The Social Ecology of Health Beliefs and Misinformation Framework: Examining the impact of misinformation on vaccine uptake through individual and sociological factors.

BACKGROUND: Misinformation presents a critical concern for academic and public health discourse, particularly around vaccine response. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy was responsible for decreased immunization uptake for vaccine-preventable diseases. Misinformation connected to the novel COVID-19 vaccine has further fueled vaccine hesitancy in Colorado and the United States. Our study brings together three different perspectives - physicians, public health professionals, and parents - to understand the impact of misinformation on vaccine uptake in Colorado. Our study proposes a framework for combining the Health Belief Model with the Socio-Ecological model to account for societal factors in healthcare decision making. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with public health professionals, physicians, and parents (n = 31) were conducted in late spring and summer 2022. Data were coded inductively using thematic analysis. Identified themes were deductively categorized according to the Socio-Ecological Model and Health Belief Model. RESULTS: Using a theoretical framework that combined the Health Belief Model and the Socio-Ecological Model, we identified seven factors that influenced vaccine hesitancy in Colorado. Intrapersonal factors included routine vaccine hesitancy connected to perceptions of severity and susceptibility, efficacy, and benefits and barriers to vaccine uptake; interpersonal factors included social networks; institutional factors included mass mediated platforms, portrayals of uncertainty, distrust in institutional sources of information, and political influences in vaccine decision making; and structural factors included economic barriers behind vaccine hesitancy. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides a unique, triangulated, post-positivist perspective on the role of misinformation in vaccine hesitancy in Colorado. The findings provide evidence that misinformation is an important barrier to vaccination uptake and can permeate multiple socio-ecological determinants/characteristics to influence vaccination behaviors including intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, and structural levels. We introduce the Social Ecology of Health Beliefs and Misinformation Framework to account for how misinformation may interrupt vaccine uptake.

Opportunities for Expanding Access to Veterinary Care: Lessons From COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted people and professions around the world, including veterinary medicine. The epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 broadened the definition of vulnerability in human populations, and the virus' economic impacts exacerbated well-established financial barriers to providing equal access to medical care. The objective of this study was to explore how the pandemic was impacting access to companion animal care in the months March-September of 2020, with a focus on traditionally vulnerable as well as newly vulnerable populations. Additionally, this study sought to identify areas on which the veterinary profession can focus in order to help increase access to veterinary care, including the veterinary school curriculum, continuing education, and telemedicine. We conducted surveys and interviews with animal owners (n = 1009), veterinarians and clinic staff (n = 516), and access to veterinary care organizations (n = 17). Collectively, these responses highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic created new, and amplified existing, issues with accessing and providing veterinary care. Three critical themes arose; (1) opportunities for further learning for the veterinary profession; including curricula around telemedicine, financially resilient business models and understanding health disparities and vulnerable populations; (2) a need for a network of collaboration and communication across veterinary clinics and access to care organizations and (3) future preparedness for health, economic or other crises response. Overall, the pandemic emphasized the complexity of access to care, as well as the role of veterinarians in public health. This information can be used to develop strategies to aid in increased access to veterinary care now and in the face of future disasters.

Environmental Sustainability in Veterinary Medicine: An Opportunity for Teaching Hospitals.

Climate change is one of the greatest public health threats of the twenty-first century. Recent surveys of veterinary students and practicing veterinarians have highlighted their concerns about the impacts of climate change on animal health and a strong desire to be knowledgeable about the practice and promotion of environmental sustainability within clinical practice. Most American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-accredited veterinary schools have a veterinary teaching hospital (VTH) where veterinary students receive their core clinical education. Given this, VTHs may provide opportunities for students to learn how veterinary clinics can decrease their environmental footprint and actions they could incorporate into their future clinical work. To assess the feasibility of and support for introducing environmentally sustainable practices into VTHs, we distributed an anonymous online survey to all AVMA-accredited veterinary schools with an associated VTH. Responses were received from 843 individuals representing 23 VTHs in 7 countries. While the overwhelming majority of responding personnel believe this is an important topic, there is little evidence that sustainable behaviors are being practiced or showcased within VTHs. Respondents were most interested in working to increase recycling and reduce general waste and energy consumption within their hospitals. In addition to a lack of educational resources, funding was a commonly identified barrier to incorporating more environmentally sustainable practices. These results add to the growing evidence that enhanced incorporation of sustainability into veterinary medical education at all stages is needed and that VTHs provide a unique opportunity to lead by example.

