Vicki Adams

Association of clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings with outcome in dogs with presumptive acute noncompressive nucleus pulposus extrusion: 42 cases (2000–2007)

OBJECTIVEnTo assess associations of severity of neurologic signs (neurologic score), involvement of an intumescence, and findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with interval to recovery and outcome in dogs with presumptive acute noncompressive nucleus pulposus extrusions.nnnDESIGNnRetrospective case series.nnnANIMALSn42 dogs with presumptive acute noncompressive nucleus pulposus extrusions.nnnPROCEDURESnMedical records and magnetic resonance (MR) images of dogs evaluated from 2000 through 2007 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were acute onset of nonprogressive myelopathy following trauma or strenuous exercise, MRI of the spine performed within 7 days after onset, MRI findings consistent with acute noncompressive nucleus pulposus extrusions, and complete medical records and follow-up.nnnRESULTSnClinical neuroanatomic localization of lesions was to the C1-C5 (n = 6), C6-T2 (6), T3-L3 (28), and L4-S3 (2) spinal cord segments. Median neurologic score was 3.5. Median duration of follow-up was 804 days (range, 3 to 2,134 days) after onset of neurologic signs. Outcome was successful in 28 (67%) dogs and unsuccessful in 14 (33%) dogs. Severity of neurologic signs, extent of the intramedullary hyperintensity on sagittal and transverse T2-weighted MR images, and detection of intramedullary hypointensity on GRE images were all associated with outcome on univariate analysis. Results of multivariate analysis suggested that maximal cross-sectional area of the intramedullary hyperintensity on transverse T2-weighted MR images was the best predictor of outcome.nnnCONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCEnClinical and MRI findings can help predict outcome in dogs with acute noncompressive nucleus pulposus extrusions.

Alfaxalone induction dose following administration of medetomidine and butorphanol in the dog.

OBJECTIVEnTo determine in dogs the effects of medetomidine and butorphanol, alone and in combination, on the induction dose of alfaxalone and to describe the induction and intubation conditions.nnnSTUDY DESIGNnProspective, randomized, blinded clinical trial.nnnANIMALSnEighty-five client-owned dogs (ASA 1 or 2).nnnMETHODSnSubjects were block randomized to treatment group according to temperament. The treatment groups were: medetomidine 4 microg kg(-1) (M), butorphanol 0.1 mg kg(-1) (B), or a combination of both (MB), all administered intramuscularly. After 30 minutes, a sedation score was assigned, and alfaxalone 0.5 mg kg(-1) was administered intravenously over 60 seconds by an observer who was unaware of treatment group. Tracheal intubation conditions were assessed and, if tracheal intubation was not possible after 20 seconds, further boluses of 0.2 mg kg(-1) were given every 20 seconds until intubation was achieved. Induction dose and adverse events (sneezing, twitching, paddling, excitement, apnoea and cyanosis) were recorded; induction quality and intubation conditions were scored and recorded.nnnRESULTSnThe mean dose of alfaxalone required for induction was similar for groups M and B: 1.2 +/- 0.4 mg kg(-1). The mean dose requirement for group MB (0.8 +/- 0.3 mg kg(-1)) was lower than groups M and B (p < 0.0001). Induction dose was not influenced by temperament or level of sedation. Induction and intubation scores did not differ between treatment groups. Adverse events were noted in 16 dogs; there was no association with treatment group, temperament or level of sedation.nnnCONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCEnMedetomidine and butorphanol administered in combination reduce the anaesthetic induction dose of alfaxalone compared to either agent alone. This difference should be taken into account when using this combination of drugs in a clinical setting.

Association of clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings with outcome in dogs suspected to have ischemic myelopathy: 50 cases (2000-2006).

OBJECTIVEnTo determine whether clinical signs or magnetic resonance imaging findings were associated with outcome in dogs with presumptive ischemic myelopathy.nnnDESIGNnRetrospective case series.nnnANIMALSn50 dogs.nnnPROCEDURESnMedical records and magnetic resonance images were reviewed. A neurologic score from 1 (normal) to 5 (most severe degree of dysfunction) was assigned on the basis of neurologic signs at the time of initial examination. Follow-up information was obtained from the medical records and by means of a telephone questionnaire completed by owners and referring veterinarians.nnnRESULTSnMedian neurologic score at the time of initial examination was 3 (range, 2 to 5). Median follow-up time was 584 days (range, 4 to 2,090 days). Neurologic score at the time of initial examination and extent of the lesion seen on magnetic resonance images (quantified as the lesion length-to-vertebral length ratio and as the percentage cross-sectional area of the lesion) were significantly associated with outcome. Sensitivity of using a lesion length-to-vertebral length ratio > 2.0 or a percentage cross-sectional area of the lesion > or = 67% to predict an unsuccessful outcome was 100%.nnnCONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCEnResults suggested that severity of neurologic signs at the time of initial examination and extent of the lesions seen on magnetic resonance images were associated with outcome in dogs with ischemic myelopathy.

