Radiotherapy for Canine Apocrine Gland Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma: Survival Outcomes and Side Effects of a Palliative Treatment Protocol of 20 Gy in Five Consecutive Fractions.

This research aims to evaluate the outcomes of a radiotherapy protocol, consisting of five fractions of 4 Gy each, resulting in a total dose of 20 Gy for apocrine gland anal sac tumors and local lymph nodes in canines. This protocol was assessed as a palliative treatment for macroscopic tumors alone, or in combination with additional therapies under different scenarios. Medical records from fifty canine patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided into different treatment groups: radiotherapy alone (n = 22, 44%), radiotherapy with chemotherapy or targeted therapy with toceranib (n = 18, 36%), surgery with radiotherapy (n = 5, 10%), and surgery with radiotherapy and chemotherapy or targeted therapy with toceranib (n = 5, 10%). Patients who received radiotherapy alone had a median survival time of 384 days (95% CI 198-569) and 628 days (95% CI 579-676) for RT + additional therapies. The median time to progression for patients with radiotherapy alone was 337 days (95% CI 282-391 days), and 402 days (95% CI 286-517 days) for radiotherapy plus additional treatments. Acute side effects were mild, with the majority having diarrhea (61%), and only one patient developed grade III late effects VRTOG v2 classification; however, this happened 22 months after the first radiotherapy protocol after re-irradiation. The results demonstrate that radiotherapy alone under this protocol provided a comparable median time to progression vs. radiotherapy plus additional treatments while maintaining acceptable side effects. The combination of this protocol with other treatment modalities offers attractive results for local disease control and survival while maintaining acceptable toxicities. Overall, these findings contribute to the growing evidence supporting the role of radiotherapy in managing apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma in dogs.

Retrospective Comparison of the Anesthetic Effects of Tiletamine-Zolazepam with Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine with Dexmedetomidine in Captive Formosan Serow (Capricornis swinhoei).

Formosan serows are endemic to the mountainous regions of Taiwan. This crossover study aimed to assess and compare the anesthetic induction and recovery using either dexmedetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam (DZ) or dexmedetomidine-ketamine (DK) by intramuscular injection from a blow-dart in a zoo environment. Ten anesthetic procedures were performed with five adult Formosan serows. Each participant was anesthetized with both combinations at least once with a minimal 12-month washout. The average dosages were 22.6 ± 8.3 µg/kg and 35.8 ± 2.5 µg/kg for dexmedetomidine and 185.6 ± 123.6 and 357.8 ± 25.2 µg/kg for atipamezole for the DZ and DK groups, respectively. The doses of tiletamine-zolazepam and ketamine were 2.1 ± 0.25 mg/kg and 3.6 ± 0.3 mg/kg, respectively, in the DZ and DK groups. All participants were induced within 10 min (median: 8 min for both groups), except one serow in the DK group with an induction time of 22 min. Serows in the DZ group had a lower respiratory rate (p = 0.016) and lower rectal temperature (p = 0.008) than those in the DK group. The quality of recovery was poor for DZ because of paddling, prolonged recovery, and ataxia after antagonism of dexmedetomidine with atipamezole. The induction of anesthesia with dexmedetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam was uneventful and rapid. However, recovery from this combination was not smooth.

Targeted next-generation sequencing assay to detect 3 Moraxella spp. directly from bovine ocular swabs.

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) is associated with 2 species of Moraxella: M. bovis and M. bovoculi. A third novel Moraxella spp., designated tentatively as M. oculi, has been identified from the eyes of cattle with and without pinkeye. These 3 Moraxella spp. can be found in various combinations within the same clinical sample, making speciation of this genus directly from a sample impossible with Sanger sequencing. Assessing Moraxella diversity found in IBK- and non-IBK-affected cattle eyes, independent of culture, may provide additional information about IBK by avoiding the selectivity bias of culturing. We developed a targeted NGS panel to detect and speciate these 3 Moraxella spp. directly from bovine ocular swabs. Our targeted panel amplifies bacterial essential genes and the 16S-23S ribosomal RNA intergenic spacer region (ITS) of the 3 Moraxella spp. and speciates based on these sequences. Our panel was able to differentiate the 3 species directly from DNA extracted from 13 swabs (6 from healthy animals, 7 from animals with IBK), and every swab except one (clinically healthy eye) had the 3 Moraxella spp. Targeted NGS with sequencing of Moraxella spp. housekeeping genes appears to be a suitable method for speciation of Moraxella directly from ocular swabs.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pet behavior and human-animal interaction: a longitudinal survey-based study in the United States.

