Suspected tick-borne flavivirus meningoencephalomyelitis in dogs from the UK: six cases (2021).

OBJECTIVES: Tick-borne encephalitis virus and louping ill virus are neurotropic flaviviruses transmitted by ticks. Epidemiologically, tick-borne encephalitis is endemic in Europe whereas louping ill's predominant geographical distribution is the UK. Rarely, these flaviviruses affect dogs causing neurological signs. This case series aimed to describe the clinical, clinicopathological, and imaging findings, as well as the outcomes in six dogs with meningoencephalitis and/or meningomyelitis caused by a flavivirus in the UK in 2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational retrospective case-series study. Clinical data were retrieved from medical records of dogs with positive serological or immunohistochemical results from three different institutions from spring to winter 2021. RESULTS: Six dogs were included in the study. All dogs presented an initial phase of pyrexia and/or lethargy followed by progressive signs of spinal cord and/or intracranial disease. Magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral and symmetrical lesions affecting the grey matter of the thalamus, pons, medulla oblongata, and thoracic or lumbar intumescences with none or mild parenchymal and meningeal contrast enhancement. Serology for tick-borne encephalitis virus was positive in five dogs with the presence of seroconversion in two dogs. The viral distinction between flaviviruses was not achieved. One dog with negative serology presented positive immunohistochemistry at post-mortem examination. Three dogs survived but presented neurological sequelae. Three dogs were euthanased due to the rapid progression of the clinical signs or static neurological signs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These cases raise awareness of the presence of tick-borne encephalitis as an emergent disease or the increased prevalence of louping ill virus affecting dogs in the UK.

Serum anti-GM2 and anti-GalNAc-GD1a IgG antibodies are biomarkers for acute canine polyradiculoneuritis.

OBJECTIVES: A previous single-country pilot study indicated serum anti-GM2 and anti-GA1 anti-glycolipid antibodies as potential biomarkers for acute canine polyradiculoneuritis. This study aims to validate these findings in a large geographically heterogenous cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sera from 175 dogs clinically diagnosed with acute canine polyradiculoneuritis, 112 dogs with other peripheral nerve, cranial nerve or neuromuscular disorders and 226 neurologically normal dogs were screened for anti-glycolipid antibodies against 11 common glycolipid targets to determine the immunoglobulin G anti-glycolipid antibodies with the highest combined sensitivity and specificity for acute canine polyradiculoneuritis. RESULTS: Anti-GM2 anti-glycolipid antibodies reached the highest combined sensitivity and specificity (sensitivity: 65.1%, 95% confidence interval 57.6 to 72.2%; specificity: 90.2%, 95% confidence interval 83.1 to 95.0%), followed by anti-GalNAc-GD1a anti-glycolipid antibodies (sensitivity: 61.7%, 95% confidence interval 54.1 to 68.9%; specificity: 89.3%, 95% confidence interval 82.0 to 94.3%) and these anti-glycolipid antibodies were frequently present concomitantly. Anti-GA1 anti-glycolipid antibodies were detected in both acute canine polyradiculoneuritis and control animals. Both for anti-GM2 and anti-GalNAc-GD1a anti-glycolipid antibodies, sex was found a significantly associated factor with a female to male odds ratio of 2.55 (1.27 to 5.31) and 3.00 (1.22 to 7.89), respectively. Anti-GalNAc-GD1a anti-glycolipid antibodies were more commonly observed in dogs unable to walk (OR 4.56, 1.56 to 14.87). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Anti-GM2 and anti-GalNAc-GD1a immunoglobulin G anti-glycolipid antibodies represent serum biomarkers for acute canine polyradiculoneuritis.

In vitro activation of ovarian cortex and autologous transplantation: A novel approach to primary ovarian insufficiency and diminished ovarian reserve.

