Successful interventional occlusion of muscular ventricular septal defect in a dog.

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a rare congenital heart disease in dogs. Hemodynamically important interventricular defects must be closed to improve the prognosis. This case report describes successful interventional transcatheter closure of a muscular VSD in a young Maltese and poodle mixed-breed dog with a large muscular interventricular defect (~5 mm in diameter) with a high rate of left-to-right shunt flow. The VSD was closed with a customized Amplatzer-type VSD occluder via a percutaneous transvenous (jugular) approach. We concluded that interventional occlusion of a muscular VSD with an Amplatzer-type occluder is a viable treatment option for dogs. A regular follow-up study for this dog is ongoing and has not detected complications. Key clinical message: Interventional occlusion of a muscular VSD with an Amplatzer-type occluder is a viable treatment option for dogs.

Occlusion interventionnelle réussie d'une communication interventriculaire musculaire chez un chien. La communication interventriculaire (VSD) est une maladie cardiaque congénitale rare chez le chien. Les anomalies interventriculaires hémodynamiquement importantes doivent être fermées pour améliorer le pronostic. Ce rapport de cas décrit la fermeture interventionnelle réussie par cathéter d'un VSD musculaire chez un jeune chien de race mixte (maltais et caniche) présentant un défaut interventriculaire musculaire important (~5 mm de diamètre) avec un débit de shunt élevé de gauche à droite. Le VSD a été fermé avec un obturateur VSD personnalisé de type Amplatzer via une approche trans-veineuse percutanée (jugulaire). Nous avons conclu que l'occlusion interventionnelle d'un VSD musculaire avec un obturateur de type Amplatzer est une option de traitement viable pour les chiens. Une étude de suivi régulière de ce chien est en cours et aucune complication n'a été détectée.Message clinique clé :L'occlusion interventionnelle d'un VSD musculaire avec un obturateur de type Amplatzer est une option de traitement viable pour les chiens.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Evaluation of red blood cell profiles in dogs with heartworm disease.

Recent studies have found that anemia and anisocytosis are precipitating factors for certain heart diseases in dogs. This study evaluated the prevalence and correlation of anemia and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in dogs with heartworm disease (HWD). The study population consisted of 20 healthy control dogs and 86 dogs with HWD: 28 dogs with no clinical signs or pulmonary hypertension (Group 1), 42 dogs with mild clinical signs but no pulmonary hypertension (Group 2), and 16 dogs with severe clinical signs and pulmonary hypertension (Group 3). Along with echocardiographic interrogation of pulmonary hypertension, red blood cell (RBC) profiles were evaluated, including RDW. The total number of red blood cells (tRBCs), hematocrit (HCT), and hemoglobin (HGB) concentration was significantly lower in Group 3 dogs compared to control dogs (P < 0.05), while the RDW was significantly higher in Group 3 dogs than in control dogs (P < 0.05). The RDW was closely correlated to other RBC profiles and the presence of pulmonary hypertension (P < 0.05). The severity of tricuspid regurgitant gradient (TRG) was closely correlated with Hb and tRBC (P < 0.05), but not with the RDW and reticulocyte count. This study finding indicated that anemia and anisocytosis are common complications in dogs with severe clinical signs and pulmonary hypertension caused by heartworm disease (HWD). It would therefore be beneficial for clinicians to routinely check red blood cell (RBC) profiles, including RDW, in order to monitor the progression of heartworm disease in dogs.