Introduction: Although multiple studies have explored behavioral changes in pets during the strict lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic between May and July 2020, this longitudinal study uniquely investigated the phases beyond strict lockdown. The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the pandemic's impact on pet behavior. Methods: To achieve this goal, we conducted an online survey, completed by pet owners residing in the United States between June 2020 (including retrospective data for February and April 2020) and December 2021. The study encompassed four distinct pandemic phases: Pre-pandemic (data collected retrospectively), Strict lockdown, Prolonged lockdown, and Re-opening. Results and discussion: The data collected from surveys completed by 3,278 pet owners across one to six time points revealed declining trends in all investigated behavior problems of both dogs and cats. Concurrently, human-animal interaction activities also showed variations across different COVID-19 phases. The association between human-animal interactions and the occurrence of behavior problems underscored the importance of not only exercise quantity but also adherence to consistent schedules, particularly for dogs, in mitigating behavior problems. Interestingly, among cats, sleeping outside the bedroom was associated with a reduced occurrence of aggression, anxiety, fear, and physiological behavior changes. However, sleep location displayed limited or no association with behavior problems in dogs. In summary, this study highlights the importance of tailoring interventions to the unique needs of each species through human-animal interactions to mitigate the occurrence of behavioral problems and enhance human-animal relationships.

Comparison of 4 point-of-care techniques to detect correct positioning of nasogastric tubes in dogs (2020-2021).

OBJECTIVE: To compare 4 point-of-care (POC) techniques to assess nasogastric (NG) tube placement versus radiographs as a reference standard. POC methods included air inflation with auscultation, fluid aspiration with pH measurement, ultrasonography, and capnography. DESIGN: Prospective observational study in hospitalized dogs between 2020 and 2021. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Fifty-one dogs requiring NG tube placement as part of their normal care. INTERVENTIONS: After standard blind NG tube placement, each POC method was performed following standardized instructions. All POC methods were scored as to whether the investigator believed the tube to be in the gastrointestinal tract (as indicated by positive auscultation of borborygmus during insufflation, positive fluid aspiration with pH ≤5, presence of hyperechoic shadow in the esophagus, or absence of capnographic waveform). Subsequently, radiographs were taken to determine NG tube position as a gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of each test as compared to 2-view thoracic radiographs were determined. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for each POC technique were as follows: air auscultation (84.4%, 50.5%, and 80.4%, respectively), neck ultrasound (95.6%, 83.3%, and 94.1%, respectively), capnography (91.1%, 33.3%, and 84.3%, respectively), and fluid aspiration with pH measurement (22.2%, 100%, and 31.4%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Among the 4 techniques evaluated, neck ultrasound had the best overall performance for assessing NG tube placement. Fluid aspiration with pH measurement might also have potential due to perfect specificity, but its clinical utility may be limited by low sensitivity and accuracy. Nonetheless, 2-view thoracic radiography should still be considered the standard method for confirmation of NG tube placement as none of the 4 POC techniques investigated showed both high sensitivity and perfect specificity.

Effects of storage up to 1 year on the in vitro antimicrobial activity of preformulated antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate beads.

