Endoscopy and rectal enema for fecal collection in wild sea turtles (Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata) in a field setting.

Forty-seven free-ranging sea turtles (46- Chelonia mydas, 1- Eretmochelys imbricata) were examined via novel use of an endoscopy combined with a rectal enema to obtain large fecal sample volumes. The cloaca was insufflated using an endoscope, after which the bladder and rectum separated, allowing access to the colon. Environmental conditions and location influenced the performance of the procedure initially, but after several attempts the procedure was successfully initiated. In all cases, fecal samples were obtained, and the animals were released to their respective locations. Fecal sample collection using this approach enhances the ability to obtain diagnostic information and perform other scientific analyses of sea turtles.

Gastric pH and serum gastrin concentration in age-matched healthy dogs and dogs with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Gastric hyperacidity and hypergastrinemia are purported to cause gastric ulceration in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, no published studies have evaluated gastric pH with serum gastrin concentrations in dogs with CKD. HYPOTHESIS: To compare mean intragastric pH, mean percent pH distribution, and serum gastrin concentrations in dogs with CKD to age-matched, healthy dogs. We hypothesized there would be no difference in mean gastric pH or serum gastrin between groups. ANIMALS: Thirteen dogs with CKD; 10 aged-matched healthy dogs. METHODS: Prospective, case-control study. Serum chemistry, complete blood count, urinalysis, and serum gastrin concentrations were evaluated in all dogs before radiographic-assisted gastric placement of a pH capsule. Forty-eight-hour continuous gastric pH monitoring was performed in all dogs. Serum gastrin concentration, mean pH, and mean percentage time that gastric pH was strongly acidic (pH <1 and pH <2) were compared between groups using a repeated measures mixed-model ANOVA. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between groups for any pH measurements, including mean ± SD gastric pH (CKD, 2.37 ± 0.87; healthy, 2.39 ± 0.99; P > .05). Serum gastrin concentrations were not significantly different between groups (median [range]: CKD, 10.5 ng/dL [<10-17.1]; healthy, 10.9 ng/dL [<10-15]; P > .05). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Our client-owned dogs with CKD did not have lower gastric pH or higher serum gastrin concentrations compared to healthy dogs. Our results suggest that prophylactic gastric acid suppression in dogs with CKD is not warranted unless other clinical indications for use are present.

Lesser vestibular periurethral gland-like inflammation associated with lower urinary tract signs in a female dog.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 4-year-old female spayed mixed breed dog presented with a 2-year history of painful urination and recurrent hematuria. CLINICAL FINDINGS: The dog had a large sensitive bladder, palpation of which was followed by painful urination. Pollakiuria accompanied by vocalization were noted during observation of voiding. DIAGNOSTICS: Cystoscopy identified a focal, rounded expansion of epithelial tissue in the right lateral aspect of the urethral papilla containing purulent material consistent with an abscess. A sample submitted for culture yielded growth of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Proteus mirabilis. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Purulent material was expelled by manual pressure during cystourethroscopy. Enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg PO q24h for 42 days) and carprofen (4.4 mg/kg PO q24h for 14 days) were initiated. Clinical signs resolved within 2 days. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Inflammation in the region of the lesser vestibular paraurethral glands should be considered as a differential for female dogs presenting with chronic dysuria.

U.S. domestic cats as sentinels for perfluoroalkyl substances: Possible linkages with housing, obesity, and disease.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are persistent, globally distributed, anthropogenic compounds. The primary source(s) for human exposure are not well understood although within home exposure is likely important since many consumer products have been treated with different PFAS, and people spend much of their lives indoors. Herein, domestic cats were used as sentinels to investigate potential exposure and health linkages. PFAS in serum samples of 72 pet and feral cats, including 11 healthy and 61 with one or more primary disease diagnoses, were quantitated using high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectroscopy. All but one sample had detectable PFAS, with PFOS and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) ranging from

Management of bilateral idiopathic renal hematuria in a dog with silver nitrate.

Renal hematuria has limited treatment options. This report describes management of bilateral idiopathic renal hematuria in a dog with surgically assisted installation of 0.5% silver nitrate solution. Initial treatment resulted in freedom from clinical signs or recurrent anemia for 10 months; however, recurrence of bleeding following a nephrectomy resulted in euthanasia.

Gestion de l'hématurie rénale idiopathique bilatérale chez un chien à l'aide du nitrate d'argent. L'hématurie rénale offre des options de traitement limitées. Ce rapport décrit la gestion de l'hématurie rénale idiopathique bilatérale chez un chien à l'aide de l'installation assistée par chirurgie d'une solution de nitrate d'argent de 0,5 %. Le traitement initial a produit une disparition des signes cliniques ou de l'anémie récurrente pendant 10 mois. Cependant, la récurrence des saignements après une néphrectomie se sont traduits par l'euthanasie.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).