Retrospective investigation of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in dogs with pneumonia: 49 cases (2011-2016).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting outcome in canine pneumonia compared with routine hematological parameters and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) scores. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Forty-nine client-owned dogs. INTERVENTIONS: None MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs with a diagnosis of pneumonia from July 2011 to December 2016. Signalment, clinical findings, laboratory characteristics, and outcome were recorded. Inclusion criteria were a clinical and radiographic diagnosis of pneumonia, plus reference laboratory hematology at diagnosis. Cases that received steroids were excluded. Euthanized dogs were only included in statistical analysis if euthanized solely due to pneumonia severity. The NLR, total WBC count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, band neutrophil percent of total WBC count (%-bands), and percentage of cases diagnosed with SIRS were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to identify optimal sensitivity and specificity cutoffs for nonsurvival to discharge. Two hundred records were retrieved; 49 cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of these, 33 (67%) survived to discharge. The NLR did not differ significantly between the survivors and nonsurvivors, nor did total WBC count or neutrophil count. Survivors had a significantly lower %-bands than nonsurvivors (P < 0.001) and higher lymphocyte count (P = 0.004). The mortality rate did not differ significantly between dogs with and without SIRS. Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified a %-bands cutoff of 2.5% or higher had an 83% sensitivity and 79% specificity for nonsurvival. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike in human medicine, neither NLR nor SIRS scores predicted outcome in this cohort of dogs with pneumonia. However, survivors had a lower %-bands and higher lymphocyte count than nonsurvivors, which may be helpful prognostically in clinical cases.

Clinical and Echocardiographic Findings in an Aged Population of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cardiac disease in dogs. It varies from dogs without clinical signs to those developing left-sided congestive heart failure, leading to death. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs) are particularly susceptible to MMVD. We hypothesised that within the elderly CKCS population, there is a sub-cohort of MMVD-affected dogs that do not have cardiac remodelling. The objectives of the present study were (i) to determine the prevalence and the degree of cardiac remodelling associated with MMVD; and (ii) assess the effect of age, gender, and body weight on echocardiographic status in a population of aged CKCSs. A total of 126 CKCSs ≥ 8 years old were prospectively included. They all had a physical and echocardiographic examination. A systolic murmur was detected in 89% of dogs; the presence of clinical signs was reported in 19% of them; and echocardiographic evidence of MMVD was described in 100%. Despite the high prevalence, 44.4% of the dogs were clear of echocardiographic signs of cardiac remodelling. Age was significantly associated with the presence and severity of cardiac remodelling and mitral valve prolapse. Our results showed that a proportion of elderly CKCS with confirmed MMVD did not undergo advanced stages of this pathology.

Signalling pathways linking cysteine cathepsins to adverse cardiac remodelling.

Adverse cardiac remodelling clinically manifests as deleterious changes to heart architecture (size, mass and geometry) and function. These changes, which include alterations to ventricular wall thickness, chamber dilation and poor contractility, are important because they progressively drive patients with cardiac disease towards heart failure and are associated with poor prognosis. Cysteine cathepsins contribute to key signalling pathways involved in adverse cardiac remodelling including synthesis and degradation of the cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM), cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, impaired cardiomyocyte contractility and apoptosis. In this review, we highlight the role of cathepsins in these signalling pathways as well as their translational potential as therapeutic targets in cardiac disease.

Novel biomarkers in cats with congestive heart failure due to primary cardiomyopathy.