Cows as canaries: The effects of ambient air pollution exposure on milk production and somatic cell count in dairy cows.

Exposure to air pollution, including criteria pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3), has been associated with morbidity and mortality in mammals. As a genetically homogenous population that is closely monitored for health, dairy cattle present a unique opportunity to assess the association between changes in air pollution and mammalian health. Milk yield decreases in the summer if temperature and humidity, measured by the Temperature Humidity Index (THI). As O3 levels increase with warmer temperatures, and summer PM2.5 may increase with wildfire smoke, dairy cows may serve as a useful sentinel species to evaluate subacute markers of inflammation and metabolic output and ambient pollution. Over two years, we assessed summertime O3 and PM2.5 concentrations from local US EPA air quality monitors into an auto-regressive mixed model of the association between THI and daily milk production data and bulk tank somatic cell count (SCC). In unadjusted models, a 10 unit increase THI was associated with 28,700 cells/mL (95% CI: 17,700, 39,690) increase in SCC. After controlling for ambient air pollutants, THI was associated with a 14,500 SCC increase (95% CI: 3,400, 25,680), a 48% decrease in effect compared to the crude model. Further, in fully adjusted models, PM2.5 was associated with a 105,500 cells/mL (95% CI: 90,030, 121,050) increase in SCC. Similar results were found for milk production. Results were amplified when high PM2.5 days (95th percentile of observed values) associated with wildfire smoke were removed from the analyses. Our results support the hypothesis that PM2.5 confounds the relationships between THI and milk yield and somatic cell count. The results of this study can be used to inform strategies for intervention to mitigate these impacts at the dairy level and potentially contribute to a model where production animals can act as air quality sentinels.

A Systematic Review of Environmental Sustainability in Veterinary Practice.

A transition toward environmentally conscious business practices is underway in many sectors. For healthcare, the topic is both concerning and tragically ironic as hospitals have substantial environmental footprints, which are now known to contribute to significant health problems that the system itself was designed to treat. The human medical field has been proactive in taking steps to reduce waste and carbon emissions by identifying best practices to minimize such impacts. Characterization of needs and gaps has been addressed through reviews of the literature regarding environmental sustainability in the context of human hospitals. Our objective was to replicate methods used in a recent review of environmental sustainability in human hospitals to summarize information available to clinical veterinarians. Two search algorithms were used across 8 databases, however only 3 peer-reviewed opinion articles specific to veterinary medicine were identified. These papers included 1 on anesthesia and 2 on production animals. Interestingly, all articles were written by United Kingdom-based authors and none were specific to companion animal practice, the largest sector in the veterinary industry in the United States. Results of this review highlight need for research and communication that supports veterinary clinics in adopting more environmentally sustainable practices. Proposed starting points informed from research in other sectors, including 5 physical themes of energy efficiency, water, waste, sustainable procurement, and transportation, and human behavior changes on the individual, group, and organizational levels, are discussed. Additional work is needed to support veterinarians and other animal health professionals to practice medicine in a way that upholds the veterinary profession's oath to promote the health of animals, the public, and the environment we all share.

Veterinary-Prescribed Physical Activity: Feasibility and Acceptability among Veterinary Staff and Dog Owners.