Des études récentes ont montré que l'anémie et l'anisocytose sont des facteurs précipitants pour certaines conditions cardiaques chez les chiens. La présente étude a évalué la prévalence et la corrélation de l'anémie et de la distribution de la largeur des globules rouges (RDW) chez des chiens avec la maladie des vers du coeur (HWD). La population à l'étude consistait en 20 chiens témoins en santé et de 86 chiens avec HWD : 28 chiens sans signe clinique ou hypertension pulmonaire (Groupe 1), 42 chiens avec signes cliniques légers mais sans hypertension pulmonaire (Groupe 2) et 16 chiens avec signes cliniques sévères et hypertension pulmonaire (Groupe 3). En plus de l'interrogation échocardiographique de l'hypertension pulmonaire, les profils des globules rouges (RBC) furent évalués, incluant la RWD. Le nombre total de globules rouges (tRBCs), l'hématocrite (HCT) et la concentration en hémoglobine (Hb) étaient significativement plus bas chez les chiens du groupe 3 comparativement aux chiens témoins (P < 0,05) alors que la RWD était significativement plus élevée chez les chiens du Groupe 3 que chez les chiens témoins (P < 0,05). La RWD était étroitement corrélée à d'autres profiles de RBC et à la présence d'hypertension pulmonaire (P < 0,05). La sévérité du gradient de régurgitation de la tricuspide (TRG) était étroitement corrélée avec Hb et tRBC (P < 0,05), mais pas avec RWD et le dénombrement de réticulocytes. Les trouvailles de cette étude indiquent que l'anémie et l'anisocytose sont des complications fréquentes chez les chiens avec des signes cliniques sévères et de l'hypertension pulmonaire causés par HWD. Il serait donc bénéfique pour les cliniciens de vérifier de routine les profiles de RBC, incluant RWD, afin de suivre la progression de la maladie des vers du coeur chez les chiens.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Evaluation of cardiopulmonary and inflammatory markers in dogs with heartworm infection during treatment with the 2014 American Heartworm Society recommended treatment protocol.

BACKGROUND: Heartworm disease in dogs is a life-threatening parasitic disease. Although adulticide treatment with melarsomine has been proven to be the most effective, complications associated with adulticide treatment are major concerns for clinicians. METHODS: This study evaluated the change in levels of D-dimer, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein and cardiac troponin I in 12 dogs with different severities of heartworm infection treated by the American Heartworm Society (AHS) recommended protocol during the treatment period. The serum levels of several markers were measured on the day of diagnosis (T-60), before the initiation of melarsomine therapy (T0), 1 day after the first injection (T1), 1 week after the first injection (T7), 1 month after the first injection (T30), 1 day after the second injection (T31), 1 day after the third injection (T32), 1 week after the third injection (T39), 1 month after the third injection (T62), 2 months after the third injection (T92), 3 months after the third injection (T122), and 6 months after the third injection (T182). RESULTS: The serum levels of these markers were significantly different at the test time point after melarsomine treatment and also differed significantly according to the stage of heartworm disease in the dogs. CONCLUSION: This study found that monitoring of inflammatory and hemostatic markers in dogs with heartworm disease being treated with melarsomine might be beneficial in predicting the clinical outcomes and complications associated with melarsomine treatment.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in household and feral cats in Korea.

This study was designed to investigate the prevalence rate of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in household cats in Korea. One hundred household cats and 50 feral cats from nine of the largest cities in Korea were enrolled in this study. The tests performed in this survey was an in-house rapid screen IgG and IgM combo test, faecal PCR test for T. gondii oocysts, and an ELISA immunoassay for IgG antibodies. There were no household cats positive for T. gondii infection detected using the in-house IgG and IgM rapid screen combo test, although 6/50 and 0/50 feral cats were positive in IgG and IgM tests, respectively. This initial finding was confirmed by subsequent ELISA test for IgG antibody and PCR for T. gondii in faeces. Despite the higher prevalence rate of the disease in feral cats in Korea, we did not find any household cats that were either infected or exposed previously to T. gondii in our study population. Our study indicates that there is minimal risk of T. gondii transmission from household cats to human in Korea.

Evaluation of serum symmetric dimethylarginine in dogs with heartworm infection.

This study evaluated the circulating levels of serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in 12 dogs with different severities of heartworm disease (HWD) and assessed the biochemical renal markers (blood urea nitrogen, creatinine). Dogs were classified into 2 groups based on the severity of clinical signs. Group A - asymptomatic to mild clinical signs, group B - moderate to severe clinical signs. The serum SDMA levels were higher in dogs in group B. Although the serum SDMA levels in dogs in group A were also higher than those of the control dogs, the difference was not statistically significant. There was a good correlation between renal markers and severity of clinical signs. This study demonstrated that the glomerular filtration rate was significantly decreased in dogs in group A; therefore, earlier detection of renal impairment is required for successful management of dogs with HWD.