The pathogenesis of feline cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure (CHF) requires further understanding. In this study, we assessed serum proteome change in feline CHF, aiming to identify novel biomarker for both research and clinical use. The study comprised 15 cats in CHF, 5 cats in preclinical cardiomyopathy and 15 cats as healthy controls. Serum proteome profiles were obtained by tandem mass tag labelling followed by mass spectrometry. Protein concentrations in CHF cats were compared with healthy controls. Western blot was performed for proteomic validation. Correlations were assessed between the altered proteins in CHF and clinical variables in cats with cardiomyopathy to evaluate protein-cardiac association. Bioinformatic analysis was employed to identify pathophysiological pathways involved in feline CHF. Sixteen serum proteins were significantly different between CHF and healthy control cats (P < .05). These included serine protease inhibitors, apolipoproteins and other proteins associated with inflammation and coagulation. Clinical parameters from cats with cardiomyopathy significantly correlated with the altered proteins (P < .05). Bioinformatic analysis identified 13 most relevant functional profiles in feline CHF, which mostly associated with extracellular matrix organization and metabolism. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD017761. SIGNIFICANCE: Cardiomyopathies affect both cats and humans, and they can cause serious consequence such as congestive heart failure (CHF). To date, the pathophysiological mechanism of CHF is not fully understood. In this study, for the first time, we used a proteomic approach combined with bioinformatic analysis to evaluate serum protein change in cats with CHF. Results indicate systemic inflammation, coagulation protein changes, innate immunity and extracellular matrix remodeling are involved in feline CHF, which are largely comparable with findings in previous human studies. Our study provides new insights into CHF and cardiomyopathy in cats, and the identified novel biomarkers and pathophysiological pathways provide valuable information for future studies.

Cardiovascular-renal axis disorder and acute-phase proteins in cats with congestive heart failure caused by primary cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the pathogenesis of congestive heart failure (CHF) in cats is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To identify novel biomarkers for CHF in cats caused by primary cardiomyopathy, particularly related to cardiovascular-renal axis disorder and systemic inflammatory response. ANIMALS: Twenty-five cats in CHF caused by primary cardiomyopathy, 12 cats with preclinical cardiomyopathy, and 20 healthy controls. METHODS: Case control and observational case series. The following serum biomarkers were compared among the 3 cat groups: a cardiorenal profile that included N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), and creatinine and an inflammatory profile that included 7 acute-phase proteins (APPs). Survival analyses and longitudinal studies were performed in CHF cats. RESULTS: All cardiorenal biomarkers were positively correlated and higher in CHF cats, and high NT-proBNP and SDMA were associated with poor clinical outcome. Cats with CHF had significantly higher leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1, serum amyloid A, and ceruloplasmin, and these APPs were positively correlated with NT-proBNP and left atrial size. In a multivariable survival analysis, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein concentration (P = .01), body weight (P = .02) and left atrial-to-aortic root ratio (P = .01) were independent prognostic factors for CHF in these cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In cats, CHF is an inflammatory disorder and outcome in CHF may be determined by the extent of inflammation and possibly the amount of residual renal function. These novel biomarkers have potential use for the clinical management, prognosis, and future research into CHF and cardiomyopathy in cats.

Evaluation of benazepril in cats with heart disease in a prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Heart disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in cats, but there is limited evidence of the benefit of any medication. HYPOTHESIS: The angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor benazepril would delay the time to treatment failure in cats with heart disease of various etiologies. ANIMALS: One hundred fifty-one client-owned cats. METHODS: Cats with heart disease, confirmed by echocardiography, with or without clinical signs of congestive heart failure, were recruited between 2002 and 2005 and randomized to benazepril or placebo in a prospective, multicenter, parallel-group, blinded clinical trial. Benazepril (0.5-1.0 mg/kg) or placebo was administered PO once daily for up to 2 years. The primary endpoint was treatment failure. Analyses were conducted separately for all-cause treatment failure (main analysis) and heart disease-related treatment failure (supportive analysis). RESULTS: No benefit of benazepril versus placebo was detected for time to all-cause treatment failure (P = .42) or time to treatment failure related to heart disease (P = .21). Hazard ratios (95% confidence interval [CI]) from multivariate analysis for benazepril compared with placebo were 1.00 (0.57-1.74) for all-cause failure, and 0.99 (0.50-1.94) for forward selection and 0.93 (0.48-1.81) for bidirectional selection models for heart disease-related failure. There were no significant differences between groups over time after administration of the test articles in left atrium diameter, left ventricle wall thickness, quality of life scores, adverse events, or plasma biochemistry or hematology variables. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Benazepril was tolerated well in cats with heart disease, but no evidence of benefit was detected.