The sedative effects of low-dose medetomidine and butorphanol alone and in combination intravenously in dogs

OBJECTIVEnTo evaluate the sedative effects of intravenous (IV) medetomidine (1 μg kg-1) and butorphanol (0.1 mg kg-1) alone and in combination in dogs.nnnSTUDY DESIGNnProspective, blinded, randomized clinical trial.nnnANIMALSnSixty healthy (American Society of Anesthesiologists I) dogs, aged 6.2 ± 3.2 years and body mass 26 ± 12.5 kg.nnnMETHODSnDogs were assigned to four groups: Group S (sodium chloride 0.9% IV), Group B (butorphanol IV), Group M (medetomidine IV) and Group MB (medetomidine and butorphanol IV). The same clinician assessed sedation before and 12 minutes after administration using a numerical scoring system in which 19 represented maximum sedation. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, pulse quality, capillary refill time and rectal temperature were recorded after each sedation score assessment. Sedation scores, sedation score difference (score after minus score before administration) and patient variables were compared using one-way anova for normally distributed variables and Kruskal-Wallis test for variables with skewed distributions and/or unequal variances. Where significance was found, further evaluation used Bonferroni multiple comparisons for pair-wise testing.nnnRESULTSnBreed, sex, neuter status, age and body mass did not differ between groups. Sedation scores before substance administration were similar between groups (p = 0.2). Sedation scores after sedation were significantly higher in Group MB (mean 9.5 ± SD 5.5) than in group S (2.5 ± 1.8) (p < 0.001), group M (3.1 ± 2.5) (p < 0.001) and group B (3.7 ± 2.0) (p = 0.003). Sedation score difference was significantly higher in Group MB [7 (0-13)] than in Group S [0 (-1 to 4)] (p < 0.001) and Group M [0 (0-6)] (p < 0.001). HR decreased significantly in Groups M and MB compared with Group S (p < 0.05).nnnCONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCEnLow-dose medetomidine 1 μg kg-1 IV combined with butorphanol 0.1 mg kg-1 IV produced more sedation than medetomidine or butorphanol alone. HR was significantly decreased in both medetomidine groups.

The incidence of feline injection site sarcomas in the United Kingdom

BackgroundFeline injection site sarcomas (FISS) are aggressive neoplasms that have been associated with vaccination. In North America the incidence estimates have varied from 1 case of FISS per 1,000-10,000 cats vaccinated. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of FISS in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2007. The ratio of FISS to vaccines sold in the UK was also estimated.Fourteen FISS were diagnosed by a convenience sample of 34 small animal veterinary practices in the United Kingdom in 2007 and were used as the numerator for the incidence estimates. Denominator data was obtained from the computer systems of each practice. Considering that a single cause relationship with vaccination is not proven, three different denominators (number of cats registered, the number of cat consultations undertaken and the number of vaccination visits for cats at the practices) were used to express the potential variation in risk.ResultsThe incidence risk of FISS per year was estimated to be 1/16,000 -50,000 cats registered by practices, 1/10,000-20,000 cat consultations and 1/5,000-12,500 vaccination visits.ConclusionWhen interpreting these findings, it needs to be taken into consideration that this sample of practices and their cats may not be representative of veterinary practices and cats at risk of FISS in the UK. However it can still be concluded with reasonable certainty that the incidence of FISS in the UK is very low.

Methods used to estimate the size of the owned cat and dog population: a systematic review

BackgroundThere are a number of different methods that can be used when estimating the size of the owned cat and dog population in a region, leading to varying population estimates. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the methods that have been used for estimating the sizes of owned cat and dog populations and to assess the biases associated with those methods.A comprehensive, systematic search of seven electronic bibliographic databases and the Google search engine was carried out using a range of different search terms for cats, dogs and population. The inclusion criteria were that the studies had involved owned or pet domestic dogs and/or cats, provided an estimate of the size of the owned dog or cat population, collected raw data on dog and cat ownership, and analysed primary data. Data relating to study methodology were extracted and assessed for biases.ResultsSeven papers were included in the final analysis. Collection methods used to select participants in the included studies were: mailed surveys using a commercial list of contacts, door to door surveys, random digit dialled telephone surveys, and randomised telephone surveys using a commercial list of numbers. Analytical and statistical methods used to estimate the pet population size were: mean number of dogs/cats per household multiplied by the number of households in an area, human density multiplied by number of dogs per human, and calculations using predictors of pet ownership.ConclusionThe main biases of the studies included selection bias, non-response bias, measurement bias and biases associated with length of sampling time. Careful design and planning of studies is a necessity before executing a study to estimate pet populations.