BACKGROUND: Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and diminished ovarian reserve are two conditions that affect women's fertility. Oocyte donation remains an option for these patients; however, the development of certain novel technologies, such as in vitro activation of ovarian cortex (IVA), enables the possibility of activating the pool of resting primordial follicles, increasing the chance of pregnancy. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE: Here, we review the main pathways (PI3K and Hippo signaling) that govern the activation of primordial follicles and its application through the development of culture systems that support ovarian cortex for autologous transplantation. We also review the available data from case reports regarding outcomes of pregnancy and live birth rates with IVA. SEARCH METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted using the PubMed-NCBI database to identify literature pertinent to the pathways involved in the activation of primordial follicles and the outcomes of IVA techniques from 2013 to the present. OUTCOMES: Women with POI have around a 5% chance of spontaneous pregnancy. Recently, novel techniques involving the activation of primordial follicles through molecular pathways have been developed, thus increasing the odds of these patients. More recently, the introduction of a drug-free IVA technique has shown to increase the number of antral follicles with successful oocyte maturation after gonadotropin treatment, reaching pregnancy rates over 30%, either through spontaneous conception or by the implementation of assisted reproductive technology. LIMITATIONS: The evidence of this review is based on a few small series, so data should be interpreted with caution, and only randomized controlled trials could estimate the real magnitude and success of the procedure. REASONS FOR CAUTION: IVA technique remains an experimental strategy, with limited available data and the requirement of invasive procedures. Moreover, possible carcinogenic effects not yet determined after transplantation require special caution. WIDER IMPLICATIONS: In view of the results achieved, IVA could provide a promising option for the preservation of fertility in some cancer patients and prepuberal girls where the only alternative is tissue cryopreservation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors received no specific funding for this work and declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Installing oncofertility programs for common cancers in limited resource settings (Repro-Can-OPEN Study): An extrapolation during the global crisis of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

PURPOSE: The state of limited resource settings that Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created globally should be taken seriously into account especially in healthcare sector. In oncofertility, patients should receive their fertility preservation treatments urgently even in limited resource settings before initiation of anticancer therapy. Therefore, it is very crucial to learn more about oncofertility practice in limited resource settings such as in developing countries that suffer often from shortage of healthcare services provided to young patients with cancer. METHODS: As an extrapolation during the global crisis of COVID-19 pandemic, we surveyed oncofertility centers from 14 developing countries (Egypt, Tunisia, Brazil, Peru, Panama, Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Argentina, Chile, Nigeria, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and India). Survey questionnaire included questions on the availability and degree of utilization of fertility preservation options in case of childhood cancer, breast cancer, and blood cancer. RESULTS: All surveyed centers responded to all questions. Responses and their calculated oncofertility scores showed different domestic standards for oncofertility practice in case of childhood cancer, breast cancer, and blood cancer in the developing countries under limited resource settings. CONCLUSIONS: Medical practice in limited resource settings has become a critical topic especially after the global crisis of COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the resources necessary to provide oncofertility treatments is important until the current COVID-19 pandemic resolves. Lessons learned will be valuable to future potential worldwide disruptions due to infectious diseases or other global crises.

Factors predictive of serious infections over time in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: data from a multi-ethnic, multi-national, Latin American lupus cohort.

AIM: The aim of this study was to identify factors predictive of serious infections over time in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: A multi-ethnic, multi-national Latin American SLE cohort was studied. Serious infection was defined as one that required hospitalization, occurred during a hospitalization or led to death. Potential predictors included were sociodemographic factors, clinical manifestations (per organ involved, lymphopenia and leukopenia, independently) and previous infections at baseline. Disease activity (SLEDAI), damage (SLICC/ACR Damage Index), non-serious infections, glucocorticoids, antimalarials (users and non-users), and immunosuppressive drugs use; the last six variables were examined as time-dependent covariates. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the predictors of serious infections using a backward elimination procedure. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of the 1243 patients included, 1116 (89.8%) were female. The median (interquartile range) age at diagnosis and follow-up time were 27 (20-37) years and 47.8 (17.9-68.6) months, respectively. The incidence rate of serious infections was 3.8 cases per 100 person-years. Antimalarial use (hazard ratio: 0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48-0.99; p = 0.0440) was protective, while doses of prednisone >15 and ≤60 mg/day (hazard ratio: 4.18; 95 %CI: 1.69-10.31; p = 0.0019) and >60 mg/day (hazard ratio: 4.71; 95% CI: 1.35-16.49; p = 0.0153), use of methylprednisolone pulses (hazard ratio: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.10-2.13; p = 0.0124), increase in disease activity (hazard ratio: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.04; p = 0.0016) and damage accrual (hazard ratio: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.11-1.34; p < 0.0001) were predictive factors of serious infections. CONCLUSIONS: Over time, prednisone doses higher than 15 mg/day, use of methylprednisolone pulses, increase in disease activity and damage accrual were predictive of infections, whereas antimalarial use was protective against them in SLE patients.

Ground Beetles in a Changing World: Communities in a Modified Wetland Landscape.