OBJECTIVE: To compare antimicrobial activity as demonstrated by the zone of inhibition (ZOI) produced by antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate (CaSO4 ) beads after storage for 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Three-millimeter diameter CaSO4 beads impregnated with vancomycin (125 mg/mL), or amikacin (250 mg/mL), or without antibiotic (control). METHODS: Calcium sulfate beads were created at the onset of the study. Individual beads were separated in sterile containers and stored in a closed cabinet at room temperature and humidity for 0, 3, 6, 9, or 12 months until testing. The ZOI against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was recorded with serial replating on a fresh lawn of bacteria every 24 h until beads failed to produce a ZOI. The ZOIs and their changes were compared with mixed-effects linear models. Eluted concentrations of vancomycin measured with high-performance liquid chromatography were reported. RESULTS: At 24 h, ZOIs were comparable regardless of time since formulation, except vancomycin against P. aeruginosa, which failed to generate a ZOI. The daily changes of ZOI and duration of activity of antibiotics did not vary between storage length (p > .05). There was no consistent change in eluted drug concentration between storage length of beads. CONCLUSION: Light protected storage at room temperature for up to 12 months did not impair the in vitro activity of antibiotic-impregnated CaSO4 beads, as demonstrated through ZOIs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: When stored correctly, antibiotic-impregnated CaSO4 beads can be used at least up to 12 months after formulation.

Interstitial glucose monitoring has acceptable clinical accuracy in juvenile dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of an interstitial glucose monitor (IGM) versus a portable blood glucose monitor (PBGM) in sick juvenile dogs in a veterinary ICU. ANIMALS: 16 client-owned dogs admitted to the university teaching hospital under 1 year of age with systemic illness. PROCEDURES: Paired interstitial and blood glucose samples were collected. A third glucose measurement with a reference method was obtained when IGM and PBGM values were clinically disparate. Analytical accuracy was measured by Pearson correlation and agreement statistics, including mean absolute relative difference (MARD), bias, and 95% limits of agreement. The Parkes consensus error grid analysis was performed to assess clinical accuracy. RESULTS: 159 paired glucose measurements were available for analysis. Comparison of IGM readings to PBGM measurements resulted in an MARD of 15.4% and bias of -2.6%, with the 95% limits of agreement ranging from -42.5% to 37.4%. Positive correlation between IGM and PBGM (Pearson r = 0.65) was found. On consensus error grid analysis, 100% of the pairs fell into clinically acceptable zones (74.2% in zone A, and 25.8% in zone B). When disparate IGM and PBGM readings were compared to a laboratory reference standard (n = 13), both methods resulted in high MARD and wide limits of agreement. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The IGM provides clinically acceptable glucose measurements compared to PBGM to monitor glucose levels in juvenile dogs in a clinical setting. Further clinical studies with a larger sample size, particularly in the hypoglycemic range, are needed to assess IGM performance in the lower glucose range.

Temporal patterns of owner-pet relationship, stress, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effect of pet ownership on mental health: A longitudinal survey.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us in numerous ways and may consequently impact our relationships with pet dogs and cats. We conducted a longitudinal survey to examine the temporal patterns of owner-pet relationship, stress, and loneliness during four phases of the pandemic: 1) pre-pandemic (February 2020), 2) lockdown (April to June 2020), 3) reopening (September to December 2020), and 4) recovery (January 2021 to December 2021). We also investigated the effect of pet ownership on stress and loneliness, by considering a set of a priori causal assumptions. In addition, we hypothesized that the differences in the levels of stress and loneliness between dog and cat ownerships were mediated by the owner-pet relationship. A total of 4,237 participants (657 non-pet owners, 1,761 dog owners, and 1,819 cat owners) completed between one and six surveys. Overall, the closeness in the relationship between owners and their pets increased with time during the study period. We also observed that dog owners consistently showed larger decreases in the levels of stress and loneliness than cat and non-pet owners. However, after adjusting for confounders, the findings did not support a mitigating effect of pet ownership. Pet ownership did not alleviate stress, social loneliness resulting from a lack of friendships or workplace relationships, or emotional loneliness due to deficiencies in family relationships. Pet owners, however, reported a lower degree of emotional loneliness caused by deficits in romantic relationships than non-pet owners. Our results also indicated that the differences in stress and loneliness levels between dog and cat ownerships were partially explained by the owner-pet relationship, and once this was accounted for, the differences between them reduced. In summary, this study highlights the dynamic effects of COVID-19 on owner-pet relationship and mental health. It also shows the complexity of the association between pet ownership and mental health, partially mediated by owner-pet relationships.