Physical inactivity remains a global epidemic leading to an estimated 5 million preventable deaths per year. Although there exist numerous public-health campaigns aimed at increasing physical activity (PA), a potentially fruitful but underexplored avenue to promote both human and animal health is veterinary-prescribed PA programs. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of incorporating veterinary-prescribed PA programming into a diverse array of clinic settings. Participants (n = 722 veterinary-clinic staff (VS); n = 1028 dog owners (DOs)) completed an online survey assessing: (a) the perceived importance of PA for promoting health and preventing disease, (b) willingness to participate in a veterinary-prescribed PA program, and (c) potential benefits and barriers of such a program. Both groups of participants indicated that PA is important for both human and animal health (97% and 98% of VS and 92% and 93% of DOs said PA is very or extremely important for animal and human health, respectively). Additionally, most participants in both groups expressed an interest in participating in a veterinary-prescribed PA program in the future, with only 11% of DOs and 10% of VS saying they were not interested. Benefits and barriers of this type of intervention for both practitioners and patients were also identified. Incorporating veterinary-prescribed PA programming into veterinary clinics seems to be acceptable to both DOs and VS. Additionally, many VS believe such programming would be feasible at their clinics; thus, pursuing such programs appears to be a promising avenue for promoting human and animal health.

Client Choice May Provide an Economic Incentive for Veterinary Practices to Invest in Sustainable Infrastructure and Climate Change Education.

Objective: To assess how pet owners perceive the role of veterinary medicine in addressing climate change and animal health and determine if there is a client-driven economic incentive to establish sustainable veterinary business practices. Sample: 1,044 dog and/or cat owners residing in the United States who had used veterinary services within the last 3 years. Procedures: An online Amazon mTurk survey about climate change and the perceived effects on client-owned dogs and cats was distributed to pet owners. Results: Most respondents believe climate change is occurring, and two-thirds of pet owners would value knowing their veterinarian received training on the animal health impacts of climate change. Over half of the respondents would pay more for veterinary services at a clinic with a reduced environmental impact. Additionally, clients would value some form of sustainability certification to aid in identification of such practices. Demographic influences found to be statistically significant included age, political ideology and where one resides (i.e., urban, suburban, or rural) whereas gender and income level, were not found to be significant. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Our data suggest there is an economic incentive for veterinary professionals to be knowledgeable about the health impacts of climate change and to implement and market sustainable practice initiatives. Prioritizing sustainable practice initiatives and climate change education in veterinary practices has the potential to mutually benefit both practitioner and client through shared patient health and financial incentives.

Veterinarians in a Changing Global Climate: Educational Disconnect and a Path Forward.

Objective: To synthesize the beliefs, knowledge and interest of veterinarians on the relationship between veterinary medicine and climate change, with the intent to identify any educational gaps and opportunities. Sample: Responses from 560 U.S., and 54 non-U.S. veterinarians. Procedures: An anonymous, online survey of veterinarians was distributed through electronic media, state and professional associations, and a veterinary magazine advertisement. The survey was conducted between July 1st and December 31st of 2019. Results: Overall, veterinary respondents were confident that climate change is happening, is caused by human activities, and is impacting both human and animal health. Veterinarians also agreed that the profession should have an advocacy role in educating the public on climate change and its health impacts, particularly in clinical practices where environmental sustainability promotion can be shared with clients. Although veterinarians agreed the profession needs to be involved with climate change advocacy, most reported having had no educational opportunities within their veterinary medicine curriculum or access to continuing education on climate change. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The results highlight the need for the development of educational opportunities on the topic of climate change such that veterinarians are equipped to address their concerns about current and future animal health threats.

Ex vivo evaluation of a novel surgical guide on the accuracy of closing wedge osteotomies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of a novel surgical guide on the accuracy and technical difficulty of closing wedge osteotomies (CWO). STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Canine tibia models (n = 40). METHODS: A 20° cranial CWO (CCWO) was created without (standard procedure; STCCWO) or with the aid of a novel wedge osteotomy guide (WOCCWO). Procedures were performed by diplomate (n = 4) and resident (n = 6) surgeons, with each performing 2 STCCWO followed by 2 WOCCWO. To prevent bias, surgeons were unaware of the study purpose until after completing the STCCWO. The wedges were evaluated by comparing the deviation from the 20° target angle, divergence of the 2 osteotomies (osteotomy divergence angle [ODA]), and measurements of the wedge height at the caudomedial cortex (CMC) and caudolateral cortex (CLC). Technique difficulty was explored through a surgeon questionnaire. RESULTS: The WOCCWO resulted in smaller mean ODA (WOCCWO = 0.86°, SD ± 0.38°, P < .001), and smaller mean difference between CMC and CLC (WOCCWO = 0.29 mm, SD ± 0.19, P < .001) than for the STCCWO (4.22°, SD ± 2.16° and 1.39 mm, SD ± 0.65 respectively). Deviation from the target 20° wedge angle was greater after STCCWO (1.46°, SD ± 1.27°) than after WOCCWO (0.53°, SD ± 0.33°, P = .004). No difference was reported regarding the difficulty of the procedures, but resident surgeons stated that they were more likely to use the guide in a clinical setting compared with diplomates. CONCLUSION: The wedge osteotomy guide improved the accuracy of CCWO compared with standard technique. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The clinical significance of the differences detected in this study is unclear and warrants in vivo investigation.