Wetlands are being increasingly affected by anthropogenic activities worldwide. The Lower Delta of the Paraná River, one of the most important wetlands in Argentina, has been profoundly altered because most of the natural environments were drained or diked to make them suitable for different agricultural activities. As a result, the landscape is characterized by a mosaic of Salicaceae afforestations of different ages interspersed with patches of secondary forests and grazing grasslands. The high susceptibility of Carabidae and Aphodiidae to natural and human-induced disturbances and management practices is reflected by changes in their spatiotemporal distribution. We performed a 1-year study to analyze and compare beetle's communities inhabiting different habitat types in this modified wetland landscape. A total of 58 beetle species were recorded, of which 48 were carabids and 10 aphodids. Although species richness and diversity were higher in productive habitats (afforestations and grasslands) than in secondary forests, hydrophilic species were only found in the latter. Community parameters varied seasonally. Our results indicate a close relationship between wetland beetle communities and vegetation cover in each habitat type. Human activity increases heterogeneity across this landscape, which favors the colonization of new species but causes the loss or displacement of autochthonous species. The secondary forests could serve as alternative habitats for beetles typical of humid environments. We propose the maintenance of the current heterogeneous mosaic to favor the diversity of ground beetles and the implementation of changes in water management for the benefit of hydrophilic beetle species.

Sexto reporte de eventos adversos con tratamientos biológicos en Argentina: Informe del registro BIOBADASAR / Sixth report of adverse events with biological treatments in Argentina: Report of the BIOBADASAR registry

Objetivo: Actualizar los resultados del registro BIOBADASAR sobre seguridad, duración y causas de interrupción del tratamiento luego de 8 años de seguimiento. Métodos: BIOBADASAR es un registro de seguridad de terapias biológicas establecido por la Sociedad Argentina de Reumatología. Se presenta la descripción de BIOBADASAR 3.0, una cohorte compuesta por 53 centros de Argentina seguidos prospectivamente desde agosto de 2010 hasta enero de 2018. Resultados: Se registraron 4656 pacientes, 6234 tratamientos [3765 casos (terapia con biológicos) y 2469 controles (terapia no biológicos)]. Se interrumpió el tratamiento en el 44,6% en los casos vs. 27,9% en los controles. Causa principal de discontinuación fue por ineficacia (40% casos vs. 32% controles). Se presentaron 3154 eventos adversos (2230 en casos vs. 924 en controles), de los cuales el 13,6% fueron graves (9,8% en casos y 3,7% en controles). El evento adverso (EA) más frecuente en ambos grupos fueron las infecciones (43,56% en casos vs. 34,31% en los controles, RR: 3,42; IC 95%: 3,02-3,88), y de ellas las de vías aéreas superiores (14,5%). Las neoplasias se presentaron en 78 casos vs. 45 en controles (RR: 1,98; IC 95%: 1,37-2,86). Conclusiones: En este sexto reporte no se observan tendencias diferentes sobre seguridad, duración y causas de interrupción del tratamiento respecto a informes previos. Las infecciones fueron el principal EA y la ineficacia, seguido por EA y la pérdida de pacientes las principales causas de suspensión del tratamiento. El advenimiento de nuevos agentes biológicos y la necesidad de control en seguridad a largo plazo, fortalece el uso de este tipo de registro.

Objective: Update the results of the BIOBADASAR registry on safety, duration and causes of treatment interruption after 8 years of follow-up. Methods: BIOBADASAR is a safety record of biological therapies established by the Argentine Society of Rheumatology. The description of BIOBADASAR 3.0 is presented, a cohort of 53 centers in Argentina followed prospectively from August 2010 to January 2018. Results: 4656 patients were registered, 6234 treatments [3765 cases (therapy with biologicals) and 2469 controls (non-biological therapy)]. Treatment was interrupted in 44.6% in cases vs. 27.9% in controls. Main cause of discontinuation was due to inefficiency (40% cases vs. 32% controls). There were 3154 adverse events (2230 in cases vs. 924 in controls), of which 13.6% were tombs (9.8% in cases and 3.7% in controls). The most frequent adverse event (AE) in both groups were infections (43.56% in cases vs. 34.31% in controls, RR: 3.42, 95% CI: 3.02-3.88), and the upper airway pathways (14.5%). Neoplasms were published in 78 cases versus 45 controls (RR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.37-2.86). Conclusions: In this article, there are no different trends regarding safety, duration and causes of interruption of treatment compared to previous reports. Infections were the main causes of treatment discontinuation. The advent of new biological agents and the need for control over long-term security, strengthens the use of this type of registration.

The occurrence of cardiac abnormalities in canine steroid-responsive meningitis arteritis.

