Malassezia dermatitis in dogs and cats

Malassezia are members of the mycobiome of dogs and cats. In the presence of an underlying disease, these yeasts can proliferate, attach to the skin or mucosa to induce a secondary Malassezia dermatitis, otitis externa or paronychia. Since allergic dermatitis is one of the most common underlying causes, diagnostic investigation for allergy is often indicated. Cats may suffer from various other underlying problems, especially where Malassezia dermatitis is generalised. Malassezia dermatitis in dogs and cats is chronic, relapsing and pruritic. Direct cytology from dermatological lesions and the ear canal, showing "peanut-shaped" budding yeasts, facilitates a rapid and reliable diagnosis. Topical treatment includes antiseptic and antifungal azole-based products. Systemic treatment with oral antifungals is indicated only in severe or refractory disease. Identification and treatment of the underlying cause is essential for an optimal response. In this evidence-based narrative review, we discuss the clinical presentation of Malassezia dermatitis in dogs and cats, underlying comorbidities, and diagnostic considerations. Treatment is discussed in light of emerging evidence of antifungal resistance and the authors' clinical experience.

Locking conical coupling plates in small animal orthopedics: A review

Conical coupling locking plates (CCP) have become an interesting alternative in veterinary orthopedics and traumatology. Available data in this regard, however, must be interpreted with caution, and several studies are still required to reach definitive conclusions on the clinical use of these implants. In this context, this review aims to discuss CCP applications and mechanical aspects in small animals and summarize in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo study results.

Imaging techniques in veterinary medicine. Part II: Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine

Radiography and ultrasonography are the most used techniques in veterinary clinical practice, due to organizational, managerial and, mostly, economic reasons. However, in the last decades, Computed tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and, to a lesser extent, Nuclear Medicine (MN) are increasingly used. As we said in the previous article, all the Diagnostic Imaging techniques are actually "indispensable" in Veterinary Medicine, where many patients do not show any symptoms.This second part describes Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance (MRI) and Nuclear Medicine techniques in Veterinary Medicine are described.

Small animal models of thermal injury

Burns are a severe form of trauma that account for 1.1 million cases necessitating medical attention and 4500 mortalities annually in the United States alone. Importantly, the initial trauma is succeeded by extensive, prolonged physiological alterations that detrimentally impact multiple organ systems. Given the complexity of post-burn pathophysiology, in vitro experiments are insufficient to model thermal injuries. Therefore, compatible animal burn models are essential for studying burn-related phenomena. In this chapter, we discuss commonly employed small animal burn models and their comparability and applicability to human studies. In particular, we compare post-burn wound healing between the species as well as relevant hypermetabolic and inflammatory characteristics, providing a better understanding of the pros and cons of utilizing a small animal surrogate for human burns. We further provide an overview of the rodent scald burn model methodology as well as a comparison between elderly, aged and young animals, providing a guide for tailoring animal model choice based on the relevant research question.

Imaging techniques in Veterinary Medicine. Part I: Radiography and Ultrasonography

In Veterinary Medicine all the Imaging techniques are used and described but, due to organizational, managerial and, mostly, economical reasons, Radiography and Ultrasonography are the most used.

Veterinary Radiology teaching has a relatively small number of educational credits in the degree courses but, nowday, educational opportunities are remarkably increased thanks to a number of post-degree courses and masters, organized both by the universities and private veterinary associations. The relevance of Diagnostic Imaging is particularly true in Veterinary Medicine, in which Radiology could be considered “indispensable” for diagnosis, prognosis and follow up. Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that the diagnostic image represents a “document” and, has a relevant role in legal medical debats.

In this first part, Radiography and Ultrasonography are described.