Retrospective comparison of side effects and outcomes of three-dimensional conformal vs. intensity-modulated radiation therapy in the palliative-intent treatment (4 Gy × 5 daily fractions) of canine intranasal tumors (2010-2017).

Objective: To compare the occurrence of radiation side effects and treatment outcomes in dogs with intranasal tumors treated with a total dose of 20 Gy delivered in 5 daily 4 Gy fractions using computer-based 3D conformal (3DCRT) or intensity-modulated (IMRT) radiation therapy plans. Design: Retrospective case series. Materials and methods: Medical records for dogs with intranasal tumors treated with 4 Gy × 5 fractions between 2010 and 2017 were reviewed. Radiation side effects, time to local progression (TTLP), progression-free survival (PFS) and survival time (OS) were evaluated. Results: Thirty-six dogs (24 carcinomas, 10 sarcomas and 2 others) met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen were treated with 3DCRT and 20 with IMRT. Clinical signs improvement or resolution were reported in 84% of dogs. The median time to clinical signs improvement was 12 days (1-88 days) after the end of treatment. Eight dogs treated with 3DCRT (8/16, 50%) and 5 with IMRT (5/20, 25%) were documented acute radiation side effects. Almost all were classified as grade 1 skin, oral or ocular acute side effects. Only one dog in 3DCRT group was demonstrated grade 2 skin acute effects. The median TTLP for dogs treated with 3DCRT or IMRT was 238 days and 179 days, respectively (p = 0.967). The median PFS for 3DCRT or IMRT was 228 days and 175 days, respectively (p = 0.940). The median OS for 3DCRT or IMRT was 295 days and 312 days, respectively (p = 0.787). No significantly differences were observed in side effects, TTLP, PFS and OS between 3DCRT and IMRT groups. Conclusions: Palliative-intent conformal radiation therapy given in five daily 4 Gy fractions relieved clinical signs with minimal radiation side effects, with no statistical difference in occurrence between 3DCRT and IMRT dogs.

Variation in provider compliance with sports restriction guidelines in children with an isolated bicuspid aortic valve.

BACKGROUND: Published guidelines for sports restriction for children with a bicuspid aortic valve remain controversial. We sought to describe practice variation and factors influencing sports restrictions in these children. METHODS: This retrospective single-centre study included children (7-18 years old) with an isolated bicuspid aortic valve at baseline from 1 January, 2005 to 31 December, 2014. Sports restrictions, factors potentially influencing decision-making, and outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistics and multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models were performed with providers and patients as random effects. Provider variation was estimated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and p-values were reported from the models. RESULTS: In 565 encounters (253 children; 34 providers), 41% recommended no sports restrictions, 40% recommended high-static and high-dynamic restrictions, and 19% had no documented recommendations. Based on published guidelines, 22% of children were inappropriately restricted while 30% were not appropriately restricted. The paediatric cardiology provider contributed to 37% of observed practice variation (p < 0.001). Sports restriction was associated with older age, males, greater ascending aorta z-score, and shorter follow-up interval. There were no aortic dissections or deaths and one cardiac intervention. CONCLUSION: Physicians frequently fail to document sports restrictions for children with a bicuspid aortic valve, and documented recommendations often conflict with published guidelines. Despite this, no adverse outcomes occurred. Providers accounted for a significant proportion of the variation in sports restrictions. Further research to provide evidence-based guidelines may improve provider compliance with activity recommendations in this population.

Dam (Canis familiaris) Welfare throughout the Peri-Parturient Period in Commercial Breeding Kennels.