Use of 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess left ventricular systolic function in dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Early identification of systolic dysfunction in dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) potentially could improve the outcome and decrease mortality. OBJECTIVE: To compare 2-dimensional speckle tracking (2D-STE) with 2-dimensional (2D) and M-mode echocardiography in the evaluation of systolic function in SIRS dogs. ANIMALS: Seventeen SIRS and 17 healthy dogs. METHODS: Prospective observational case-control study. Each dog underwent physical examination, conventional echocardiography, 2D-STE, and C-reactive protein measurement. RESULTS: Dogs with SIRS had lower 2D-STE ejection fraction (X4D-EF; 44 ± 8 versus 53 ± 8; P = .003), endocardial global longitudinal strain (ENDO-G-Long-St; -14.6 ± 3.2 versus -18.5 ± 4.1; P = .003), and normalized left ventricular diameter in diastole (1.38 ± 0.25 versus 1.54 ± 0.17; P = .04) and systole (0.85 ± 0.18 versus 0.97 ± 0.11; P = .03) as compared to healthy dogs. Simpson method of disks (SMOD) right parasternal EF (55 ± 9 versus 60 ± 6; P = .07) and end systolic volume index (ESVI; 23 ± 10 versus 21 ± 6; P = .61), SMOD left apical EF (59 ± 9 versus 59 ± 6; P = .87) and ESVI (20 ± 8 versus 22 ± 6; P = .25), fractional shortening (FS; 34 ± 5 versus 33 ± 4; P = .39), M-mode EF (64 ± 7 versus 62 ± 5; P = .35), and ESVI (23 ± 11 versus 30 ± 9; P = .06) were not significantly different between SIRS and control group, respectively. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Speckle tracking X4D-EF and ENDO-G-Long-St are more sensitive than 2D and M-Mode FS, EF, and ESVI in detecting systolic impairment in dogs with SIRS.

Tricuspid valve dysplasia: A retrospective study of clinical features and outcome in dogs in the UK.

The objective of this study was to determine the demographic, clinical and survival characteristics and to identify risk factors for mortality due to tricuspid valve dysplasia in UK dogs. Records of client-owned dogs diagnosed with tricuspid valve dysplasia at a referral centre were retrospectively reviewed. Only dogs diagnosed with tricuspid valve dysplasia based on the presence of a right-sided heart murmur identified prior to one year of age, and confirmed with Doppler echocardiography, were included. Dogs with concomitant cardiac diseases, pulmonary hypertension and/or trivial tricuspid regurgitation were excluded. Analysed data included signalment, reason for presentation, clinical signs, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic features, survival status and cause of death. Survival times and risk factors for mortality were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression. Eighteen dogs met inclusion criteria. Border collies were over-represented (p= 0.014). Dogs were most frequently referred for investigation of heart murmur. The most common arrhythmia was atrial fibrillation (n=3). Median survival time from diagnosis of tricuspid valve dysplasia was 2775 days (range 1-3696 days; 95% CI 1542.41-4007.59) and from onset of right-sided congestive heart failure was 181 days (range 1-2130 days; 95% CI 0-455.59). Syncope was the sole risk factor for cardiac death. In this population of UK dogs, tricuspid valve dysplasia was uncommon but, when severe, frequently led to right-sided congestive heart failure. Prognosis was favourable for mild and moderate tricuspid dysplasia. Survival time was reduced with right-sided congestive heart failure but varied widely. Risk of cardiac death was significantly increased if syncope had occurred.

Platelet function and activation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with subclinical chronic valvular heart disease.

OBJECTIVE To assess platelet closure time (CT), mean platelet component (MPC) concentration, and platelet component distribution width (PCDW) in dogs with subclinical chronic valvular heart disease. ANIMALS 89 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs) and 39 control dogs (not CKCSs). PROCEDURES Platelet count, MPC concentration, PCDW, and Hct were measured by use of a hematology analyzer, and CT was measured by use of a platelet function analyzer. Murmur grade and echocardiographic variables (mitral valve regurgitant jet size relative to left atrial area, left atrial-to-aortic diameter ratio, and left ventricular internal dimensions) were recorded. Associations between explanatory variables (sex, age, murmur grade, echocardiographic variables, platelet count, and Hct) and outcomes (CT, MPC concentration, and PCDW) were examined by use of multivariate regression models. RESULTS A model with 5 variables best explained variation in CT (R(2), 0.74), with > 60% of the variance of CT explained by mitral valve regurgitant jet size. The model of best fit to explain variation in MPC concentration included only platelet count (R(2), 0.24). The model of best fit to explain variation in PCDW included platelet count and sex (R(2), 0.25). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, a significant effect of mitral valve regurgitant jet size on CT was consistent with platelet dysfunction. However, platelet activation, as assessed on the basis of the MPC concentration and PCDW, was not a feature of subclinical chronic valvular heart disease in CKCSs.