A broad tuneable birdcage coil for mouse 1H/19F MR applications

In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a ¹H/¹⁹F volume coil for mouse body magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and spectroscopy using a high magnetic field (4.7 T). By changing the geometry of the coil rungs to include both nuclei for MR experiments, this innovative coil can be tuned over an extremely wide range of frequency. The coil, 45 mm in diameter and 55 mm in length, consists of a 12-rung birdcage-like structure. Using two types of tuning, the coil can generate a sufficiently homogeneous B₁⁺ electromagnetic field within a working volume optimized for laboratory mouse. The first tuning involves changing the resonance frequency over a large frequency range. The electrical capacitance between the wires can be adjusted to reflect changes in the length of the coil. The second tuning comprises a habitual tuning transformer for precise detection in a narrow band. In contrast to widely used multinuclear coils, the coil presented here features only one resonance peak and can be manipulated according to the Larmor frequencies given for ¹H and ¹⁹F. The coil was successfully tested using full-wave simulations of magnetic and electric field distributions under in vivo MR conditions.

Diffusion-weighted MRI in neurodegenerative and psychiatric animal models: Experimental strategies and main outcomes

Preclinical MRI approaches constitute a key tool to study a wide variety of neurological and psychiatric illnesses, allowing a more direct investigation of the disorder substrate and, at the same time, the possibility of back-translating such findings to human subjects. However, the lack of consensus on the optimal experimental scheme used to acquire the data has led to relatively high heterogeneity in the choice of protocols, which can potentially impact the comparison between results obtained by different groups, even using the same animal model. This is especially true for diffusion-weighted MRI data, where certain experimental choices can impact not only on the accuracy and precision of the extracted biomarkers, but also on their biological meaning. With this in mind, we extensively examined preclinical imaging studies that used diffusion-weighted MRI to investigate neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in rodent models. In this review, we discuss the main findings for each preclinical model, with a special focus on the analysis and comparison of the different acquisition strategies used across studies and their impact on the heterogeneity of the findings.

Locoregional Anesthesia of the Thoracic Limbs and Thorax in Small Animals

The incorporation of nerve stimulation and ultrasound guidance to veterinary regional anesthesia allows accurate performance of techniques to block the thoracic limb and the thorax. When performed correctly, regional anesthesia can either constitute an alternative to the use of opioids and other systemic analgesics, or have a significant opioid-sparing effect. This article provides an overview of some techniques described using objective methods of nerve location, which can be used to provide perioperative locoregional anesthesia and analgesia to the thoracic limb and thorax. The approaches described may be used to decrease the perioperative use of opioids in small animals.

Identification and molecular epidemiology of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strains isolated from canine clinical samples in Argentina

BACKGROUND

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the leading cause of pyoderma in dogs and the frequent use of antimicrobial treatment is associated to the development of resistance to nearly all classes of antibiotics. Despite S. pseudintermedius significance, our understanding of the molecular mechanism of β-lactam resistance and its genetic diversity remains limited. We aimed to: i) determine the phenotypic resistance profile of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) isolated from infected dogs in three different veterinary hospitals in Buenos Aires, Argentina; ii) identify the SCCmec elements and resistance genes; and iii) analyze the clonal relationship between isolates and in regard of dominant lineages found in the world.

RESULTS

In addition to the differential levels of β-lactam resistance, MRSP isolates (n = 10) showed resistance to 5-6 families of antibiotics, and were therefore categorized as multidrug-resistant. All the isolates were variant of SCCmec V homologous to S. aureus; additional SCCmecFinder analysis classified five of the genomes as SCCmec type V (5C2&5) with mecA (encodes for PBP2a), mecRI and mecI and all the genes closely related to the reference SCCmec type V S. aureus TSGH17 strain. In the remaining five strains, mecA was present, although other genes associated with SCCmec V including mecR1 and mecI were missing. PBP2a was inducible in low level resistance strains (MRSP 8151), and constitutively expressed in MRSP 8150, suggesting different mecA regulatory mechanisms. MRSP isolates showed significant genetic diversity: eight PFGE clonal types and six multilocus-sequence typing (MLST) sequence types (STs) (339, 649, 919, 920, 921 and 922), including four new STs genetically distinct from STs reported in other geographic areas. Comparative genomics and phylogenetic analyses of the MRSP showed a correlation between the genetic content and the phenotypes, and established the genetic relationship between the isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

MRSP could be a threat to animal health due to it concerning level of antimicrobial resistance. Our study highlights genetic and epidemiological aspects of multidrug-resistant MRSP strains from Argentina showing high degree of correlation between the resistance genes and the phenotype of the isolates and, furthermore, they appeared evolutionary closer to major worldwide reported ST68 and ST71.