Use of pressure mapping for quantitative analysis of pressure points induced by external coaptation of the distal portion of the pelvic limb of dogs.

OBJECTIVE To quantitatively measure the amount of pressure induced at the calcaneus and cranial tibial surface of dogs by use of 2 cast configurations. ANIMALS 13 client- or student-owned dogs. PROCEDURES Pressure sensors were placed over the calcaneus and cranial tibial surface. Dogs then were fitted with a fiberglass cast on a pelvic limb extending from the digits to the stifle joint (tall cast). Pressure induced over the calcaneus and proximal edge of the cast at the level of the cranial tibial surface was simultaneously recorded during ambulation. Subsequently, the cast was shortened to end immediately proximal to the calcaneus (short cast), and data acquisition was repeated. Pressure at the level of the calcaneus and cranial tibial surface for both cast configurations was compared by use of paired t tests. RESULTS The short cast created significantly greater peak pressure at the level of the calcaneus (mean ± SD, 0.2 ± 0.07 MPa), compared with peak pressure created by the tall cast (0.1 ± 0.06 MPa). Mean pressure at the proximal cranial edge of the cast was significantly greater for the short cast (0.2 ± 0.06 MPa) than for the tall cast (0.04 ± 0.03 MPa). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE A cast extended to the level of the proximal portion of the tibia caused less pressure at the level of the calcaneus and the proximal cranial edge of the cast. Reducing the amount of pressure at these locations may minimize the potential for pressure sores and other soft tissue injuries.

The method of attachment influences accelerometer-based activity data in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Accelerometer-based activity monitoring is a promising new tool in veterinary medicine used to objectively assess activity levels in dogs. To date, it is unknown how device orientation, attachment method, and attachment of a leash to the collar holding an accelerometer affect canine activity data. It was our goal to evaluate whether attachment methods of accelerometers affect activity counts. Eight healthy, client-owned dogs were fitted with two identical neck collars to which two identical activity monitors were attached using six different methods of attachment. These methods of attachment evaluated the use of a protective case, positioning of the activity monitor and the tightness of attachment of the accelerometer. Lastly, the effect of leash attachment to the collar was evaluated. For trials where the effect of leash attachment to the collar was not being studied, the leash was attached to a harness. Activity data obtained from separate monitors within a given experiment were compared using Pearson correlation coefficients and across all experiments using the Kruskal-Wallis Test. RESULTS: There was excellent correlation and low variability between activity monitors on separate collars when the leash was attached to a harness, regardless of their relative positions. There was good correlation when activity monitors were placed on the same collar regardless of orientation. There were poor correlations between activity monitors in three experiments: when the leash was fastened to the collar that held an activity monitor, when one activity monitor was housed in the protective casing, and when one activity monitor was loosely zip-tied to the collar rather than threaded on using the provided metal loop. Follow-up, pair-wise comparisons identified the correlation associated with these three methods of attachment to be statistically different from the level of correlation when monitors were placed on separate collars. CONCLUSIONS: While accelerometer-based activity monitors are useful tools to objectively assess physical activity in dogs, care must be taken when choosing a method to attach the device. The attachment of the activity monitor to the collar should utilize a second, dedicated collar that is not used for leash attachment and the attachment method should remain consistent throughout a study period.

