Ivana Uhríková

C-reactive protein and high mobility group box 1 in dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus.

OBJECTIVE To (1) measure C-reactive protein (CRP) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and (2) evaluate their prognostic value and relationship to severity of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, routine hematological and acid-base parameters in dogs with gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). DESIGN Prospective observational study from September 2010 to June 2012. SETTING Veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS Forty-one client-owned dogs with GDV. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Blood was collected before surgery (baseline), postsurgery, 6-10 hours postsurgery, and 18-22 hours postsurgery. CRP and HMGB1 were measured in all samples, and routine hematological, biochemical, and acid-base analyses were performed. Only baseline and postsurgery samples were used from nonsurvivors (n = 10). CRP increased significantly from postsurgery sampling to 18-22 hours postsurgery, while HMGB1 did not change over time. There was a significant difference in HMGB1 between survivors and nonsurvivors over time. Both proteins correlated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome severity, total leukocyte, segmented neutrophils, and band counts. HMGB1 correlated also with acid-base parameters (pH, bicarbonate, base excess). CONCLUSION HMGB1 and CRP behaved differently in regards to their kinetic patterns, with HMGB1 appearing to better reflect the severity of tissue injury in dogs with GDV than CRP.Objective To (1) measure C-reactive protein (CRP) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and (2) evaluate their prognostic value and relationship to severity of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, routine hematological and acid-base parameters in dogs with gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). Design Prospective observational study from September 2010 to June 2012. Setting Veterinary teaching hospital. Animals Forty-one client-owned dogs with GDV. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Blood was collected before surgery (baseline), postsurgery, 6–10 hours postsurgery, and 18–22 hours postsurgery. CRP and HMGB1 were measured in all samples, and routine hematological, biochemical, and acid-base analyses were performed. Only baseline and postsurgery samples were used from nonsurvivors (n = 10). CRP increased significantly from postsurgery sampling to 18–22 hours postsurgery, while HMGB1 did not change over time. There was a significant difference in HMGB1 between survivors and nonsurvivors over time. Both proteins correlated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome severity, total leukocyte, segmented neutrophils, and band counts. HMGB1 correlated also with acid-base parameters (pH, bicarbonate, base excess). Conclusion HMGB1 and CRP behaved differently in regards to their kinetic patterns, with HMGB1 appearing to better reflect the severity of tissue injury in dogs with GDV than CRP.

Risk factors for gastric dilatation and volvulus in central Europe: an internet survey

The aim of this internet-based questionnaire was to determine risk factors for the development and survival of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) in dogs in central Europe. The questionnaire focused on general information, feeding and elimination behaviour, family history, personality and routine habits, was freely distributed on the internet. Respondents were recruited by e-mail, and announcement of the survey on websites focused on dogs or breeder clubs and flyers in veterinary clinics and at dog shows. Responses from the owners of 785 dogs were analysed. Data underwent descriptive statistical and logistic regression analysis. Factors associated with an increased risk of GDV are intact male, specific breed, pet food and first-degree relative with gastric-dilatation and volvulus. In contrast, low risk was observed in spayed females, dogs eating meals with large particles, dogs with frequent defecation or in dogs kept at home. Non-survivors had a significantly longer time between food consumption and the development of clinical signs than survivors. We conclude that the risk of GDV development is associated with several factors. Some of these can be influenced by the owner or veterinarian.

Changes in Hematologic and Coagulation Profiles in Rabbits with Right-ventricle Pacing

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in hematology and coagulation in rabbits with right-ventricle pacing without medication. Animals and methods: Blood was collected from ten non-anesthetized male rabbits from the jugular vein before and one month after pacemaker placement. Total erythrocyte, leukocyte and platelet count, hemoglobin, hematocrit and differential leukocyte count were done on automatic veterinary flow cytometry hematologic analyzer. Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen level, D-dimers and kaolin-activated thromboelastography was measured from citrated blood. Results: We found an increase in red blood cell mass and decrease in platelet count, while coagulation tests did not diff er between samplings. Conclusion: Right-ventricle pacing seems to have no influence on hemostasis in rabbits.