Comparison of T1wFLAIR and T1wTSE sequences in imaging the brain of small animals using high-field MRI

Background

T1w turbo spin echo (TSE) represents a fundamental sequence in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols investigating the brain. Recent human literature has reported T1w Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery’s (FLAIR’s), superiority to T1wTSE in relation to tissue contrast for grey-to-white matter (GM-WM) and lesion-to-WM, although conflicting results are reported concerning lesion detection.

To the author’s knowledge, T1wFLAIR has not been investigated in veterinary medicine. The aim of this prospective study was to determine quantitatively and qualitatively which sequence provides better overall better image quality both pre- and post-gadolinium.

Results

Twenty-eight animals underwent MRI of the brain with T1wTSE and T1wFLAIR sequences performed with equivalent mean acquisition times. Quantitative assessment of the sequences was undertaken using contrast-to-noise (CNR) and signal-to-noise (SNR) ratios from predefined locations. T1wFLAIR provided a better CNR compared to T1wTSE, while T1wTSE provided better SNR due to the higher noise levels of T1wFLAIR images. Qualitative assessment of the sequences was performed using Visual Grading Analysis Scoring (VGAS) for a number of criteria by three observers on two separate occasions. T1wFLAIR performed better for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) suppression, white-to-grey matter (WM-GM) and white matter-to-CSF (WM-to-CSF) definition in both pre- and post-contrast images whereas the T1wTSE sequence was less affected by noise levels. The individual parameter for overall image quality found no significant difference between the two sequences. However, the composite VGAS favored T1wFLAIR as the preferred sequence. Although case numbers were insufficient for statistical analysis, comparison of the sequences indicates that lesion definition and margination was better in T1wFLAIR pre-contrast images, however post-contrast lesion detection was almost equivalent between sequences with slightly better margination in the T1wTSE sequence.

Conclusions

T1wFLAIR provides better CNR with better WM-GM and WM-CSF definition both pre- and post-contrast compared to T1wTSE albeit with a higher degree of noise; this was confirmed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Our results also suggest that T1wFLAIR is better for lesion detection and margination pre-contrast administration and sequences are relatively equivocal post-gadolinium administration although further research is required to determine the benefit that inversion recovery sequences make when investigating brain lesions in small animal MRI.

Accurate assessment of LV function using the first automated 2D-border detection algorithm for small animals - evaluation and application to models of LV dysfunction

Echocardiography is the most commonly applied technique for non-invasive assessment of cardiac function in small animals. Manual tracing of endocardial borders is time consuming and varies with operator experience. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate a novel automated two-dimensional software algorithm (Auto2DE) for small animals and compare it to the standard use of manual 2D-echocardiographic assessment (2DE). We hypothesized that novel Auto2DE will provide rapid and robust data sets, which are in agreement with manually assessed data of animals.2DE and Auto2DE were carried out using a high-resolution imaging-system for small animals. First, validation cohorts of mouse and rat cine loops were used to compare Auto2DE against 2DE. These data were stratified for image quality by a blinded expert in small animal imaging. Second, we evaluated 2DE and Auto2DE in four mouse models and four rat models with different cardiac pathologies.Automated assessment of LV function by 2DE was faster than conventional 2DE analysis and independent of operator experience levels. The accuracy of Auto2DE-assessed data in healthy mice was dependent on cine loop quality, with excellent agreement between Auto2DE and 2DE in cine loops with adequate quality. Auto2DE allowed for valid detection of impaired cardiac function in animal models with pronounced cardiac phenotypes, but yielded poor performance in diabetic animal models independent of image quality.Auto2DE represents a novel automated analysis tool for rapid assessment of LV function, which is suitable for data acquisition in studies with good and very good echocardiographic image quality, but presents systematic problems in specific pathologies.