OBJECTIVES: To document the prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in dogs with steroid-responsive meningitis arteritis and to assess resolution of these abnormalities following corticosteroid therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Steroid-responsive meningitis arteritis was diagnosed based on signalment, physical examination findings, complete blood count, biochemistry and CSF analysis. Echocardiography, C-reactive protein and cardiac troponin I were measured in all cases before and 10 to 14 days after commencing corticosteroid therapy. Fibrinogen was also measured in a proportion of dogs. RESULTS: Fourteen dogs were prospectively enrolled. Increased cardiac troponin I was identified in five of 14 dogs and echocardiographic abnormalities were detected in 12 of 14 dogs, including spontaneous echo contrast (12 of 14), mild pericardial effusion (five of 14) and mildly decreased fractional shortening (five of 14). All dogs had increased C-reactive protein and fibrinogen was increased in 11 of 12. Corticosteroid treatment was associated with clinical improvement and normalisation of C-reactive protein in all dogs. The cardiac troponin I levels normalised in four of five and fibrinogen had normalised in all five dogs which were retested. Spontaneous echo contrast improved or completely resolved in 12 of 12 and pericardial effusion resolved in five of five dogs. Fractional shortening normalised in two of five dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cardiac changes are common in dogs with steroid-responsive meningitis arteritis and most resolve with therapy. Further investigation into the cause and significance of these changes is necessary in determining whether antithrombotic therapy or positive inotropic therapy is indicated.

Serological prevalence of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in dogs diagnosed with suspected meningoencephalitis in the UK.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in a population of dogs with a diagnosis of suspected inflammatory meningoencephalitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of three referral centres were reviewed from 2008 to 2016 to identify a cohort of dogs diagnosed and treated for suspected inflammatory meningoencephalitis after testing for evidence of exposure to these pathogens. RESULTS: In our sample of 400 dogs the prevalence for exposure (IgG>1:50) to Toxoplasma gondii was 8/201 (3∙98%). Active infection (IgG titre >1:400 or/and an IgM titre >1:64 and/or positive PCR in CSF) was suspected in 1/400 (0∙25%). The prevalence for exposure [Indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) titre >1:50] and active infection (IFA titres ≥⃒1:400 and/or positive PCR in CSF) with Neospora caninum were 14/201 (6∙96%) and 9/400 (2∙25%), respectively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In view of the low prevalence of protozoan infections, the risk associated with starting immunosuppressive medication in dogs with evidence of inflammatory meningitis or encephalitis in the UK appears low.

Accesibilidad y adherencia a drogas biológicas en un servicio público de reumatología de la ciudad de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina / Accessibility and adherence to biological drugs in a public rheumatology service in the city of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina

Objetivo: Describir la situación de accesibilidad y adherencia a tratamientos con drogas biológicas en pacientes de un servicio público de reumatología. Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal, observacional y retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes con gestión de DB. Variables: sociodemográficas, clínicas, tratamientos, tiempo desde el diagnóstico al acceso, adherencia (porcentaje de toma mensual y adecuada de la droga ≥75%); tiempo desde prescripción a administración; trámite administrativo realizado por entidad pública u obra social; certificado único de discapacidad (CUD). Resultados: Se incluyeron 57 pacientes, 86% mujeres, edad media 47,79 años (IC 95%: 44,46-51,12); educación media 8,42 años (IC 95%: 7,68-9,16); 82,5% nivel socioeconómico medio-bajo; 63,2% etnia mestiza; 19,3% cobertura privada. Patología más frecuente: artritis reumatoidea. Tiempo medio desde el diagnóstico a la DB: 104,25 meses (IC 95%: 82,61-125,89). Tiempo medio desde la prescripción a la aplicación: 6,4 meses (IC 95%: 5,62-7,18). Adherencia del 86,0%. 50% de los pacientes contaban con CUD. No hubo diferencias en el tiempo de espera desde prescripción a administración de DB, en relación a cobertura de salud (p=0,065) y nivel socioeconómico. Conclusión: Existe un largo tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad en relación a la accesibilidad a DB y tanto el acceso como la adherencia reflejan la vulnerabilidad de estos pacientes.