La présente étude visait à évaluer les niveaux sériques de diméthylarginine symétrique (DMAS) chez 12 chiens atteints de maladie du vers du coeur (MVC) de différentes sévérités et d'examiner les marqueurs biochimiques rénaux (azote uréique sanguin, créatinine). Les chiens ont été classés en deux groupes sur la base de la sévérité des signes cliniques. Le Groupe A ­ asymptomatique à signes cliniques légers, groupe B ­ signes cliniques modérés à sévères. Les niveaux de DMAS sériques étaient plus élevés chez les chiens du groupe B. Chez les chiens du groupe A, bien que les niveaux sériques de DMAS étaient également plus élevés que ceux des chiens témoins, la différence n'était pas statistiquement significative. Il y avait une bonne corrélation entre les marqueurs rénaux et la sévérité des signes cliniques. Cette étude a permis de démontrer que le taux de filtration glomérulaire était diminué de manière significative chez les chiens du groupe A; ainsi, une détection précoce de déficience rénale est nécessaire pour la gestion réussie des chiens avec MVC.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Crossed fused renal ectopia in a Persian cat.

CASE SUMMARY: This report describes a rare case of crossed fused renal ectopia (CFRE) in a cat. A mature intact male Persian cat presented with bloody nasal discharge and ascites. Diagnostic studies revealed an ectopic left kidney fused with an orthotopic right kidney and a concurrent feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) infection. The FIP was responsible for clinical signs in this cat, while clinical signs associated with CFRE were not obvious. Despite receiving intensive treatment, the cat died. A post-mortem examination was not performed because the owners declined approval. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of L-shaped CFRE in a cat. In addition, this report describes the CT features of L-shaped CFRE in a cat.

Evaluation of serum myeloperoxidase concentration in dogs with heart failure due to chronic mitral valvular insufficiency.

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a leukocyte-derived enzyme involved in the process of heart failure and is found to have good diagnostic and prognostic values in humans with chronic heart failure. This study evaluated the relationship between serum MPO levels and the severity of heart failure (HF) due to chronic mitral valvular insufficiency (CMVI) in dogs. Eighty-two client-owned dogs consisting of 69 dogs with different stages of HF due to CMVI and 13 age-matched healthy dogs were enrolled in this study. Serum MPO concentrations in the healthy and CMVI groups were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a canine-specific monoclonal anti-MPO antibody. Serum MPO concentrations were 273.3 ± 179.6 ng/L in the controls, 140.8 ± 114.1 ng/L in the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council (ISACHC) I group, 109.0 ± 85.2 ng/L in the ISACHC II group, and 106.0 ± 42.3 ng/L in the ISACHC III group. Close negative correlation to serum MPO concentration was found in the severity of heart failure (ISACHC stage). Although this study found a modest relationship between serum MPO levels and the severity of HF due to CMVI in dogs, it also suggested that serum MPO levels decreased as the severity of HF increased.