A cross-sectional study of mental health in UK veterinary undergraduates

Wellbeing (positive mental health) and mental ill-health of veterinary students from a single UK school were quantified using validated psychological scales. Attitudes towards mental ill-health and suicide were also assessed. Results were compared with published data from the UK general population and veterinary profession. Of the total student population (N=1068), 509 (48 per cent) completed a questionnaire. Just over half (54 per cent) of the respondents had ever experienced mental ill-health, with the majority reporting a first occurrence before veterinary school. Student wellbeing was significantly poorer (p<0.0001) than general population estimates, but not significantly different (p=0.2) from veterinary profession estimates. Degree of mental distress in students was significantly higher than in the general population (p<0.0001). Despite the majority (94 per cent) agreeing that ‘Anyone can suffer from mental health problems’, students were significantly more likely than members of the general population to agree that ‘If I were suffering from mental health problems, I wouldnt want people knowing about it’ (p<0.0001). Students were more likely to have thought about suicide, but less likely to have made an attempt (p<0.001; p=0.005), than members of the general population. The possibility of non-response bias must be considered when interpreting findings. However, strong similarities between results from this study population and the UK veterinary profession, as well as other veterinary student populations internationally, suggest no substantial school-level bias.

Feline vaccination practices and protocols used by veterinarians in the United Kingdom

Vaccination is an important aspect of disease control in the feline population, as it prevents disease or reduces its severity in individual cats. However the types of antigens that should be administered to cats, the frequency of administration of certain antigens and the anatomical location at which vaccines should be administered are controversial. Various groups have developed guidelines to help veterinarians decide vaccine protocols for cats in their care. The aim of this study was to survey veterinarians in the United Kingdom about the vaccination protocols used in 2007-2008. A questionnaire about aspects of feline vaccination was distributed to a 431 veterinary practices taking part in a case-control study of feline injection site sarcomas. A response rate of 72% was achieved. The majority of veterinarians who responded administered the commonly used antigens annually (84-96% of practices). Most of the veterinarians administered most vaccines in the interscapular region (90-96% of practices depending on the antigen). The vaccination practices of the veterinarians were not consistent with the published vaccination guidelines at that time.

Study of feline injection-site sarcomas

SIR, – We would like to thank all the veterinary practitioners, veterinary nurses, veterinary support staff and cat owners involved in the recruitment of cats for our study concerning the epidemiology of feline injection-site sarcomas (FISS) in the UK (VR, November 4, 2006, vol 159, pp 641-642). We have nearly completed collection of data for the 250 cases and 1000 control cats recruited to the study, and would encourage any practice with outstanding paperwork to return this to Rachel Dean at the Animal Health Trust (AHT). We really appreciate everybody’s help with this important research. When the analysis of the data is complete, the results will be published in the veterinary literature and will be available to the veterinary profession and the cat-owning public. For further information about the epidemiology study, please contact Rachel Dean (telephone 01638 750659 extension 1228, e-mail: rachel.dean@aht.org.uk). As part of the research into FISS, we are also working with Glasgow University Veterinary School (GUVS), which is investigating the protein expression of these tumours compared with other feline soft tissue sarcomas, with a view to improving the diagnosis of FISS. To perform this work, we urgently need to obtain fresh frozen samples from soft tissue tumours in cats (FISS and non-FISS) that are diagnosed in practice. Sample collection is straightforward and will not incur any costs. When a tumour is removed from a cat for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons, we require a small (approximately 5 x 5 mm) sample of the tumour tissue taken from an area that will not affect histopathological diagnosis. The sample needs to be placed in a plain container (no preservative, formalin or transport medium required) and then frozen. It is important to gain informed consent from the owner before obtaining this sample. Once a sample has been obtained, please contact Dot Montgomery (telephone 0141 330 5610, e-mail: d.montgomery@ vet.gla.ac.uk).

Evidence of longer life; a cohort of 39 labrador retrievers

A panel of veterinary and academic experts reviewed current available evidence on age at death for labradors and reached a consensus that their average/typical lifexa0span was 12u2009years of age.1 A prospective cohort study that described the longevity of 39 pedigree adult neutered labradors, showed that 89.7xa0perxa0cent lived to meet/exceed this typical lifexa0span. The study showed that maintenance of lean body mass and reduced accumulation of body fat were associated with attaining a longer than average lifexa0span while sex and age at neutering were not associated with longevity.1nnThexa0present cohort was derived from 31 litters via 19 known (7 unknown) dams and 12 known (7 unknown) sires enrolled in a prospective longitudinal study at a median age of 6.5u2009years at the start of the study on July 16,xa02004. The last dog died on September 09,xa02015 at the age of 17.1u2009years and the oldest dog, a male, reached 17.9u2009years. The aim of this study was to compare the longevity of the present cohort fed to maintain a body condition score (BCS) between 2 and 4 on a 5-point scale to threexa0historical comparison groups of pedigree labradors taken from previously published studies. The ‘oldest of the old’xa0labradors from thexa0present cohort could hold important clues on how to achieve healthy ageing. Further analysis of the cohort’s clinical data is being undertaken with the objective to develop key strategies to increase the …