Objective: To describe the situation of accessibility and adhesion treatment of patients with biological drugs (BD) from a public rheumatology service. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational and retrospective study, which includes patients who have been treated with BD. Variables: sociodemographic; clinical and treatments; time from diagnosis to BD access, adherence (monthly intake percentage of the drug ≥75%); time from the prescription to the administration of the BD; paperwork by a public or private entity; disability certificate (DC). Results: A total of 57 patients were included, 86% women, mean age being 47.79 (95% CI: 44.46-51.12) and education years being 8.42 (95% CI: 7.68- 9.16). 82.5% belonged to a medium-low socioeconomic status and 63.2% were mestizos. 19.3% had private coverage. Rheumatoid Arthritis was the most frequent disease. The mean time from diagnosis to BD: 104.25 months (95% CI: 82.61-125.89). The mean time from prescription to application: 6.4 months (95% CI: 5.62-7.18). The adherence was 86.0% and 50.0 % of patients had DC. There were no differences in the waiting time from the prescription to BD administration, taking into account the health coverage (p = 0.065) and socioeconomic status. Conclusion: There is a long time of disease evolution in regarding the accessibility to BD. In addition, accessibility and adherence reflect the vulnerability of our patients.

C7 vertebra homeotic transformation in domestic dogs - are Pug dogs breaking mammalian evolutionary constraints?

The number of cervical vertebrae in mammals is almost constant at seven, regardless of their neck length, implying that there is selection against variation in this number. Homebox (Hox) genes are involved in this evolutionary mammalian conservation, and homeotic transformation of cervical into thoracic vertebrae (cervical ribs) is a common phenotypic abnormality when Hox gene expression is altered. This relatively benign phenotypic change can be associated with fatal traits in humans. Mutations in genes upstream of Hox, inbreeding and stressors during organogenesis can also cause cervical ribs. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of cervical ribs in a large group of domestic dogs of different breeds, and explore a possible relation with other congenital vertebral malformations (CVMs) in the breed with the highest prevalence of cervical ribs. By phenotyping we hoped to give clues as to the underlying genetic causes. Twenty computed tomography studies from at least two breeds belonging to each of the nine groups recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale, including all the brachycephalic 'screw-tailed' breeds that are known to be overrepresented for CVMs, were reviewed. The Pug dog was more affected by cervical ribs than any other breed (46%; P < 0.001), and was selected for further analysis. No association was found between the presence of cervical ribs and vertebral body formation defect, bifid spinous process, caudal articular process hypoplasia/aplasia and an abnormal sacrum, which may infer they have a different aetiopathogenesis. However, Pug dogs with cervical ribs were more likely to have a transitional thoraco-lumbar vertebra (P = 0.041) and a pre-sacral vertebral count of 26 (P < 0.001). Higher C7/T1 dorsal spinous processes ratios were associated with the presence of cervical ribs (P < 0.001), supporting this is a true homeotic transformation. Relaxation of the stabilizing selection has likely occurred, and the Pug dog appears to be a good naturally occurring model to further investigate the aetiology of cervical ribs, other congenital vertebral anomalies and numerical alterations.

Analysis of Indications and Results in Liver Retransplantation: Is Late Retransplantation Worthwhile?

BACKGROUND: Liver retransplantation (LrT) is the only therapeutic option for irreversible hepatic graft failure. Despite various improvements, its technical complexity entails a greater morbidity in the short and long term. The main goal of the study was to analyze the activity of LrT at our center, as well as its indications, timing, postoperative evolution, and the long-term survival of patients. METHODS: We designed a descriptive study of a cohort of patients who underwent LrT in a Spanish Hepatic Transplant Unit, between April 1, 2002 and December 31, 2015. RESULTS: A total of 366 primary orthotopic liver transplantations were performed, 20 of which were LrTs, resulting in a 5.5% retransplantation rate. The most frequent indication for LrT was hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) (35%). Twenty-five percent of the LrTs were early retransplantations and 75% were late retransplantations. After LrT, 35% of the grafts showed liver dysfunction. The overall mortality rate was 45%: in early LrT this was 25% and in late LrT it was 46.7%. Graft actuarial survival at 1 month post-LrT was 75% and at 5 years it was 63.6%. The overall actuarial survival after LrT at month 1, year 1, year 3, and year 5 was 80%, 69.6%, 58.9%, and 50.5%, respectively. In the late LrT group, the results proved less favorable, so it is necessary to define the minimum acceptable result before proceeding to a second graft. CONCLUSION: Our LrT rate was lower than that reported by other groups in our country. The actuarial survival rates for graft and patient are comparable to those obtained by other groups.