Whole-body vibration on leg muscles thermography and femoral resistive index of in adult healthy dogs

This study aimed to assess the influence of WBV exercise on muscles by means of infrared thermography and on resistive index (RI) of the femoral artery. The hypothesis was that WBV exercise protocol will induce increase of the muscle activity detected through skin surface temperature change and decreased of RI with WBV exercise. Ten adult healthy medium dogs, were submitted to WBV session. Thermographic images were taken from regions of biceps femoris and vastus lateralis muscles. Triplex Doppler was used to assess RI of the femoral artery. Exams were performed before and immediately after WBV exercise sessions for five days, and RI of the femoral artery was evaluated 24 h after the last WBV session. There were no statistically significant differences between thermographic temperatures of regions of biceps femoris muscle and vastus lateralis muscle before and immediately after the WBV sessions. Significant differences were observed between the mean RI values before WBV sessions between day 1 and day 3, day 3 and day 5, and before and immediately after session on day 3; between before and immediately after session on day 2, day 3, day 4 and day 5; between before session between day 2 and day 6, day 3 and day 6, day 5 and day 6; and before and immediately after session on day 5. The WBV exercises during five uninterrupted days in adult healthy dogs do not alter significantly the skin temperatures over regions of biceps femoris and vastus lateralis muscles, and increase the femoral RI.

Evaluation of a commercial multi-dimensional echocardiography technique for ventricular volumetry in small animals

BACKGROUND

The assessment of ventricular volumes using conventional echocardiography methods is limited with regards to the need of geometrical assumptions. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate a novel commercial system for three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) in preclinical models by direct comparison with conventional 1D- and 2D-echocardiography (1DE; 2DE) and the gold-standard technique magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Further, we provide a standard operating protocol for image acquisition and analysis with 3DE.

METHODS

3DE was carried out using a 30 MHz center frequency transducer coupled to a Vevo®3100 Imaging System. We evaluated under different experimental conditions: 1) in vitro phantom measurements served as controlled setting in which boundaries were clearly delineated; 2) a validation cohort composed of healthy C57BL/6 J mice and New Zealand Obese (NZO) mice was used in order to validate 3DE against cardiac MRI; 3) a standard mouse model of pressure overload induced-heart failure was investigated to estimate the value of 3DE.

RESULTS

First, in vitro volumetry revealed good agreement between 3DE assessed volumes and the MRI-assessed volumes. Second, cardiac volume determination with 3DE showed smaller mean differences compared to cardiac MRI than conventional 1DE and 2DE. Third, 3DE was suitable to detect reduced ejection fractions in heart failure mice. Fourth, inter- and intra-observer variability of 3DE showed good to excellent agreement regarding absolute volumes in healthy mice, whereas agreement rates for the relative metrics ejection fraction and stroke volume demonstrated good to moderate observer variabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

3DE provides a novel method for accurate volumetry in small animals without the need for spatial assumptions, demonstrating a technique for an improved analysis of ventricular function. Further validation work and highly standardized image analyses are required to increase reproducibility of this approach.

Risk factors associated with feline urolithiasis

Urinary tract diseases are among the main reasons for consultation in veterinary clinics and hospitals. It affects animals of any age, breed and gender. Among the diseases that affect this system, urolithiasis is the second largest cause of clinical signs compatible with feline urinary tract disease. The term urolithiasis refers to the presence of uroliths in any region of the urinary tract, but it is more commonly seen in the bladder and urethra. Uroliths are classified based on the type of mineral present in their composition, therefore, quantitative and qualitative analyzes are important for a better therapeutic approach. The animals may suffer from the disease and be asymptomatic, or show nonspecific clinical signs, making the diagnosis difficult. The disease should not be seen as a single problem, but as a consequence of various disorders. As dietary, metabolic, genetic and infectious causes, as well as factors that potentiate the chance of development of uroliths such as breed, age, sex, age range, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, geographic region and climate. Thus, the knowledge of the factors that influence the formation of uroliths, as well as the understanding of the pathophysiology, are key elements for better alternatives of therapy and prevention. The recognition of these factors helps to identify susceptible populations, minimizing exposure and increasing the protection factors, which facilitates the diagnosis and treatment of patients with urolithiasis. The objective of this paper is to present the main risk factors involved in the formation of urinary lithiasis in felines.