Evaluation of a novel echocardiographic view for the assessment of the pulmonary artery in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: 1) To describe a novel echocardiographic view (left cranial oblique) for the assessment of the pulmonary artery in dogs 2) To compare this novel view with other standard views. ANIMALS: Prospective inclusion of 48 echocardiograms performed on client-owned dogs. METHODS: Two standard views and the novel view were compared for quality of 2D images and spectral Doppler traces and also for pulmonary annulus diameter and spectral Doppler velocities. Association between view, heart rate and body weight and quality, annulus diameter, pulsed-wave and continuous-wave velocities were analyzed using regression analysis. Agreement between views was assessed by Bland-Altman analysis. Pulsed-wave and continuous-wave velocities were compared using the sign test for medians. RESULTS: Forty-eight studies were undertaken of which thirty-nine were analyzed. The quality of 2D images was associated with view and heart rate. No significant difference was found in quality of spectral Doppler traces between views. Annulus diameter showed significant association with view, heart rate and weight. This measured about 0.26 cm less on one particular view. Spectral Doppler velocities showed no association with view, heart rate or weight. Continuous-wave velocities were significantly higher than pulsed-wave velocities in every view. CONCLUSIONS: The novel left cranial oblique view can be used as an additional tool for the echocardiographic evaluation of the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary annulus diameter was consistently smaller measured from the one standard view compared to both the novel and other standard views. Comparable quality and velocities were obtained for spectral Doppler. Continuous-wave and pulsed-wave modes were not interchangeable.

Population structure and genetic heterogeneity in popular dog breeds in the UK.

There is increasing concern that reproductive isolation related to breed specifications in dogs, while maintaining genetic differences among breeds, is likely to promote breed-specific genetic disorders. This study examined genetic diversity among 13 popular dog breed groups in the UK. Most breeds showed high levels of homozygosity when compared with crossbred animals. The Boxer and West Highland white terrier showed the lowest heterozygosity, while the Jack Russell terrier group (not a registered breed in the UK) had a level of heterozygosity comparable to crossbred dogs. Analysis of genetic distance between breeds showed significantly different inbreeding coefficients for pairwise comparisons among registered breeds, with the most divergent breeds being the Boxer and West Highland white terrier. The Rottweiler and Golden retriever showed the highest levels of inbreeding. The least distinct group contained crossbred dogs. The results show that the registered breeds are subject to a 'breed barrier' which promotes reduction in genetic diversity.

Cardiac hemangioma in a corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus).

A 3-yr-old female corn snake, Pantherophis guttatus guttatus, was presented for clinical examination of anorexia and a coelomic mass. Radiographs and ultrasound demonstrated a fluid-filled mass in the cardiac region. Surgical exploration revealed an approximately 1.2-cm, round, multilobulated, fluid-filled, nodular lesion firmly attached to the left atrial wall. Resection was attempted but proved unsuccessful and the animal was euthanized. Histopathological examination of the lesion revealed a large cystic structure associated with a cluster of variably sized, vascular channels lined by a one-cell-thick layer of endothelium, consistent with a cardiac hemangioma of the left atrium. This, to the best of the authors' knowledge, is the first report of such an occurrence in a snake.

Genome-wide analysis of mitral valve disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) is prone to severe early onset mitral valve disease. In this study, 36 purebred CKCS dogs were evaluated for mitral valve murmur and divided into early and late onset groups. A genome-wide genetic approach was used to assess whether the condition is determined by a small number of genetic factors. There were no regions of highly discrepant homo/heterozygosity in the two groups. Similarly, there was no evidence for loci associated with mitral valve murmur in a genome-wide association study. This analysis suggests that familial occurrence of mitral valve murmur in the CKCS breed is not due to a single major gene effect, indicating that breeding strategies to eliminate the disease cannot be based on genotype information at this time.

Expression of urocortin peptides in canine myocardium and plasma.