Thoracoscopic Lung Lobectomy for Primary Lung Tumors in 13 Dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To report our experience with thoracoscopic lung lobectomy in dogs with primary lung tumors and compare the long-term outcome between dogs with primary lung tumors treated with lobectomy via thoracoscopy or thoracotomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series; case-control study. ANIMALS: Thirteen dogs with primary lung tumors treated with thoracoscopic lung lobectomy; case-matched cohort of 9 dogs with primary lung tumors treated with lobectomy via thoracotomy. METHODS: Medical records from dogs that underwent thoracoscopic lung lobectomy at a single institution were reviewed. Only cases with primary lung tumors were included. Surgical complications and conversion rate were reported. Cases without conversion and with clean margins on histologic examination were matched on prognostic criteria to cases with primary lung tumors treated with lobectomy via thoracotomy. Survival was compared between thoracoscopy and thoracotomy. RESULTS: Thirteen dogs with primary lung tumors that measured 2.2-7 cm underwent thoracoscopic lung lobectomy. Nine dogs were diagnosed with carcinoma and 4 with histiocytic sarcoma. There were 3 conversions to open thoracotomy because of poor visualization. There were no differences in short-term outcome between dogs that had their procedures completed via thoracoscopy and those that were converted to thoracotomy. Nine dogs with clean margins were matched with 9 dogs treated via thoracotomy. Mean (standard deviation) followup was 367 (327) days for dogs undergoing thoracoscopy and 603 (612) days for dogs undergoing thoracotomy. The 2-year survival rate was 44% for thoracoscopy and 56% for thoracotomy (P = .942). CONCLUSION: Selected primary lung tumors in dogs can be safely resected with thoracoscopy and not affect long-term outcome.

Evaluation of a novel canine activity monitor for at-home physical activity analysis.

BACKGROUND: Accelerometers are motion-sensing devices that have been used to assess physical activity in dogs. However, the lack of a user-friendly, inexpensive accelerometer has hindered the widespread use of this objective outcome measure in veterinary research. Recently, a smartphone-based, affordable activity monitor (Whistle) has become available for measurement of at-home physical activity in dogs. The aim of this research was to evaluate this novel accelerometer. Eleven large breed, privately owned dogs wore a collar fitted with both the Whistle device and a previously validated accelerometer-based activity monitor (Actical) for a 24-h time period. Owners were asked to have their dogs resume normal daily activities. Total activity time obtained from the Whistle device in minutes was compared to the total activity count from the Actical device. Activity intensity from the Whistle device was calculated manually from screenshots of the activity bars displayed in the smartphone-application and compared to the activity count recorded by the Actical in the same 3-min time period. RESULTS: A total of 3740 time points were compared. There was a strong correlation between activity intensity of both devices for individual time points (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.81, p < 0.0001). An even stronger correlation was observed between the total activity data between the two devices (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.925, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Activity data provided by the Whistle activity monitor may be used as an objective outcome measurement in dogs. The total activity time provided by the Whistle application offers an inexpensive method for obtaining at-home, canine, real-time physical activity data. Limitations of the Whistle device include the limited battery life, the need for manual derivation of activity intensity data and data transfer, and the requirement of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth availability for data transmission.

Classification and clinical features in 88 cases of equine cutaneous lymphoma.

Equine cutaneous lymphoma is an uncommon disease that can present with variable clinical signs, immunosuppression, and rapid systemic disease progression. Various subtypes of equine lymphoma have been described and classified according to a veterinary adaptation of the World Health Organization classification system, but little data is available regarding the association between lymphoma subtypes and epidemiological criteria and/or clinical outcome. The objective of the current study was to classify previously diagnosed cases of equine cutaneous lymphoma and correlate subtypes with clinical data to investigate epidemiological trends and prognostic implications. Results from the study confirm T-cell-rich, large B-cell lymphoma (TCRLBCL) as the predominant subtype in equine cutaneous lymphoma. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) was the second most common phenotype in the current study. To the authors' knowledge, a description of the morphological and immunohistochemical features of CTCL in horses, an epitheliotropic neoplasm similar to the cutaneous epitheliotropic lymphoma variant (mycosis fungoides) observed in human beings and canids, has not been previously described. Less common lymphoma subtypes identified in the study include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma. Quarter Horses almost exclusively developed TCRLBCL, while the frequency of CTCL was increased significantly in Thoroughbreds compared with other breeds. TCRLBCLs more frequently presented as multiple masses while CTCLs were more often solitary nodules. When multiple regions of the body were affected, 100% of cases were TCRBCL. Finally, there was an observable trend for longer survival in cases of TCRLBCL without local recurrence, suggesting adequate surgical excision may be an effective treatment modality.

