Serological survey of canine vector-borne diseases in Saskatchewan, Canada

Whole blood samples were collected from 515 dogs in the practice region surrounding Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada between 2008 and 2010 and evaluated for seroprevalence of vector-borne diseases. Of 515 samples, 12 (2.3%) were positive, with 7 (1.4%) positive for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. These prevalences are higher than those previously reported for this region.

Effects of alfaxalone, thiopental, or propofol and diazepam on laryngeal motion in healthy dogs

Laryngeal function is assessed by direct visualization of the larynx under a light plane of anesthesia. This study compared the effects of 3 anesthetic protocols on arytenoid motion in healthy dogs. Eight dogs were randomly assigned to receive alfaxalone, propofol and diazepam, or thiopental. Videolaryngoscopy was performed and still images at maximum inspiration and expiration were used to measure the area and height of the glottal gap. The normalized glottal gap area (NGGA = area in pixels/height²) was calculated. The NGAA change was defined as the difference between NGAA during inspiration and exhalation. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. No significant difference among induction protocols was found when comparing NGGA change after induction or before recovery. Alfaxalone and propofol/diazepam are useful for evaluation of laryngeal function when administered to effect and a light plane of anesthesia is maintained.

The effect of 3 resuscitative fluid therapies on hemostasis as measured by rotational thromboelastometry in dogs

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that administration of intravenous fluids impairs hemostasis. Thromboelastometry (TEM) may provide a more sensitive measure of the fluid effects on hemostasis than traditional coagulation tests.

OBJECTIVE

The study aim was to determine if resuscitative fluid therapy affects hemostasis, as measured by TEM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a randomized crossover design, 6 healthy dogs were administered intravenous colloid, crystalloid, and hypertonic saline at therapeutic doses. Whole blood samples were taken at baseline, 1, 4, and 8 h posttreatment for TEM analysis and measurement of PT, APTT, and fibrinogen. Univariate ANOVA on transformed data evaluated differences between groups and within groups. When significant differences were noted (P = .003), a Tukey test was performed.

RESULTS

A statistically significant interaction between individual dogs and treatment was noted for most TEM variables. There was a significant decrease in clot firmness from baseline in the TEM assessment of the intrinsic pathway. Colloid treatment correlated with significantly higher clot firmness in the TEM extrinsic pathway assessment, which decreased over time, and PT was significantly shorter in colloid-treated dogs. Overall, PT was significantly prolonged at one hour; however, all PT values were within the RI. The fibrinogen concentration was significantly different between all treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically relevant doses of resuscitative fluids resulted in a decreased clot firmness in the intrinsic pathway, as measured by TEM, which affected hemostatic variables in healthy dogs. There was also a significant individual response to treatment. The changes noted in this study are not expected to result in clinically apparent bleeding.

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) infection in association with acute gastroenteritis in 7 dogs from Saskatchewan

Seven dogs diagnosed with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) infection in association with acute gastroenteritis are described. Disease severity ranged from mild in adults to fatal disease in young dogs. Enteropathogenic E. coli infection should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in dogs with diarrhea.

Constant rate infusion of glucagon as an emergency treatment for hypoglycemia in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 3-year-old female domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) with an insulinoma was treated because of a hypoglycemic crisis prior to scheduled pancreatectomy with concurrent nodulectomy.

CLINICAL FINDINGS

Previously, the ferret had clinical signs of lethargy and hind limb weakness; at that time, blood glucose concentration was low, and a tentative diagnosis (subsequently confirmed) of insulinoma was made. Prednisolone treatment (0.3 mg/kg [0.14 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h) did not improve clinical signs; the dosage was gradually increased over a 1-month course (1.8 mg/kg [0.82 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h) and maintained for 10 days. Overall, the treatment was ineffective, and the ferret remained lethargic and developed inappetence. At a reevaluation, the ferret had severe weakness and nonresponsiveness nearing a comatose state. Standard treatment with dextrose (1 mL of 50% solution, IV), and dexamethasone (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], SC) was administered with resultant improvement in mentation. The ferret was discharged from the hospital and then returned 3 days later for stabilization prior to pancreatectomy with concurrent nodulectomy.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME

The day before surgery, the ferret was administered a glucagon constant rate infusion at a rate of 15 ng/kg/min (6.8 ng/lb/min), which resulted in an increase in blood glucose concentration to a euglycemic state and resolution of clinical signs of hypoglycemia.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

As illustrated by the case described in this report, a glucagon constant rate infusion can be used successfully for the emergency treatment of hyperinsulinemic-hypoglycemic crisis in insulinomic ferrets.

A survey of intestinal parasites in dogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Fresh fecal samples from 124 apparently healthy dogs and 333 random source canine fecal samples from dog walking areas were analyzed by centrifuged flotation in Sheather's solution to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Fecal flotation was positive in 4.4% of samples. Roundworm species were found in 1.5% of samples, hookworm species were found in 0.4% of samples, whipworm species were found in 0.7%, Strongyloides spp. were found in 0.6%, Giardia spp., Cystoisospora spp., and Alaria spp. were found in 0.4% of samples.

Central nervous system blastomycosis in a dog

An adult golden retriever was presented for progressive neurologic dysfunction. Clinical examination suggested brainstem disease. Blastomycosis was diagnosed based on fine-needle aspiration cytology of a normal sized lymph node and a positive blastomycosis urine antigen test. Systemic blastomycosis with neurologic involvement was confirmed at necropsy.