Urocortin (Ucn) peptides are the endogenous ligands for the corticotropin-releasing factor type 2 receptor (CRFR2). They have potentially important roles in cardiovascular physiology in health and disease, and show promise as therapeutics for congestive heart failure. Analysis of canine heart tissue showed mRNA expression of Ucn 1, Ucn 3 and CRFR2 in all heart chambers. Immunohistochemistry also demonstrated Ucns 1 and 3 expression in cardiomyocytes. To assess the potential usefulness of circulating Ucns as markers of heart disease, plasma samples from 45 dogs with cardiac disease and 15 controls were analysed by radioimmunoassay. Both Ucns 1 and 3 were measurable but the presence of cardiac disease did not alter their concentrations. Therefore, whilst Ucns are expressed in canine myocardium (where they may play a role in the endogenous neurohumoral response to cardiac disease or failure) they do not appear to be sensitive biomarkers of cardiac disease in our canine patient population.

Structural and cellular changes in canine myxomatous mitral valve disease: an image analysis study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the single most common cardiac disease of the dog, and bears close similarities to chronic degenerative mitral valve disease in humans. However, limited quantitative data are available on cellular and morphological changes in both species. The study aim was to use an image analysis system to examine various morphological changes associated with MMVD, and in particular to measure changes in cell numbers in overtly myxomatous areas of the distal portion of the valve. METHODS: Mitral valve complexes were collected from normal dogs and dogs with varying severity of myxomatous mitral valve disease (veterinary Whitney grades 1-4; a measure of disease severity and age-related disease progression in the dog). An image analysis technique (ImageJ; National Institutes of Health, USA) was used to measure valve leaflet length, thickness, connective tissue content and density, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, cell number and shape in normal and myxomatous areas of diseased valves. RESULTS: There was a change in the valve leaflet anterior/posterior length ratio in the diseased valves, suggestive of valve lengthening. Distinct and statistically significant (p < 0.01) changes occurred in the valve thickness ratio for both anterior and posterior leaflets as the disease progressed, and the posterior leaflet thickness ratios were consistently higher than for the anterior leaflets. There was a statistically significant decrease in cell numbers in overtly myxomatous areas of the distal portion of affected valves compared to similar locations in normal valves, but there was no difference between the different grades of disease. The majority of cells in both diseased and normal valves had a circularity score typical of a spindle (elongated) shape. Connective tissue derangement was clearly seen in the myxomatous areas, and this was associated with a significant reduction in connective tissue density. The reduction in connective tissue density was associated with advancing disease severity (age). There was an increase in GAG expression with disease severity, as shown by the level of Alcian blue staining, but this could not be quantified with ImageJ. CONCLUSION: Mitral valve myxomatous degeneration in the dog is associated with lengthening and thickening of valve leaflets, a loss of connective tissue, and a decrease in cell numbers in selected myxomatous areas, but no change in cell circularity. Some of these changes were age- (disease severity-) related.

Evaluation of innervation of the mitral valves and the effects of myxomatous degeneration in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To map aspects of the innervation of the mitral valve complex and determine any association with the development or progression of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs. SAMPLE POPULATION: Septal mitral valve leaflets from 11 dogs aged 6 months to > 10 years. PROCEDURES: Expression of protein gene product 9.5 (general neuronal marker), tyrosine hydroxylase (adrenergic innervation marker), vasoactive intestinal peptide (parasympathetic innervation marker), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (sensory innervation marker) was assessed by use of a standard immunohistochemical technique. Innervation was assessed qualitatively and semiquantitatively. Differences between valvular zones and between groups were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: MMVD was present in leaflets of all dogs > or = 5 years of age. Innervation was confirmed in all leaflets but was markedly reduced in leaflets of dogs > 10 years of age. Innervation was most dense at the base of valves and mainly associated with the epimysial, perimysial, and endomysial layers of the muscle and blood vessels within the valve. Innervation was reduced within the middle zone of the valve and lacking at the free edge. Innervation was not identified at the tip of the leaflet, the free edge, or the chordae. Nerve fibers were mostly sympathetic, with the remainder being parasympathetic or sensory. Existence of MMVD did not alter the pattern or density of innervation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mitral valve leaflets in the study dogs were innervated, with most of the nerve fibers associated with the myocardium in the valve base. Development of MMVD appeared to precede the reduction of innervation associated with advancing age.

Expression of three intelectins in sheep and response to a Th2 environment.