Poor dam welfare throughout the peri-parturient period can also negatively affect that of their offspring. This study aimed to identify changes in physical, physiological, and behavioral metrics indicative of dam welfare throughout the peri-parturient period. Dams (n = 74) from eight U.S. Midwest commercial breeding (CB) kennels were tested at 6 and 1 week prepartum, and 4 and 8 weeks postpartum. At each time point dams underwent a stranger approach test, physical health assessment, hair collection for hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and fecal collection for fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM), fecal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and parasite detection. Linear mixed-effects models indicated dams exhibited more affiliative behaviors towards the stranger at 4 weeks postpartum than 6 weeks prepartum (p = 0.03), increased HCC from 4-weeks to 8 weeks postpartum (p = 0.02), and increased FGM from 1 week prepartum to 8 weeks postpartum (p = 0.04). At each respective time point, the percentage of dams with intestinal parasites was 11%, 4%, 23%, and 15%. Most changes are likely due to increased energy requirements and hormonal variations. However, deviations from expected changes may have resulted from changes in environment and/ or management, which should be explored in future studies.

Perioperative Brain Function Monitoring with Electroencephalography in Horses Anesthetized with Multimodal Balanced Anesthetic Protocol Subjected to Surgeries.

This study aimed to investigate the use of electroencephalography (EEG) for detecting brain activity changes perioperatively in anesthetized horses subjected to surgery. Twelve adult horses undergoing various surgeries were evaluated after premedication with xylazine and butorphanol, induction with ketamine, midazolam, and guaifenesin, and maintenance with isoflurane. The frontal EEG electrodes were placed after the horse was intubated and mechanically ventilated. The EEG data were collected continuously from Stage (S)1-transition from induction to isoflurane maintenance, S2-during surgery, S3-early recovery before xylazine sedation (0.2 mg kg IV), and S4-recovery after xylazine sedation. The Patient State Index (PSI), (Burst) Suppression Ratio (SR), and 95% Spectral Edge Frequency (SEF95) were compared across the stages. The PSI was lowest in S2 (20.8 ± 2.6) and increased to 30.0 ± 27.7 (p = 0.005) in S3. The SR increased from S1 (5.5 ± 10.7%) to S3 (32.7 ± 33.8%, p = 0.0001). The spectral power analysis showed that S3 had a significantly higher content of delta wave activity (0.1-4 Hz) in the EEG and lower relative power in the 3 Hz to 15 Hz range when compared to S1 and S2. A similar result was observed in S4, but the lower power was in a narrower range, from 3 Hz to 7 Hz, which indicate profound central nervous system depression potentiated by xylazine, despite the cessation of isoflurane anesthesia. We concluded that the use of EEG provides clinically relevant information about perioperative brain state changes of the isoflurane-anesthetized horse.

Quality of life of veterinary residents in AVMA-Recognized Veterinary Specialty Organizations using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether there is an association between veterinary specialty and the quality of life of residents in AVMA-Recognized Veterinary Specialty Organizations™ using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used an online survey and data collection service for administration of the survey to veterinary residents during April 2021 to June 2021. Veterinary residents were contacted through their respective AVMA-Recognized Veterinary Specialty Organization™ and through social media. Overall quality of life along with the domains of Physical Health, Psychological Health, Social Relationships, and Environment were measured using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument. Additionally, data on the demographics of participants were collected and investigated as potential confounders. Mean standardized scores (0 to 100) were compared among the specialties using the general linear model. RESULTS: 792 residents from 21 veterinary specialties were included in the analysis. The results showed that overall quality of life and all four domains varied significantly among specialties after adjusting for significant demographic variables (all Ps < 0.001). The mean standardized overall quality of life score was 54.3, ranging from 31.8 in Emergency and Critical Care to 56.3 in Laboratory Animal. The mean standardized quality of life scores were lowest for Psychological Health (50.3), followed by Social Relationships (55.0), Environment (61.4), and Physical Health (62.6). Residents in Emergency and Critical Care had the lowest adjusted average scores in all quality of life domains. Residents in Internal Medicine, Anesthesia and Analgesia, and Surgeons had lower quality of life scores across several domains when compared to other specialties. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides insight into the mental health and general well-being of veterinary residents. The results can assist veterinary specialty organizations, universities, and mentors in developing appropriate supporting programs for residents. The results can also assist residents in recognizing and more efficiently caring for their individual mental health and well-being.

