Hakhyun Kim

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis

The present study aimed to determine whether circulating serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH) D] differed between healthy dogs and dogs with acute pancreatitis (AP). Twenty-two healthy dogs and twenty client-owned dogs with AP were enrolled in the study. Serum concentrations of 25-(OH) D, blood ionized calcium (iCa), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Concentrations of serum 25-(OH) D and blood iCa in dogs with AP were significantly lower than those of healthy dogs, and serum concentrations of CRP in dogs with AP were significantly higher than those of healthy dogs. A significant difference in 25-(OH) D serum concentrations was observed between survivor and non-survivor dogs with AP. After resolution of clinical signs, concentrations of serum 25-(OH) D, blood iCa, and serum CRP did not differ compared to those before treatment. This study shows that dogs with AP exhibit decreased 25-(OH) D levels, which might be associated with calcium imbalances and mortality rate in canine AP.

Acute kidney injury caused by administration of zaltoprofen in a cat

A 5-year-old, 2.7 kg, spayed female Scottish Fold cat presented with hematemesis after administration of oral zaltoprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, by the owner. Diagnostic imaging and blood analyses indicated development of acute kidney injury (AKI) resulting from zaltoprofen ingestion. To correct dehydration and anemic conditions, the cat received intravenous fluid therapy with whole blood transfusion and peroral N-acetylcysteine. Clinical signs resolved, but persistent azotemia was unresolved indicating that AKI could progress to chronic kidney disease. This case suggests that although zaltoprofen may have low adverse effects on humans, administration of zaltoprofen in cats can have serious adverse effects.

Canine Wound Myiasis Caused by Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Korea

Myiasis is a relatively common infection of animals kept as pets, although only 1 case of canine myiasis has been described so far in the Republic of Korea. In the present study, we report an additional case of canine wound myiasis with identification of its causative agent, Lucilia sericata. An 8-year-old male Siberian husky dog was referred with anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea to the Chungbuk National University Veterinary Medical Center, Cheongju-si (city), Chungcheongbuk-do (province), Korea in July 2013. Physical examination indicated the patient had a deep wound filled with a maggot swarm as a left gluteal lesion. A total of 216 maggots were removed by forceps, and the wounded area was sponged with gauzes and disinfected with 70% alcohol and a povidone-iodine solution. After daily care and suturing the wound, the patient was discharged at day 19 after admission. Recovered worms possessed morphological characteristics similar to those of L. sericata, namely, a sub-cylindrical body with 6–8 lobed anterior spiracles, round shaped with a button surrounded by a peritremal ring with no gaps, and similar distances between dorsal, median, and outer papillae of the 12th segment. Additionally, cox1 partial sequences (528 bp) obtained in the present study showed 100% identity with those of L. sericata (GenBank no. KT272854.1). L. sericata is indicated as a pathogen of myiasis infection not only in humans, but also in animals kept as pets in Korea.