Sheep intelectin1 and sheep intelectin3 (sITLN1 and sITLN3) were cloned and sequenced. The amino acid sequences of sITLN1 and sITLN3 shared 86% and 91% homology with the previously cloned sheep intelectin2 (sITLN2), respectively. Expression of sITLN1 and sITLN3 transcript was demonstrated in abomasum, lung, colon and gastric lymph node, terminal rectum, skin, jejunum, mesenteric lymph node, ileal peyer's patches, brain, kidney, liver, spleen, skin, ear pinna, heart and ovary in normal sheep tissues. sITLN2 transcript expression was restricted to the abomasal mucosa in normal sheep tissues. Using a non selective chicken anti-intelectin antibody, tissue intelectin protein was demonstrated in mucus neck cells in the abomasum, mucus cells in the colon, free mucus in ileum, goblet cells in the lung, small intestinal epithelium and brush border, epidermal layer of the skin and skin sebaceous glands. The expression of the three sITLN transcripts was examined in two nematode infections in sheep known to induce a Th2 response; a Teladorsagia circumcincta challenge infection model and a Dictyocaulus filaria natural infection. The three sITLN were absent in unchallenged naïve lambs and present in the abomasal mucosa of both naïve and immune lambs following T. circumcincta challenge infection. Upregulation of sITLN2 and sITLN3 was shown in sheep lung following D. filaria natural infection. Intelectins may play an important role in the mucosal response to nematode infections in ruminants.

Pulsed-wave Doppler tissue imaging velocities in normal geriatric cats and geriatric cats with primary or systemic diseases linked to specific cardiomyopathies in humans, and the influence of age and heart rate upon these velocities.

Pulsed-wave Doppler tissue imaging (pw-DTI) techniques allow the non-invasive assessment of myocardial dynamics. pw-DTI has demonstrated regional and global diastolic impairment in various forms of human and feline cardiomyopathy. We hypothesise that in geriatric cats with systemic diseases that have been linked to specific cardiomyopathies in human beings, the myocardial velocity profile will be altered when compared to either normal or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) cats; and that both age and heart rate have a significant affect upon pw-DTI velocities. The aims of this study were to determine whether the feline M-mode or myocardial velocity profile is altered in geriatric cats with disease states that have been linked to specific cardiomyopathies in humans when compared to normal geriatric cats or geriatric cats with HCM and to determine whether age or heart rate has a significant effect upon pw-DTI velocities within these groups of cats. Sixty-six cats aged 8 years or above were included in the study, and were divided as follows: Unaffected (n=8), basilar septal bulge (BSB) (17), HCM (14), hyperthyroid (HiT(4)) (12) and chronic renal failure (CRF) (15). Systolic blood pressure was normal in all the cats. pw-DTI systolic (S'), early (E') and late diastolic (A') velocities were assessed from standardised sites within the myocardium, and the relationships between these and disease group, age and heart rate were then assessed. In cats with HCM, the E' velocity was decreased at various sites. Conversely, the HiT(4) cats demonstrated increased S' velocities. The only site at which the age of the cat was significantly related to myocardial velocities was the S' velocity from the apical mid-septum. There were also significant positive relationships between heart rate and the magnitude of myocardial S', E' and A' velocities of radial motion and S' and A' velocities of longitudinal motion. pw-DTI detected diastolic dysfunction in untreated cats with HCM and increased systolic function in HiT(4) cats. The age of the cat was of little significance, whereas heart rate significantly influenced myocardial velocity profiles.

Bovine intelectins: cDNA sequencing and expression in the bovine intestine.

Intelectins (Itlns) are lectins with potential roles in innate immunity, capable of binding bacteria via galactofuranose residues. Itlns also function as intestinal receptors for the antimicrobial glycoprotein lactoferrin (Lf). Since Lf binds strongly to enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC), we aimed to determine the expression of Lf receptor in terminal rectum, the site of predilection of EHEC in cattle. We sequenced two bovine intelectins (Itln1 and Itln2) and showed that both were expressed in abomasum and rectum, but expression appeared minimal in the jejunum. There was significantly higher expression of Itln2 in terminal rather than proximal rectum. Lactoferrin was expressed in all samples examined. Thus, we have demonstrated two novel bovine Itlns and shown that they are expressed along with Lf in the gastrointestinal tract, where they may interact with microbial pathogens.