Evaluation of oscillometric and Doppler ultrasonic devices for blood pressure measurements in anesthetized and conscious dogs.

Two non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) devices (oscillometry and Doppler) were compared to invasive blood pressure using a Bland-Altman analysis, in anesthetized and conscious dogs. When considering the systolic arterial pressure only during general anesthesia, both NIBP devices slightly underestimated the systolic arterial blood pressure however the precision and the limits of agreement for the Doppler were of a greater magnitude. This indicates a worse clinical performance by the Doppler. The performance of both NIBP devices deteriorated as measured in conscious animals. In general, for the oscillometric device, determination of invasive diastolic and mean arterial pressures was better than the invasive systolic arterial pressure. Overall, the oscillometric device satisfied more of the criteria set by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine consensus statement. Based upon these results, the oscillometric device is more reliable than the Doppler in the determination of blood pressure in healthy medium to large breed dogs.

Tetralogy of Fallot in a 6-year-old albino ferret (Mustela putorius furo).

Tetralogy of Fallot associated with bidirectional shunting across a large ventricular septal defect, was found in a 6-year-old ferret. The prognosis associated with tetralogy of Fallot is usually poor. This case is interesting given the advanced age of the ferret. The bidirectional shunting, responsible for an acyanotic disease, may explain the unexpected prolonged survival in this ferret.

Tétralogie de Fallot chez un furet de 6 ans(Mustela putorius furo) . Une tétralogie de Fallot, associée à un shunt bidirectionnel au travers d'une communication interventriculaire béante, a été découverte chez un furet de six ans. Le pronostic de la tétralogie de Fallot est habituellement sombre. La survie prolongée de l'animal est intéressante. Il est probable que le shunt bidirectionnel, responsable d'une maladie acyanotique, explique l'espérance de vie prolongée de ce furet.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Elevation of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in non-azotemic dogs with urinary tract infection.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a promising biomarker in humans and dogs with kidney disease. This protein is expressed by many cells including renal tubular cells and neutrophils. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of urinary tract infection (UTI) on urinary NGAL (uNGAL) concentration in dogs. Urine culture and measurement of uNGAL level were performed in 80 non-azotemic dogs suspected of UTI and 19 healthy dogs. Dogs were divided in three groups: 19 healthy dogs, 25 dogs with positive culture and 55 dogs suspected of UTI but with negative culture. uNGAL and uNGAL/Creatinine was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in dogs with UTI (14.22 ng/mL;19.74 µg/g) compared to Healthy (0.24 ng/mL;0.11 µg/g) and Negative (1.13 ng/mL;1.28 µg/g) dogs. A uNGAL value <3.38 ng/mL had a negative predictive value for UTI of 87%. Presence of UTI has to be considered when uNGAL is used to detect kidney disease.

Prospective medical evaluation of 7 dogs presented with fly biting.

Fly biting describes a syndrome in which dogs appear to be watching something and then snapping at it. Medical work-up of fly biting in dogs has never been reported. The aims of this case series were to characterize fly biting and perform a complete medical evaluation of dogs displaying fly biting.

Évaluation médicale prospective de 7 chiens présentés pour un comportement de gobeur de mouches. Le comportement de gobeur de mouches décrit un syndrome où les chiens semblent regarder quelque chose, puis tentent ensuite de le mordre. Le bilan médical de l'attrapage de mouches chez les chiens n'a jamais été signalé. Les objectifs de cette série de cas étaient de caractériser l'attrapage de mouches et de réaliser une évaluation médicale complète des chiens manifestant un comportement d'attrapage de mouches.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Taurine-deficient dilated cardiomyopathy in a family of golden retrievers.

A reversible taurine-deficient dilated cardiomyopathy occurred in five related golden retrievers. An apical systolic heart murmur was the most common physical abnormality. According to fractional shortening and end-systolic diameter on echocardiography, significant improvements (P<0.005) were recorded within 3 to 6 months of starting taurine supplementation. The dogs regained substantial systolic function, and four were weaned off all cardiac medications except taurine. This response to therapy was unusual, because canine dilated cardiomyopathy is generally progressive and fatal.

Atrial fibrillation in dogs with and without structural or functional cardiac disease: A retrospective study of 109 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if the heart rate and survival of dogs with atrial fibrillation (AF) varied amongst those: (1) without structural and functional disease (Group NoDz), (2) with structural or functional disease without pulmonary edema or ascites (Group DzNoF), and (3) with structural or functional disease with pulmonary edema or ascites (Group DzF). ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 109 dogs from the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Montreal (n=30) and the Cornell University Hospital for Animals (n=79) were examined. RESULTS: Large and giant breed dogs were most commonly affected (95.5%) with the Irish Wolfhound, Mastiff, Newfoundland, and Rottweiler overrepresented (P<0.01) in Group NoDz and the Irish Wolfhound, Boxer, English Sheepdog, Great Dane and Doberman Pincher overrepresented (P<0.01) in Groups DzNoF and DzF. Males (73.4%) were more commonly affected (P<0.001). Heart rate (mean+/-SD) on presentation was different amongst the 3 groups of dogs (P<0.001) (Group NoDz: 120+/-8.0bpm, Group DzNoF: 155+/-7.6bpm, and Group DzF: 203+/-6.2bpm). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a longer survival for dogs in Group NoDz (P=0.006) and large and giant breeds (P=0.02). Initial heart rate could not be separated from diseased group as an independent determinant of survival. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that dogs with AF and no demonstrable cardiac disease have a slower presenting heart rate and greater survival than dogs with structural disease with and without heart failure.