La myéloperoxydase (MPO) est une enzyme dérivée des leucocytes impliquée dans le processus d'une défaillance cardiaque et est reconnue pour avoir une bonne valeur pour le diagnostic et le pronostic chez les humains souffrant d'insuffisance cardiaque chronique. La présente étude a évalué la relation entre les niveaux sériques de MPO et la sévérité de défaillance cardiaque (DC) due à une insuffisance chronique de la valvule mitrale (ICVM) chez des chiens. Quatre-vingt-deux chiens propriété de clients, dont 69 avec différents stades de DC due à une ICVM et 13 chiens en santé jumelés pour l'âge, ont été inclus dans cette étude. Les concentrations sériques de MPO chez les chiens en santé et les groupes de chiens avec ICVM ont été déterminées par épreuve immuno-enzymatique (ELISA) en utilisant un anticorps monoclonal anti-MPO spécifique à l'espèce canine. Les concentrations sériques de MPO étaient de 273,3 ± 179,6 ng/L chez les témoins, de 140,8 ± 114,1 ng/L dans le groupe I du Conseil International de la Santé Cardiaque des Animaux de Compagnie (CISCAS), de 109,0 ± 85,2 ng/L dans le groupe II du CISCAS, et de 106,0 ± 42,3 ng/L dans le groupe III du CISCAS. Une tendance vers une corrélation négative avec la concentration sérique de MPO a été trouvée dans la sévérité de la défaillance cardiaque (stade selon le CISCAS). Bien que dans cette étude une relation modeste entre le niveau sérique de MPO et la sévérité de DC due à une ICVM chez les chiens fut trouvée, il est aussi suggéré que les niveaux sériques de MPO diminuaient à mesure que la sévérité de la DC augmentait.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Evaluation of serum cystatin-C and symmetric dimethylarginine concentrations in dogs with heart failure from chronic mitral valvular insufficiency.

Reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a common complication in advanced stages of heart failure (HF). The convenient and precise assessment for GFR would be useful for early detection of renal impairment in HF dogs. Our hypothesis of this study was the GFR would be reduced in advanced stages of HF from chronic mitral valvular insufficiency (CMVI), as indicated by renal markers including serum cystatin-C (Cys-C) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentrations. Forty-three client-owned dogs consisting of 33 dogs with different stages of HF from CMVI and 10 age-matched healthy dogs were enrolled in this study. Serum Cys-C and SDMA concentrations along with other renal (i.e., urea nitrogen and creatinine) and echocardiographic markers were evaluated in healthy and CMVI dogs. Serum Cys-C concentrations were 1.4 ± 0.4 mg/l in control, 2.1 ± 0.9 mg/l in ISACHC I, 2.9 ± 0.8 mg/l in ISACHC II and 3.6 ± 0.6 mg/l in ISACHC III dogs, whereas serum SDMA concentrations were 8 ± 2 µg/dl in control, 14 ± 3 µg/dl in ISACHC I, 18 ± 6 µg/dl in ISACHC II and 22 ± 7 µg/dl in ISACHC III dogs. There was close correlation of serum Cys-C and SDMA concentrations to serum creatinine, urea nitrogen and the severity of HF. Our study demonstrated that the GFR was decreased in dogs with CMVI having earlier stages of HF.

Acyanotic tetralogy of Fallot in a Persian cat.

An 8-year-old, intact male Persian cat was presented with a prominent heart murmur, exercise intolerance, anorexia, and periodontitis. There was no cyanosis and no laboratory evidence for systemic hypoxemia. Echocardiography showed a dextropositioned aorta, moderate pulmonic stenosis (maximal velocity 4.06 m/s), ventricular septal defect, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The shunt direction was predominantly left-to-right in systole and minimally right-to-left in diastole. The cat was diagnosed with acyanotic (pink) tetralogy of Fallot and was managed medically with atenolol.

Tétralogie de Fallot acyanotique chez un chat Persan. Un chat Persan mâle intact âgé de 8 ans a été présenté avec un souffle cardiaque évident, une intolérance à l'effort, de l'anorexie et une parodontite. Il n'y avait pas de cyanose ni de résultats de laboratoire indiquant l'hypoxémie systémique. L'échocardiographie a montré une aorte en dextroposition, une sténose pulmonaire modérée (vélocité maximale de 4,06 m/s), une malformation septale ventriculaire et une hypertrophie ventriculaire droite. La direction du shunt était principalement de gauche à droite en systole et minimalement de droite à gauche en diastole. Un diagnostic de tétralogie de Fallot acyanotique (rose) a été posé et a été géré médicalement à l'aide d'aténolol.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Evaluation of growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) levels in dogs with chronic mitral valve insufficiency.

