Amanda Paul

Effect of hematocrit on accuracy of two point-of-care glucometers for use in dogs

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of Hct on blood glucose readings of dogs obtained by use of 2 point-of-care (POC) blood glucometers and a laboratory analyzer. ANIMALS 184 dogs, including 139 Greyhounds. PROCEDURES Venous blood samples collected from 184 dogs with a range of Hcts (measured in EDTA-anticoagulated blood) were immediately analyzed with a handheld glucometer specifically developed for veterinary use and a glucometer developed for use in humans. The remainder of each blood sample was placed in fluoride oxalate tubes, and plasma glucose concentration was measured with a laboratory analyzer. Agreement between results for the POC glucometers and laboratory analyzer and effect of Hct on glucometer accuracy was assessed via regression analysis. RESULTS Significant differences were detected between results of the glucometers and the reference laboratory analyzer. The Hct affected the correlation between results for the glucometers and the laboratory analyzer. Deviations of the glucometers from the reference interval varied with Hct. The glucometer for veterinary use more closely correlated with the glucose concentration when Hct was within or above its reference interval. The glucometer for use in humans more closely approximated laboratory reference glucose concentrations in anemic dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Hct had a relevant impact on the correlation between whole blood and plasma glucose concentrations in dogs. Significant variations between results obtained with the 2 glucometers could be critical when interpreting blood glucose measurements or selecting a POC glucometer for an intensive care setting and precise glycemic control in critically ill dogs.

Multi-centre assessment of mycotic rhinosinusitis in dogs: a retrospective study of initial treatment success (1998 to 2008)

OBJECTIVES To retrospectively review the first treatment response of dogs with mycotic rhinosinusitis to commonly utilised treatment techniques. METHODS Medical records of dogs treated for mycotic rhinosinusitis were obtained retrospectively via a manual review of the clinical databases of six veterinary referral centres for the period of January 1998 to June 2008, and first treatment outcome was evaluated. Historical and clinicopathological findings were also reviewed to evaluate their impact on treatment success or failure. RESULTS There was no significant difference in first treatment outcome between treatment groups (P=0.21). When all topical treatments were considered together (n=85), 39 dogs (45.8%) had a successful first treatment. Initial treatment success was associated with a younger age (56.3 versus 75.8 months; P=0.02) and was 2.7 times more likely in dogs with unilateral disease, although this was not significant (P=0.07). Adjunctive therapy with systemic antifungal agents was associated with treatment failure (P< or =0.01). Fifty-nine dogs (69.4%) responded successfully following multiple treatments. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Treatment of mycotic rhinosinusitis remains challenging, and multiple treatments are frequently required for adequate treatment. Reasons for first treatment failure are likely multifactorial in origin, making it difficult to predict those dogs that are likely to have a superior prognosis, regardless of the treatment type used.

Computed tomography diagnosis of eight dogs with brain infarction.

OBJECTIVE Medical records of eight dogs presenting with acute onset of neurological signs and a diagnosis of brain infarction as determined by computed tomography (CT) imaging were reviewed. DESIGN Retrospective single-centre case review. RESULTS Ischaemic infarction in the territory of the rostral cerebellar artery was identified in three spaniel-breed dogs. All cerebellar infarcts were non-haemorrhagic. Telencephalic infarcts were identified in five dogs, in the territories of the middle cerebral artery (2/5) and rostral cerebral artery (3/5). One of these dogs had an ischaemic infarction, but all other infarctions appeared haemorrhagic. All dogs were geriatric (≥ 8 years old), with concurrent medical conditions identified in six dogs. One dog was euthanased after diagnosis because of the severity of its neurological signs and one dog was euthanased as a result of associated renal disease 2 months after diagnosis. Six dogs were alive at least 1 year after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS CT is useful in the diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident in dogs, which can present as a spectrum of images with early changes in attenuation and subtle mass effects detected after infarction. CT is particularly sensitive for detecting haemorrhagic infarction, but under-represent ischaemic and lacunar infarctions when compared with MRI.

Seroprevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus in Australia: risk factors for infection and geographical influences (2011–2013)

Objectives Our aim was to: (i) determine the current seroprevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) in three large cohorts of cats from Australia; and (ii) investigate potential risk factors for retroviral infection. Methods Cohort 1 (n = 2151 for FIV, n = 2241 for FeLV) consisted of cats surrendered to a shelter on the west coast of Australia (Perth, Western Australia [WA]). Cohort 2 (n = 2083 for FIV, n = 2032 for FeLV) consisted of client-owned cats with outdoor access recruited from around Australia through participating veterinary clinics. Cohort 3 (n = 169 for FIV, n = 166 for FeLV) consisted of cats presenting to Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital for a variety of reasons. Fresh whole blood was collected and tested using a commercially available point-of-care lateral flow ELISA kit that detects p27 FeLV antigen and antibodies to FIV antigens (p15 and p24) (cohorts 1 and 2), or one of two lateral flow immunochromatography kits that detect p27 antigen and antibodies to FIV antigen (p24 and/or gp40) (cohort 3). Data recorded for cats in cohort 2 included signalment, presenting complaint and postcode, allowing investigation of risk factors for FIV or FeLV infection, as well as potential geographical ‘hot spots’ for infection. Results The seroprevalence of FIV was 6% (cohort 1), 15% (cohort 2) and 14% (cohort 3), while the seroprevalence of FeLV was 1%, 2% and 4% in the same respective cohorts. Risk factors for FIV infection among cats in cohort 2 included age (>3 years), sex (male), neutering status (entire males) and location (WA had a significantly higher FIV seroprevalence compared with the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Victoria). Risk factors for FeLV infection among cats in cohort 2 included health status (‘sick’) and location (WA cats were approximately three times more likely to be FeLV-infected compared with the rest of Australia). No geographical hot spots of FIV infection were identified. Conclusions and relevance Both FIV and FeLV remain important infections among Australian cats. WA has a higher seroprevalence of both feline retroviruses compared with the rest of Australia, which has been noted in previous studies. A lower neutering rate for client-owned male cats is likely responsible for the higher seroprevalence of FIV infection in WA cats, while the reason for the higher seroprevalence of FeLV in WA cats is currently unknown.

Presumptive Nocardia spp. infection in a dog treated with cyclosporin and ketoconazole

Abstract CASE HISTORY: A dog that had received 8 months of cyclosporin and ketoconazole therapy for treatment of atopic dermatitis subsequently developed severe neurological disease, that failed to respond to treatment with trimethoprim-sulphadiazine and clindamycin. HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: Histopathological examination of the pulmonary parenchyma and spinal cord revealed loose aggregates of Gram-positive, partially acid-fast, fine, beaded, filamentous bacteria, most consistent with Nocardia spp. DIAGNOSIS: A presumptive diagnosis was made of disseminated nocardiosis of the spinal cord and lungs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nocardia spp. is an opportunistic actinomycete that may cause disseminated disease, particularly in immunocompromised animals. Cyclosporin is used in veterinary medicine to control immune-mediated and allergic disorders, with few reported adverse side effects. This case gives further evidence that involvement of the spinal cord in nocardiosis of the central nervous system (CNS) carries a poor prognosis, and opportunistic infection by Nocardia spp. may be a potential complication of immunosuppressive cyclosporin therapy in the dog.

Surgical management of refractory nasal aspergillosis using iodine cadexomer dressings in three dogs

BACKGROUND This case series describes surgical management of nasal aspergillosis refractory to conventional medical management or with evidence of cribriform plate osteolysis in three dogs. METHODS All dogs had surgical debridement of mucosa, nasal turbinates and necrotic debris via dorsal sinusotomy/rhinotomy. Sinuses were packed with iodine cadexomer-impregnated bandages for several weeks and affixed with tie-over bandages. Bandage changes were performed under sedation in 2/3 cases. Once mature granulation tissue covered all exposed bone, the tie-over bandages were removed and the sinusotomy/rhinotomy closed by apposing the skin edges. CONCLUSION This technique was well tolerated, effective and afforded a cure in all three patients. It should be considered in cases of cribriform lysis or lack of clinical response to conventional medical management.