric ulcer (2.5 cm in diameter), presumably esophagostomy tube-induced injury. This case report suggests that patients with idiopathic megaesophagus and persistent regurgitation might benefit from esophageal drainage through an esophagostomy tube.

Intranuclear inclusions in a dog with B-cell leukemia

A 7-year-old Shetland Sheepdog was presented with anorexia. A CBC indicated thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. Bone marrow cytology revealed that 67.7% of all nucleated cells (ANC) were anaplastic large mononuclear cells. These cells were confirmed to be of B-cell origin based on IgH rearrangement, immunohistochemical, and flow cytometric analysis. Microscopic examination revealed that the neoplastic cells had intranuclear inclusions resembling Dutcher bodies. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that the intranuclear inclusions were immunopositive for IgG antibodies. The periodic acid-Schiff reaction was negative for the presence of polysaccharides and related substances. Although the dog achieved complete remission with a multi-drug chemotherapy protocol, it ultimately died because of tumor progression and acute renal insufficiency on day 201. This is the first known case of canine acute B-cell leukemia with intranuclear inclusions resembling Dutcher bodies.

Assessment of severity and changes in C-reactive protein concentration and various biomarkers in dogs with pancreatitis

Canine pancreatitis is a relatively common disorder, and its mortality rate remains high. However, prognostic factors for pancreatitis based on evidence are limited. Moreover, the relationship between changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration—an important prognostic factor for human patients with acute pancreatitis—and the prognosis of dogs with pancreatitis has not been widely studied. Therefore, we examined prognostic factors for canine pancreatitis during the first medical examination and evaluated the usefulness of serial CRP measurements during hospitalization. Sixty-five dogs met the inclusion criteria, including 22 that were hospitalized and treated. In Study 1, a multivariate analysis revealed that three factors— decreased platelet count and a marked (greater than 1,000 µg/l) elevation of specific canine pancreatic lipase (Spec cPL) concentration at the first medical examination, as well as elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and/or creatinine (CRE) level—were significantly different between the survivors and nonsurvivors. Moreover, CRP concentrations on the third and fourth days were significantly different between the two groups in Study 2. An evaluation of the decreased platelet count, remarkable elevation of Spec cPL concentration at the first medical examination, elevation of BUN and/or CRE as well as serial CRP concentration measurements may be useful for predicting the prognosis of canine pancreatitis.

Detection of circulating tumor cells using GeneScan analysis for antigen receptor gene rearrangements in canine lymphoma patients

The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) serves as a prognostic marker and indicator of disease relapse, as well as a means of evaluating treatment efficacy in human and canine lymphoma patients. As an extension of our previous study for the construction of clinically useful GeneScan system, we utilized the GeneScan system for detecting CTCs in canine lymphoma patients. Samples from the primary lesion and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from 32 dogs with lymphoma at initial diagnosis. All samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for antigen receptor gene rearrangements (PARR) followed by GeneScan analysis. Common clonal rearrangements with identical amplified fragments were detected in both the primary lesion and PBMCs in 19 of the 32 dogs (59.4%). However, the detection rate of CTCs varied among the anatomical classification of lymphoma studied. GeneScan analysis following PARR would facilitate studies on determining the clinical significance of CTCs in canine lymphoma patients.

Recent developments of ion sources for life-science studies at the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba (invited)

With about 1000-h of relativistic high-energy ion beams provided by Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba, about 70 users are performing various biology experiments every year. A rich variety of ion species from hydrogen to xenon ions with a dose rate of several Gy/min is available. Carbon, iron, silicon, helium, neon, argon, hydrogen, and oxygen ions were utilized between 2012 and 2014. Presently, three electron cyclotron resonance ion sources (ECRISs) and one Penning ion source are available. Especially, the two frequency heating techniques have improved the performance of an 18 GHz ECRIS. The results have satisfied most requirements for life-science studies. In addition, this improved performance has realized a feasible solution for similar biology experiments with a hospital-specified accelerator complex.