Brucella placentitis and seroprevalence in northern fur seals ( Callorhinus ursinus) of the Pribilof Islands, Alaska.

Brucella species infect a wide range of hosts with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. In mammals, one of the most significant consequences of Brucella infection is reproductive failure. There is evidence of Brucella exposure in many species of marine mammals, but the outcome of infection is often challenging to determine. The eastern Pacific stock of northern fur seals (NFSs, Callorhinus ursinus) has declined significantly, spawning research into potential causes for this trend, including investigation into reproductive health. The objective of the current study was to determine if NFSs on St. Paul Island, Alaska have evidence of Brucella exposure or infection. Archived DNA extracted from placentas ( n = 119) and serum ( n = 40) samples were available for testing by insertion sequence (IS) 711 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the Brucella microagglutination test (BMAT), respectively. As well, placental tissue was available for histologic examination. Six (5%) placentas were positive by PCR, and a single animal had severe placentitis. Multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis profiles were highly clustered and closely related to other Brucella pinnipedialis isolates. A single animal was positive on BMAT, and 12 animals had titers within the borderline range; 1 borderline animal was positive by PCR on serum. The findings suggest that NFSs on the Pribilof Islands are exposed to Brucella and that the organism has the ability to cause severe placental disease. Given the population trend of the NFS, and the zoonotic nature of this pathogen, further investigation into the epidemiology of this disease is recommended.

In vitro incidence of fibular penetration with and without the use of a jig during tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of fibular penetration during placement of the Synthes® locking TPLO plate with and without the use of a jig. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric, experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cadaveric paired pelvic limbs (n = 8) from skeletally mature dogs. METHODS: Limbs were assigned to 1 of 2 groups (jig-less-TPLO = no jig used; jig-TPLO = jig used). Synthes® locking TPLO plates were applied using proximal screws of excessive length to facilitate identification of fibular penetration. Screw tip locations were identified by dissection and frequency of fibular penetration was compared between groups. RESULTS: None of the jig-TPLO limbs and 6 (75%) of jig-less-TPLO limbs had fibular penetration, a difference that was statistically significant. Fibular penetration was most frequently associated with the most proximal screw. CONCLUSIONS: A significantly higher incidence of fibular penetration occurs when Synthes® locking TPLO is performed without use of a jig.

Long digital extensor tendon mineralization and cranial cruciate ligament rupture in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical and histopathologic features of long digital extensor (LDE) tendon mineralization with concurrent cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture in a dog. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMAL: 1.5-year-old, male castrated, English bulldog mix weighing 31.5 kg. METHODS: Pre- and postoperative orthogonal radiographs, arthroscopic evaluation, arthrotomy with en bloc surgical excision, and histopathologic analysis of the excised LDE tendon. RESULTS: There was radiographic evidence of mineralization in the region of the proximal LDE and stifle instability suggestive of CCL rupture. Arthroscopy, and subsequent arthrotomy, showed complete tearing of the CCL and an intact but grossly thickened LDE. No evidence of avulsion or bony proliferation associated with the LDE was appreciated. Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and tenectomy of the LDE returned the dog to normal weight-bearing. No evidence of ectopic mineralization in the affected limb or similar clinical signs in the contralateral limb have been observed in 12 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: LDE tenectomy followed by stabilization of the stifle by TPLO resulted in a functional outcome. Mineralization without concurrent avulsion of the LDE has not been reported in dogs; however, posterolateral tendon injury in people has been linked to knee instability and cruciate ligament rupture.