The reporting of p values, confidence intervals and statistical significance in Preventive Veterinary Medicine (1997-2017).

BACKGROUND: Despite much discussion in the epidemiologic literature surrounding the use of null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) for inferences, the reporting practices of veterinary researchers have not been examined. We conducted a survey of articles published in Preventive Veterinary Medicine, a leading veterinary epidemiology journal, aimed at (a) estimating the frequency of reporting p values, confidence intervals and statistical significance between 1997 and 2017, (b) determining whether this varies by article section and (c) determining whether this varies over time. METHODS: We used systematic cluster sampling to select 985 original research articles from issues published in March, June, September and December of each year of the study period. Using the survey data analysis menu in Stata, we estimated overall and yearly proportions of article sections (abstracts, results-texts, results-tables and discussions) reporting p values, confidence intervals and statistical significance. Additionally, we estimated the proportion of p values less than 0.05 reported in each section, the proportion of article sections in which p values were reported as inequalities, and the proportion of article sections in which confidence intervals were interpreted as if they were significance tests. Finally, we used Generalised Estimating Equations to estimate prevalence odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, comparing the occurrence of each of the above-mentioned reporting elements in one article section relative to another. RESULTS: Over the 20-year period, for every 100 published manuscripts, 31 abstracts (95% CI [28-35]), 65 results-texts (95% CI [61-68]), 23 sets of results-tables (95% CI [20-27]) and 59 discussion sections (95% CI [56-63]) reported statistical significance at least once. Only in the case of results-tables, were the numbers reporting p values (48; 95% CI [44-51]), and confidence intervals (44; 95% CI [41-48]) higher than those reporting statistical significance. We also found that a substantial proportion of p values were reported as inequalities and most were less than 0.05. The odds of a p value being less than 0.05 (OR = 4.5; 95% CI [2.3-9.0]) or being reported as an inequality (OR = 3.2; 95% CI [1.3-7.6]) was higher in the abstracts than in the results-texts. Additionally, when confidence intervals were interpreted, on most occasions they were used as surrogates for significance tests. Overall, no time trends in reporting were observed for any of the three reporting elements over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the availability of superior approaches to statistical inference and abundant criticism of its use in the epidemiologic literature, NHST is substantially the most common means of inference in articles published in Preventive Veterinary Medicine. This pattern has not changed substantially between 1997 and 2017.

Erratum: Prostate cancer clinical characteristics and outcomes in Central Sudan.

[This corrects the article on p. 1 in vol. 14.].