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) regulates cell growth and differentiation in both embryonic and adult tissues. Circulating GDF11 levels have recently been reported to be significantly lower in aging mice and restoration of GDF11 reversed age-related cardiac hypertrophy in old mice. Here, we evaluated the potential of serum levels of GDF11 as a circulating biomarker in dogs at different stages of heart failure, due to chronic mitral valve insufficiency (CMVI). We found no significant differences in serum GDF11 levels between dogs at different stages of CMVI-associated heart failure. Furthermore, the circulating levels of GDF11 did not correlate with age, body weight, echocardiographic variables, and the severity of CMVI-induced heart failure in dogs.

Le facteur de différenciation de croissance 11 (GDF 11) régule la croissance cellulaire et la différenciation dans les tissus embryonnaires et adultes. Les quantités de GDF 11 circulant ont récemment été rapportées comme étant significativement plus faibles chez les souris vieillissantes et un rétablissement de GDF 11 renverse l'hypertrophie cardiaque reliée à l'âge chez les vieilles souris. Nous avons évalué le potentiel des quantités sériques de GDF 11 comme un biomarqueur circulant chez les chiens à différents stades de défaillance cardiaque due à une insuffisance mitrale chronique (IMC). Nous n'avons pas trouvé de différence significative dans les quantités de GDF 11 sériques entre les chiens à différents stades de défaillance cardiaque associée à l'IMC. De plus, les quantités de GDF 11 en circulation ne corrélaient pas avec l'âge, le poids corporel, les variables échographiques, et la sévérité de la défaillance cardiaque induite par l'IMC chez les chiens.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Cardiorespiratory and anesthetic effects produced by the combination of butorphanol, medetomidine and alfaxalone administered intramuscularly in Beagle dogs.

This study evaluated anesthesia quality, degree of analgesia and cardiorespiratory parameters after intramuscular (IM) injection of a combination of butorphanol (0.1 mg/kg), medetomidine (10 µg/kg) and alfaxalone (1.5 mg/kg) in ten healthy adult Beagle dogs. Rectal temperature (T), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR), arterial pressure, arterial blood gases and M-mode echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) indices were measured before drug administration and every 10 min thereafter until extubation. Mean duration of anesthesia, recovery and analgesia were 89 ± 17, 6 ± 1 and 80 ± 12 min. HR, fR, partial pressure of arterial CO2 and O2, arterial pressure, and LV contractility were significantly altered during anesthesia. IM administration of the drug combination provided acceptable anesthesia, but produced substantial cardiorespiratory suppression.

Evaluation of quality of anesthesia and analgesia and of vital signs after intramuscular administration of a combination of butorphanol, medetomidine and alfaxalone in cats.

This study evaluated the quality of anesthesia, duration of analgesia and changes in vital signs after intramuscular administration of a combination of butorphanol, medetomidine and alfaxalone in domestic cats. Ten healthy adult domestic cats (weighing 2.9 ± 0.5 kg) were used in this study. Rectal temperature (T), pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (fR) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) were measured and recorded prior to intramuscular (IM) administration of butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg), medetomidine (20 ug/kg) and alfaxalone (5 mg/kg) and then every 10 min until return of consciousness. Qualitative scores for induction of anesthesia and recovery were allocated, duration of anesthesia and recovery were calculated, and adverse events were recorded. A needle prick with a 22-gauge hypodermic needle was used to assess analgesia. Scores for induction and recovery quality were acceptable. No significant adverse events except nausea (7/10) and vomiting (5/10) were observed. The mean ± SD times from induction to extubation and to standing (full recovery) were 114 ± 8 and 125 ± 7 min, respectively. There were statistically significant changes in PR, fR and SAP after induction of anesthesia. The combination of butorphanol, medetomidine and alfaxalone provided acceptable quality of anesthesia and analgesia and exerted minimal cardiopulmonary effects in domestic cats.

Buccal adhesive nanofibers containing human growth hormone for oral mucositis.