Animal models of smoke inhalation injury and related acute and chronic lung diseases

Smoke inhalation injury leads to various acute and chronic lung diseases and thus is the dominant cause of fire-related fatalities. In a search for an effective treatment and validation of therapies different classes of animal models have been developed, which include both small and large animals. These models have advanced our understanding of the mechanism of smoke inhalation injury, enabling a better understanding of pathogenesis and pathophysiology and development of new therapies. However, none of the animal models fully mirrors human lungs and their pathologies. All animal models have their limitations in replicating complex clinical conditions associated with smoke inhalation injury in humans. Therefore, for a correct interpretation of the results and to avoid bias, a precise understanding of similarities and differences of lungs between different animal species and humans is critical. We have reviewed and presented comprehensive comparison of different animal models and their clinical relevance. We presented an overview of methods utilized to induce smoke inhalation injuries, airway micro-/macrostructure, advantages and disadvantages of the most commonly used small and large animal models.

The feasibility of contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the diagnosis of non-cardiac thoracic disorders of dogs and cats

BACKGROUND

This study describes the feasibility of Contrast Enhanced Ultrasonography (CEUS) in the diagnostic work-up of non-cardiac thoracic disorders of small animals. The second aim is to assess the usefulness of CEUS as a direct guide for sample procedures.

RESULTS

Forty animals, 28 dogs and 12 cats, were included in the study. Thoracic disorders included 23 pulmonary lesions [primary carcinoma (14), lymphoma (1), sarcoma (1), histiocytic sarcoma (1), abscess (1) and pneumonia (5)] and 17 mediastinal lesions [lymphoma (8), thymoma (3), mesothelioma (1), melanoma (1), carcinomatous lymphadenopathy (1), mixsosarcoma (1), lipoma (1), and abscess (1)]. The majority of neoplastic pulmonary lesions showed an inhomogeneous distribution of contrast medium, whereas inflammatory lesions had a homogenous distribution with typical pulmonary vessels ramification. The majority of mediastinal malignant lesions showed an inhomogeneous distribution pattern. The lung and mediastinal abscesses had peripheral enhancement of the wall with an avascular center. All cytological and biopsy samples obtained after CEUS were diagnostic. Quantitative analysis, performed in 19/23 pulmonary lesions, showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001) between the arrival time of the malignant (7.27 s - range 4.46-13.52 s) and benign (4.52 s - range 2.87-6.06 s) pulmonary lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

CEUS may be a useful tool for the evaluation of non-cardiac thoracic lesions. The contrast medium allows for the precise definition of lesion edges, the presence of necrotic areas, and the distribution of pulmonary vessels. Based on our preliminary results, the use of ultrasonographic contrast medium can be recommended for improving the diagnostic usefulness of cytology and biopsy sampling, because CEUS may help to define necrotic areas from viable tissue.

Fluid and Electrolyte Therapy During Vomiting and Diarrhea

Fluid therapy is generally the most life saving and important therapeutic measure in a critical pet suffering from dehydration due to gastrointestinal losses (vomiting and/or diarrhea). Fluid therapy should be personalized to the patient's history, complaint, physical examination and laboratory findings. It is directed to the patients needs and modified based of the physical and laboratory findings until fluid therapy resuscitation end points are achieved.

A Quick Reference on Anion Gap and Strong Ion Gap

Metabolic acid-base disorders are common in emergency and critically ill patients. Clinicians may have difficulty recognizing their presence when multiple acid-base derangements are present in a single patient simultaneously. The anion gap and the strong ion gap concepts are useful calculations to identify the components of complex metabolic acid-base associated to the presence of unmeasured anions. This article presents their definition, normal values, indications, limitations, and guidelines for interpretation of changes in the clinical setting.