Comparison of anesthetic and cardiorespiratory effects of tiletamine-zolazepam-detomidine-butorphanol, tiletamine-zolazepam-xylazine-butorphanol, and ketamine-detomidine-butorphanol in pigs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the anesthetic, analgesic, and cardiorespiratory effects of tiletamine-zolazepam-detomidine-butorphanol (TZDB), tiletamine-zolazepam-xylazine-butorphanol (TZXB), and ketamine-detomidine-butorphanol (KDB) in pigs and to assess anesthetic recovery duration and quality following administration of tolazoline as a reversal agent. ANIMALS: 11 healthy 2.5-month-old castrated male Landrace mixed-breed pigs. PROCEDURES: In a randomized, blinded crossover study design, pigs received the following anesthetic combinations, IM: TZDB (tiletamine-zolazepam [3 mg/kg {1.36 mg/lb}], detomidine [0.18 mg/kg {0.08 mg/lb}], and butorphanol [0.12 mg/kg {0.05 mg/lb}]); TZXB (tiletamine-zolazepam [4 mg/kg {1.8 mg/lb}], xylazine [4 mg/kg], and butorphanol [0.2 mg/kg {0.09 mg/lb}]); and KDB (ketamine [8 mg/kg {3.63 mg/lb}], detomidine [0.18 mg/kg], and butorphanol [0.3 mg/kg {0.14 mg/lb}]). A 7-day washout period was provided between treatments. At 45 minutes of anesthesia, pigs received tolazoline (2 mg/kg [0.9 mg/lb], IM; n = 6) treatment or control (5) treatment with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution. RESULTS: All anesthetic combinations induced anesthesia. Endotracheal intubation was completed within 5 minutes after anesthetic administration in all pigs, except in 2 pigs following administration of KDB. Durations (mean ± SD) of endotracheal intubation and lateral recumbency in pigs that did not receive tolazoline were 55.3 ± 4.8 minutes, 83.8 ± 15.8 minutes, and 28.2 ± 4.5 minutes and 112.4 ± 18.7 minutes, 117.2 ± 16.7 minutes, and 79.7 ± 6.0 minutes, respectively, for the TZDB, TZXB, and KDB anesthetic treatments. Tolazoline significantly shortened the duration of anesthetic recovery for all anesthetic treatments without affecting the recovery quality. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: All 3 anesthetic combinations were suitable for providing anesthesia in pigs. Tolazoline administration shortened the duration of anesthetic recovery without affecting the quality of recovery.

Feline Pituitary Adenomas: Correlation of Histologic and Immunohistochemical Characteristics With Clinical Findings and Case Outcome.

Pituitary glands from 141 feline autopsy cases were reviewed histologically. Adenoma and hyperplasia were the most common lesions at 13 cases each. Pituitary adenoma was more likely than hyperplasia to be associated with clinical evidence of endocrinopathy or an intracranial mass (P < .001). A histochemical and immunohistochemical panel was applied to 44 autopsy- or hypophysectomy-derived pituitary adenomas in 43 cats from 2 diagnostic laboratories. Adenomas were differentiated from hyperplasia by the presence of disrupted reticulin fibers. One cat had a double (somatotroph and melanotroph) adenoma. Twenty somatotroph adenomas consisted of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-negative acidophils that expressed growth hormone; 16/20 had hypersomatotropism; 17/20 had diabetes mellitus. Eleven melanotroph adenomas consisted of PAS-positive basophils or chromophobes that expressed melanocyte-stimulating and adrenocorticotrophic hormones; 5/11 had hypercortisolism; 6/11 had diabetes mellitus. Eleven gonadotroph adenomas consisted of PAS-negative chromophobes that expressed follicle-stimulating and/or luteinizing hormones. Two thyrotroph adenomas consisted of PAS-negative basophils or chromophobes that expressed thyroid-stimulating hormone. Pituitary-dependent disease was not recognized in cats with gonadotroph or thyrotroph adenomas. The Ki-67 proliferation index in hypophysectomy specimens was lower in somatotroph than in melanotroph adenomas. Fourteen cats with hypophysectomy-treated somatotroph or melanotroph adenoma had an 899-day median survival time versus 173 days in 17 nonsurgical cases. After adjusting for age, adenoma size and type, hypophysectomized cats had an overall better survival time than nonsurgical cases (P = .029). The study results underscore the value of hypophysectomy and trophic hormone immunohistochemistry in the treatment and classification of feline pituitary adenomas.

Anal sacculiths may be an incidental finding in dogs.

Mineral-attenuating material is occasionally seen in the anal sacs of dogs during abdominal CT studies. This retrospective, descriptive study was performed to estimate the prevalence and CT appearance of this mineral-attenuating material. A total of 357 abdominal CTs were reviewed retrospectively. The mineral-attenuating material was most easily identifiable using the brain window setting (window width: 120 HU; window level: 40 HU). In the current study, the prevalence of mineral-attenuating material in the anal sacs was 7.6% (95% confidence interval, 5.0-10.8%) with 48.1% bilateral involvement and equal distribution in the right and left in dogs with unilateral involvement. Successful collection and material analysis were performed in three dogs. The material was determined to be 100% dried blood, 100% waxy matter, and a "small amount of fat enmeshed in unidentified noncrystallined material." Given the CT appearance and the Hounsfield unit of these mineral-attenuating material within the anal sacs, the term "anal sacculiths" is proposed. All dogs with anal sacculiths within this study population did not have any reported disease of the anal sacs.