Due to a lack of proper drug carriers to deliver treatments for mucositis, many cancer patients suffer from oral mucositis caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We prepared a double-layered electrospun nanofibrous sheets composed of Eudragit and chitosan to accelerate the healing rate of oral mucous ulcer. Human growth hormone (hGH) and Eudragit in a mixture of dimethylacetamide and ethanol were co-electrospun to nanofibrous sheets. The electrospun fibrous mat was subsequently layered with chitosan by a dip-coating method. Chitosan-layered sheets showed attenuated mass erosion while uncoated sheets were instantly melted at the physiological condition. The released hGH was trapped on the chitosan layer by the ionic interaction between positively charged chitosan and negatively charged hGH, and a large number of entrapped proteins remained on the SIS membrane due to the muco-adhesive properties of chitosan. hGH-incorporated sheets significantly increased proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts. In vivo study employing oral ulcers in dogs, the ulcers dressed with chitosan-layered sheets showed enhanced wound recovery and the chitosan layers on the sheet greatly assisted prolonged recovery. Therefore, chitosan-layered Eudragit nanofibrous sheets can be potentially applied to developing muco-adhesive wound dressing materials with pH-dependent drug release by adjusting the thickness of chitosan sheath on the sheets. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1396-1406, 2016.

Cardiopulmonary and anesthetic effects of the combination of butorphanol, midazolam and alfaxalone in Beagle dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the physiological variables, arterial blood gas values, induction of anesthesia quality, and recovery quality using the combination of butorphanol, midazolam and alfaxalone in dogs. ANIMALS: Ten healthy adult Beagle dogs weighing 8.3 ± 3.1 kg. METHODS: Rectal temperature (T), pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (f(R)), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and arterial blood gases were measured and recorded prior to intravenous (IV) administration of butorphanol, prior to administration of both midazolam and alfaxalone IV 10 minutes later, then every 5 minutes for 20 minutes. M-mode echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) indices were measured before and 5 minutes after administration of alfaxalone. Qualitative scores for induction of anesthesia and recovery were allocated, duration of anesthesia and recovery were calculated, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Scores for induction and recovery quality were excellent. No significant adverse events were observed. Mean ± SD time from induction to extubation and to standing (full recovery) was 29 ± 6 and 36 ± 8 minutes, respectively. There were statistically significant changes in PR, f(R) and MAP after drug administration. Transient hypercarbia developed after alfaxalone injection. The echocardiographic LV indices were reduced after alfaxalone injection, although those changes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The combination of butorphanol, midazolam and alfaxalone provided excellent quality of induction of anesthesia and exerted minimal cardiopulmonary effects in healthy dogs.

Catheter-guided percutaneous heartworm removal using a nitinol basket in dogs with caval syndrome.

Carval syndrome is a severe heartworm infection where the worms have migrated to the right atrium and vena cava; this condition is associated with a myriad of clinical signs. Several non-surgical and interventional methods are currently used for mechanical worm removal. However, the success rate and complications related to these methods are heavily dependent on methodology and retrieval devices used. In this study, we developed a catheter-guided heartworm removal method using a retrieval basket that can easily access pulmonary arteries and increase the number of worms removed per procedure. With this technique, we successfully treated four dogs with caval syndrome.

The optimal size and placement of transdermal electrodes are critical for the efficacy of a transcutaneous pacemaker in dogs.

Transcutaneous cardiac pacing (TCP) can be used in dogs with a high risk for bradyarrhythmias prior to anesthesia, either in an emergency room or intensive care unit setting. Furthermore, TCP can also be used on patients diagnosed with bradyarrhythmias that require temporary pacing at the induction of anesthesia for the implantation of a permanent pacemaker. Despite the importance of TCP in emergency medicine, no studies have evaluated the optimal size and placement of the transdermal electrodes crucial for the efficacy of TCP in dogs. This study evaluated four different sizes of electrodes (10.5, 20, 30 and 40 cm2), and four different anatomical sites (anterior-posterior, left-right, apex-base, modified left-right) in order to optimize the efficacy of TCP in dogs. Electrodes with a surface area of 20 cm2 and a modified left-right placement minimized the pacing current and involuntary skeletal muscular contraction (muscular twitching) and so achieved the most optimal effect of TCP in dogs.

Urethral stenting in a cat with refractory obstructive feline lower urinary tract disease.