Preliminary application of a single-port access technique for laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy in dogs

Laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy using single-portal access was performed in nine selected owned dogs admitted for elective ovariohysterectomy and the surgical technique and outcomes were detailed. A multiport device (SILS Port, Covidien, USA) was placed at the umbilical area through a single 3 cm incision. Three cannulae were introduced in the multiport device through the access channels and laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy was performed using a 5-mm sealing device, a 5-mm articulating grasper and a 5-mm 30° laparoscope. The mean total operative time was 52.66±15.20 minutes and the mean skin incision during surgery was 3.09±0.20 cm. Of the nine cases examined, in the one with an ovarian tumour, the technique was converted to multiport laparoscopy introducing an additional 5-mm trocar. No surgical complications were encountered and intraoperative blood loss was minimum in all animals. Clashing of the instruments and reduced triangulation were the main limitations of this technique. The combination of articulated and straight instruments facilitated triangulation towards the surgical field and dissection capability. One month after surgery a complete wound healing was observed in all animals. The present data showed that ovariohysterectomy performed with a single-port access is technically feasible in dogs. The unique abdominal incision minimises the abdominal trauma with good cosmetic results.

Use of a Microsoft Excel based add-in program to calculate plasma sinistrin clearance by a two-compartment model analysis in dogs

Assessment of renal function by means of plasma clearance of a suitable marker has become standard procedure for estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Sinistrin, a polyfructan solely cleared by the kidney, is often used for this purpose. Pharmacokinetic modeling using adequate software is necessary to calculate disappearance rate and half-life of sinistrin. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of a Microsoft excel based add-in program to calculate plasma sinistrin clearance, as well as additional pharmacokinetic parameters such as transfer rates (k), half-life (t1/2) and volume of distribution (Vss) for sinistrin in dogs with varying degrees of renal function.

Investigating common clinical presentations in first opinion small animal consultations using direct observation

Understanding more about the clinical presentations encountered in veterinary practice is vital in directing research towards areas relevant to practitioners. The aim of this study was to describe all problems discussed during a convenience sample of consultations using a direct observation method. A data collection tool was used to gather data by direct observation during small animal consultations at eight sentinel practices. Data were recorded for all presenting and non-presenting specific health problems discussed. A total of 1901 patients were presented with 3206 specific health problems discussed. Clinical presentation varied widely between species and between presenting and non-presenting problems. Skin lump, vomiting and inappetence were the most common clinical signs reported by the owner while overweight/obese, dental tartar and skin lump were the most common clinical examination findings. Skin was the most frequently affected body system overall followed by non-specific problems then the gastrointestinal system. Consultations are complex, with a diverse range of different clinical presentations seen. Considering the presenting problem only may give an inaccurate view of the veterinary caseload, as some common problems are rarely the reason for presentation. Understanding the common diagnoses made is the next step and will help to further focus questions for future research.

Biomarkers for neural injury and infection in small animals

Cross-sectional imaging techniques have facilitated diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, there is still frequently a lack of definition of the cause of neurologic lesions, because tissue sampling from the pathologic site is often difficult and there are few clinical diagnostic tools to assist diagnosis. Biomarkers can assist in understanding the cause, diagnosis, severity, and prognosis for neural injury. Integration of conventional testing and new diagnostic techniques will overcome shortcomings in understanding infectious diseases of the CNS. Diagnostic tests may be limited by poor positive and negative predictive values, which must be recognized when interpreting test results.

Qualitative study of factors associated with antimicrobial usage in seven small animal veterinary practices in the UK