Analysis of the Predictive Ability for Graft Loss and Mortality of Two Criteria for Early Allograft Dysfunction After Liver Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: The current imbalance between available donors and potential recipients for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has led to a liberalization of organ acceptance criteria, increasing the risk of post-transplant complications such as early allograft dysfunction (EAD). Consequently, we need accurate criteria to detect patients with early poor graft function to guide the strategies of management. We evaluated the usefulness of two frequently used criteria: the definition from Olthoff et al and the Model for Early Allograft Function (MEAF) scoring. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Unicentric cohort study of patients undergoing OLT between January 1, 2010, and November 20, 2016. We performed a univariate study to detect donor, recipient, and transplant factors favoring EAD, defined both by Olthoff criteria and a MEAF score higher than 7. Finally, we developed a comparative survival analysis for cases having or not EAD. RESULTS: In all, 201 transplants met inclusion criteria. According to the stated cutoff for MEAF score, the frequency of EAD was 9.3%, with a significant association to low recipient body mass index and prolonged total graft ischemia time, resulting in lower patient 3-month postoperative survival. According to Olthoff criteria, EAD incidence was 22.1% and was associated with younger donor and recipient ages and higher Model for End-stage Liver Disease and Child-Pugh recipient scores. Its development resulted in lower graft and recipient survival at 3 months after OLT. CONCLUSION: MEAF score and Olthoff criteria are useful tools for detection of EAD. The latter could select more appropriately patients at risk, but its calculation cannot be done until the seventh day after OLT, unlike MEAF score, available on third day.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in epileptic cats with a normal interictal neurological examination: 188 cases.

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition in dogs and cats. Although an increased likelihood of significant brain lesions with age has been identified in neurologically normal dogs with epileptic seizures, the underlying aetiology of epileptic seizures in cats that present with normal physical and neurological examinations remains unknown. In this cross-sectional study, the authors examined MRI findings in a large population of cats with a normal interictal physical and neurological examination. They hypothesised that age would have an impact on the prevalence of detectable lesions. First, following the guidelines for dogs and in accordance with previous studies, the authors divided the cats into three age groups (aged one year or younger, between one and six, and older than six) and calculated the proportion of cats with a detectable lesion on MRI in these groups. In the first group, 3/32 cats (9.4 per cent) had significant MRI abnormalities that were all consistent with congenital malformation; in the second group, only 5/92 (5.4 per cent) MRI scans were abnormal and in the third group, 15/ 65 (23.1 per cent) cats showed abnormal findings that were predominantly lesions of neoplastic origin. Second, to investigate the impact of age further, data were investigated as a continuous variable using receiver operating characteristic analysis. This indicated an optimal cut-off age of five years, above which MRI abnormalities were more likely, with an increase in the odds of a significant structural lesion increasing by 14 per cent per year.

Suspected air embolism through the thoracic ventral internal vertebral venous plexus during hemilaminectomy in dogs.

Venous air embolism entering via the ventral internal vertebral venous plexus was suspected during thoracic spinal surgery in two dogs. In both cases, air was seen bubbling from a pool of blood on the floor of the vertebral canal accompanied by sudden cardiopulmonary disturbances: low end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure, tachycardia and reduction in oxygen in the blood. One dog became dyspnoeic and one died.

Clinical Features, Imaging Characteristics, and Long-term Outcome of Dogs with Cranial Meningocele or Meningoencephalocele.

BACKGROUND: The term meningoencephalocele (MEC) describes a herniation of cerebral tissue and meninges through a defect in the cranium, whereas a meningocele (MC) is a herniation of the meninges alone. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical features, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics, and outcomes of dogs with cranial MC and MEC. ANIMALS: Twenty-two client-owned dogs diagnosed with cranial MC or MEC. METHODS: Multicentric retrospective descriptive study. Clinical records of 13 institutions were reviewed. Signalment, clinical history, neurologic findings and MRI characteristics as well as treatment and outcome were recorded and evaluated. RESULTS: Most affected dogs were presented at a young age (median, 6.5 months; range, 1 month - 8 years). The most common presenting complaints were seizures and behavioral abnormalities. Intranasal MEC was more common than parietal MC. Magnetic resonance imaging identified meningeal enhancement of the protruded tissue in 77% of the cases. Porencephaly was seen in all cases with parietal MC. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis identified mild abnormalities in 4 of 11 cases. Surgery was not performed in any affected dog. Seventeen patients were treated medically, and seizures were adequately controlled with anti-epileptic drugs in 10 dogs. Dogs with intranasal MEC and mild neurologic signs had a fair prognosis with medical treatment. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although uncommon, MC and MEC should be considered as a differential diagnosis in young dogs presenting with seizures or alterations in behavior. Medical treatment is a valid option with a fair prognosis when the neurologic signs are mild.