A 10-year-old male Korean domestic short-haired cat was presented with refractory lower urinary tract obstruction. The cat was treated by urethral stent placement using a self-expanding nitinol intraluminal stent (Zilver 535 biliary stents, COOK, U.S.A.) subsequent with balloon expansion. Although the cat showed 2 days of transient hematuria after the stent placement, no further obstruction was occurred after the stent placement. Follow-up studies performed at monthly intervals have found no re-stenosis or particular complications, to date.

Evaluation of changes in cardiac biomarker concentrations and enzyme activities in serum after short- and long-duration transcutaneous cardiac pacing in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum cardiac biomarker concentrations and selected enzyme activities in dogs with experimentally induced bradyarrhythmias after short- (1-hour) and long- (3-hour) duration transcutaneous cardiac pacing (TCP). ANIMALS: 10 healthy Beagles. PROCEDURES: In each dog, anesthesia was induced with propofol (5 mg/kg, IV) and maintained via inhalation of isoflurane in oxygen. To induce bradyarrhythmia, diltiazem was administered IV (20 to 50 mg/dog). Transcutaneous cardiac pacing was performed for 1 hour (5 dogs) or 3 hours (5 dogs) by use of an automated external cardiac pulse generator and a transdermal electrode. Serum concentrations of creatine kinase-MB fraction and cardiac troponin I and activities of aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase were evaluated the day before (baseline) and at intervals until 7 days after TCP. RESULTS: Increases (from baseline) in serum cardiac biomarker concentrations and enzyme activities were detected in the long-duration TCP group; changes in the short-duration TCP group were more minor and largely not significant. Although severity of myocardial and skeletal muscular injuries was apparently greater with greater duration of TCP, the injuries were not persistent; most variables were within reference range within 3 days after TCP. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that application of TCP for > 1 hour in dogs may cause myocardial and skeletal muscular injuries. Serum concentrations of creatine kinase-MB fraction and cardiac troponin I and activities of aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase should be more carefully monitored after TCP of > 1 hour's duration to evaluate potential myocardial damages.

Ebstein's anomaly with an atrial septal defect in a jindo dog.

A 7-month-old, female jindo dog was presented with severe ascites, cyanosis, and exercise intolerance. Diagnostic imaging studies revealed Ebstein's anomaly with an atrial septal defect. The dog was managed medically with inotropics, diuretics, and vasodilators.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of renal dimension and resistive index in clinically healthy Korean domestic short-hair cats.

Renal length, height, width, resistive index (RI), size of cortex, and medulla were determined by renal ultrasonography in 50 healthy Korean domestic short-hair cats. In the sagittal plane, the renal length was 3.83 +/- 0.51 cm (mean +/- SD) in the left kidney and 3.96 +/- 0.48 cm in the right kidney, whereas the renal height was 2.42 plusmn; 0.27 cm in the left kidney and 2.36 plusmn; 0.28 cm in the right kidney. In the transverse plane, the renal height was 2.42 +/- 0.28 cm in the left kidney and 2.38 +/- 0.27 cm in the right kidney, whereas the renal width was: 2.65 +/- 0.35 cm in the left kidney and 2.63 +/- 0.31 cm in the right kidney. In the dorsal plane, the renal length was 3.84 +/- 0.53 cm in the left kidney and 3.97 +/- 0.54 cm in the right kidney, whereas the renal width was 2.65 +/- 0.34 cm in the left kidney and 2.66 +/- 0.33 cm in the right kidney. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) among the same structure sizes measured in different planes. In the sagittal plane, the size of the renal cortex was 0.47 +/-; 0.08 cm in the left kidney and 0.47 +/- 0.08 cm in the right kidney, whereas of the size of the renal medulla was 0.55 +/- 0.30 cm in the left kidney and 0.50 +/- 0.07 cm in the right kidney. RI evaluated by pulsed wave Doppler sonography was 0.52 +/- 0.05 in the left kidney and 0.55 +/- 0.05 in the right kidney. The actual renal dimensions determined by gross examination were not statistically different from those determined by ultrasonography. Furthermore the renal dimensions and RI were statistically correlated to the body weight of cats.