Hepatic neosporosis in a dog treated for pemphigus foliaceus.

A 4-year-old, female, spayed Border Collie dog was presented for progressive lethargy, inappetence, and weakness of 4 days duration. The animal had been diagnosed with pemphigus foliaceus 3 months prior and was receiving combination immunosuppressive therapy. Serum biochemistry revealed severely elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin, and humane euthanasia was elected. Gross postmortem examination revealed a diffusely pale tan to slightly yellow, enlarged, markedly friable liver with an enhanced reticular pattern. Histologically, the hepatic changes consisted of multifocal to coalescing areas of severe vacuolar degeneration, numerous coalescing foci of hepatocellular necrosis, and myriad intra- and extracellular protozoa that reacted immunohistochemically with polyclonal antibodies to Neospora caninum, and not Toxoplasma gondii. Neosporosis in the current case is thought to be due to reactivation of latent N. caninum occurring with the administration of glucocorticoid therapy. The severe complication in the present case highlights the importance of early detection and mitigation of common infections in immunosuppressed animals.

Non-neoplastic lesions of equine skin in the central United States and Canada: a retrospective study.

A retrospective study evaluated the clinical data and histologic features of non-neoplastic dermatologic lesions in skin biopsies from horses, donkeys, and mules submitted over a 10-year period to the Colorado State University Diagnostic Medicine Center and to the University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine and Prairie Diagnostic Services. A total of 1793 non-neoplastic biopsies were available for analysis. Based on the histologic description and morphologic diagnosis, each submission was classified as inflammatory, or non-neoplastic/non-inflammatory. Results of this study demonstrate that non-neoplastic equine cutaneous biopsies are predominantly inflammatory, but histopathology alone may not be sufficient to definitively identify the underlying etiologies driving inflammatory lesions. Clinical correlation, including breed, age, and distribution of the cutaneous lesion, as well as ancillary tests such as bacterial or fungal culture are required to complete the clinical picture and arrive at the appropriate clinical diagnosis.

Lésions non néoplasiques de la peau équine dans le centre des États-Unis et du Canada : une étude rétrospective. Une étude rétrospective a évalué les données cliniques et les caractéristiques histologiques des lésions dermatologiques non néoplasiques des biopsies cutanées de chevaux, d'ânes et de mules soumises pendant une période de 10 ans au Diagnostic Medicine Center de l'Université de l'État du Colorado, au College of Veterinary Medicine de l'Université de la Saskatchewan et à Prairie Diagnostic Services. Un total de 1793 biopsies non néoplasiques étaient disponibles aux fins d'analyse. En se fondant sur la description histologique et le diagnostic morphologique, chaque soumission a été classée comme inflammatoire ou non néoplasique/non inflammatoire. Les résultats de cette étude démontrent que les biopsies cutanées équines non néoplasiques sont surtout inflammatoires, mais que l'histopathologie seule peut ne pas être suffisante pour identifier définitivement les étiologies sous-jacentes des lésions inflammatoires. La corrélation clinique, incluant la race, l'âge et la distribution de la lésion cutanée ainsi que des tests auxiliaires, comme une culture bactérienne ou fongique, est requise pour achever le portrait clinique et parvenir à un diagnostic clinique approprié.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Postmortem stability of S100B in the aqueous humor of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus).

Bycatch (accidental drowning in fishing nets) is a significant problem for some marine mammal species, but can be difficult to diagnose as there are no pathognomonic gross or histological lesions. In human medicine, biomarkers such as S100B are increasingly being used to investigate hypoxic-ischemic syndromes, but, to the authors' knowledge, studies using this marker have not been reported for marine mammal species. The aims of the current study were to determine baseline postmortem S100B levels in a pinniped species, and to determine whether S100B levels were stable over a postmortem interval of 48 hr. Aqueous humor, which is simple to collect and avoids many of the problems associated with postmortem collection of blood, was used as a surrogate for serum. S100B was detected in the aqueous humor of acute deaths (<15 min) and was stable for up to 48 hr, with a wider variation in values at the 48-hr time interval.