Responsible use of antimicrobials by veterinarians is essential to contain antimicrobial resistance in pathogens relevant to public health. Inappropriate antimicrobial use has been previously described in practice. However, there is scarce information on factors influencing antimicrobial usage in dogs and cats. We investigated intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing decision-making of antimicrobial usage in first opinion small animal practices in the UK through the application of qualitative research methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 veterinarians from seven veterinary first opinion practices in the UK in 2010. Topics investigated included: a) criteria used for selection of antimicrobials, b) influences by colleagues, c) influences by clients, d) pet characteristics, e) sources of knowledge, f) awareness of guidelines and g) protocols implemented in practice that may affect antimicrobial usage by veterinarians. Hypothetical scenarios selected to assess appropriateness of antimicrobial usage were: a) vomiting in a Yorkshire Terrier due to dietary indiscretion, b) deep pyoderma in a Shar-Pei, c) Feline Lower Urinary Tract disease in an 7 year-old male neutered cat and d) neutering of a 6-months dog. Interviews were recorded and transcribed by the interviewer. Thematic analysis was used to analyse content of transcribed interviews. Data management and analysis was conducted with qualitative analysis software NVivo8 (QSR International Pty Ltd). Antimicrobial usage by participants was influenced by factors other than clinical evidence and scientific knowledge. Intrinsic factors included veterinarian's preference of substances and previous experience. Extrinsic factors influencing antimicrobial selection were; perceived efficacy, ease of administration of formulations, perceived compliance, willingness and ability to treat by pet owners, and animal characteristics. Cost of therapy was only perceived as an influential factor in low, mixed socioeconomic areas. Veterinarians had limited awareness of current recommendations for responsible use in small animal practice. Social norms, particularly verbally agreed protocols influenced veterinarians. Inappropriate antimicrobial usage was identified in the therapy of non-infectious diseases and prophylaxis of routine clean surgical procedures. Discussion of clinical cases with peers and effectiveness meetings in the workplace were useful to veterinarians to share scientific knowledge. Effectiveness meetings can be a common ground for veterinarians to discuss and agree protocols for clinical conditions and surgical procedures. Protocols should be evidence-based, follow current recommendations and take into account the resources available in the workplace. Targeted training of veterinarians in the workplace with peer support should be used to promote responsible antimicrobial usage.

Echocardiographic integrated backscatter for the differentiation between aortic valve calcification and valvular myxoid degeneration in rats

AIMS

Calcification is an independent predictor of mortality in aortic valve (AV) stenosis. Echocardiographic calibrated integrated backscatter (cIB) is a promising parameter for quantifying AV calcification. However, the ability of cIB to differentiate between calcification and valvular thickening has been questioned. Therefore, we aimed to use cIB to study AV calcification compared with non-calcified AV thickening in rats, with histology as reference.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty male Wistar rats were studied. Group 1 (N = 6) received subcutaneous (SC) serotonin injections (60 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks to induce myxoid non-calcified AV thickening. Group 2 (N = 7) received vitamin D3 (25,000 UI/kg/day) SC to induce AV calcification, and Group 3 (N = 7) received only vehicle SC for 10 weeks. cIB of the AV was calculated at the end of the study, followed by measurement of the percentage of the histological AV calcification. At the end of the study, cIB values and calcification percentages were significantly higher in vitamin D3-injected rats compared with serotonin-injected rats and controls. There was no significant difference in cIB values between serotonin-injected rats and controls (vitamin D3: 21.5 ± 3.0 dB*; serotonin: 11.8 ± 3.1 dB; control: 10.3 ± 3.4 dB; *P < 0.05). The percentage of histological calcification was significantly higher in the vitamin D3 group compared with the other groups. Serotonin-injected rats developed significant AV thickening.

CONCLUSION

Increased cIB values of the AV are related to increased calcification at histology and not to myxoid non-calcified valvular thickening. Therefore, cIB may be considered as a sensitive technique to quantify calcification of AV rather than for detecting non-calcified valvular thickening.

Veterinarians' role for pet owners facing pet loss

Owners' satisfaction with, and expectations from, their veterinarians around euthanasia, including questions on disposal of pet remains subject to animal species, clients' gender, age, family conditions, area of living and type of veterinary clinic visited were evaluated by questionnaire. Questionnaires were to be filled out by clients consecutively visiting the individual practices and hospitals for any kind of consultations. Of 2350 questionnaires distributed, 2008 were returned and available for analysis. Owner satisfaction concerning the procedure of euthanasia was high (92 per cent, 1173/1272). After the event of euthanasia, 14 per cent (170/1250) had changed their veterinarian, even though 75 per cent of these 170 had been satisfied with the procedure. Most owners (88 per cent) expected veterinarians to talk about their pet's final destination, and 38 per cent expected this to happen early in the pet's life. For 81 per cent clients, the veterinarian was the primary informant about the possibilities concerning the disposal of pet remains, and 33 per cent indicated their veterinarian as the contact person to talk about pet loss. Area of living, or veterinary specialisation, only marginally influenced the answers. Veterinarians play an important role to inform their clients concerning questions around euthanasia and the care of pet remains, and to support them during the process of mourning.