Prostate cancer clinical characteristics and outcomes in Central Sudan.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Sudanese men and most patients present at a late stage. Although the incidence of prostate cancer in Sudan is low compared to other African countries, studies on prostate cancer in Sudan are limited. This study addresses the clinical characteristics and outcomes of prostate cancer in Central Sudan and its prognostic factors. METHODOLOGY: This study was conducted prospectively at the Gezira Hospital for Renal Disease and Surgery and at the National Cancer Institute at the University of Gezira, Sudan, for an 11-year period. RESULTS: During the study period, 543 patients participated in the study. Each one underwent a clinical examination, digital rectal examination and radiological staging using magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography and provided blood samples for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. The mean (SD) age of patients was 72.6 (9.9) years. At diagnosis, the majority of patients experienced lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS; 54%), bladder outlet obstructions (OU) without (18%) or with urine retention (14%), PSA median was 100 ng/mL and the mean was 269 ng/mL, locally advanced disease (45%) or distant metastasis (46%). The age-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of mortality was twofold, comparing patients presented with OU to patients with LUTS. Patients diagnosed with locally advanced and castration resistance prostate cancer had five times the HR compared to patients diagnosed with organ-confined prostate. On the contrary, the HR increased sevenfold for patients with distant metastasis. Gleason score did not show a significant association with survival (p = 0.249). Similarly, there was no apparent dose-response association between the PSA levels at diagnosis (p = 0.460). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that Sudanese men who are living in Central Sudan present at diagnosis with large tumours at late stages, and high PSA levels and Gleason scores. Improving awareness and building up the treatment capacity are key to achieving better outcomes.

Evaluation of serum MMP-2 and MMP-3, synovial fluid IL-8, MCP-1, and KC concentrations as biomarkers of stifle osteoarthritis associated with naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) -2 and MMP-3 in serum, and keratinocyte-derived chemoattractant (KC), interleukin 8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant 1 (MCP-1) in synovial fluid (SF) as stifle osteoarthritis (OA) biomarkers in dogs. Dogs with naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture (OA group) and healthy controls were recruited. Stifles with CrCL deficiency were surgically stabilized. Serum, SF, and synovial biopsy samples were collected from the OA group preoperatively, whereas samples were collected once from control dogs. A blinded veterinary pathologist graded synovial biopsies. Serum and SF analyses were performed using xMAP technology. General linear regression was used for statistical comparisons of serum biomarkers, and mixed linear regression for SF biomarkers and temporal concentration changes. The overall discriminative ability was quantified using area under curve (AUC). Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess correlations between synovial histology grades and the biomarkers. Samples from 62 dogs in the OA group and 50 controls were included. The MMP-2 and MMP-3 concentrations between the OA and control groups were not significantly different, and both with an AUC indicating a poor discriminative ability. All three SF biomarker concentrations were significantly different between the OA group and controls (P <0.05). The MCP-1 was the only biomarker showing an acceptable discriminative performance with an AUC of 0.91 (95% confidence interval: 0.83-0.98). The sum of the inflammatory infiltrate score was significantly correlated with all three SF biomarkers (P <0.01). Summed synovial stroma, and all scores combined were significantly correlated with IL-8 and MCP-1 concentrations (P <0.003), and the summed synoviocyte scores were significantly correlated with MCP-1 concentrations (P <0.001). Correlations between MCP-1 concentrations and synovial histopathologic grading and its discriminative ability suggest its potential as a synovitis biomarker in canine stifle OA associated with CrCL rupture.