OBJECTIVE To determine the minimum alveolar concentration of desflurane (MACDES) and effects on cardiovascular variables in positive-pressure ventilated sheep. ANIMALS 13 adult female sheep. PROCEDURES Anesthesia was induced with desflurane. After a 30-minute equilibration at an end-tidal concentration of desflurane (etDES) of 10.5%, an electrical stimulus (5 Hz/ms and 50 mA) was applied for 1 minute or until gross purposeful movement occurred. The etDES was then changed by 0.5% (modified up-down method), depending on whether a positive motor response had been elicited, and stimulation was repeated. The MACDES was the etDES midway between a positive and negative response. After MACDES was determined, etDES was increased to 1.3 and 1.6 MACDES. Animals were allowed to equilibrate for 15 minutes, and cardiovascular, blood gas, acid-base, and hematologic variables were measured. Times to induction of anesthesia, extubation, attainment of sternal position, and standing and duration of anesthesia were recorded. RESULTS Mean ± SD MACDES was 9.81 ± 0.79%. Times to intubation, extubation, and standing were 4.81 ± 2.21 minutes, 14.09 ± 4.05 minutes, and 32.4 ± 12.5 minutes, respectively. Duration of anesthesia was 226 ± 22 minutes. Heart rate increased significantly at induction of anesthesia but otherwise remained at preanesthetic rates. Arterial blood pressures progressively decreased with increasing etDES; pressures increased slightly only in response to noxious stimulation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The MACDES determined here compared favorably with that determined for other sheep populations and indicated similar anesthetic potency as in other species. Desflurane caused dose-dependent arterial hypotension, which indicated the need for careful blood pressure monitoring.

OBJECTIVE To determine the in vitro effect of calcitriol on indicators of immune system function in endotoxin-primed blood samples from healthy dogs. SAMPLE Blood samples from 6 healthy adult dogs. PROCEDURES Leukocytes were primed by incubation of blood samples with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; endotoxin) or PBS solution (unprimed control group) for 1 hour. Following priming, blood samples were incubated with calcitriol (2 × 10(−7)M) or ethanol (control substance) for 24 hours. After sample incubation, LPS-stimulated leukocyte production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-10 (IL10) was measured with a canine-specific multiplex assay, and apoptosis and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression were evaluated via flow cytometry. RESULTS LPS stimulation of unprimed leukocytes but not endotoxin-primed leukocytes resulted in a significant increase in TNF and IL10 production, confirming the presence of endotoxin tolerance in dogs in vitro. Endotoxin priming significantly increased neutrophil viability with no effect on lymphocyte viability or TLR4 expression by neutrophils and monocytes. Calcitriol exposure significantly decreased LPS-stimulated production of TNF by unprimed and endotoxin-primed leukocytes. Conversely, calcitriol exposure had no effect on IL10 production by unprimed leukocytes but did significantly increase IL10 production by endotoxin-primed leukocytes. Calcitriol had no significant effect on the degree of neutrophil or lymphocyte apoptosis, nor was neutrophil and monocyte TLR4 expression affected in unprimed or endotoxin-primed leukocytes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE These data indicated that calcitriol induced an anti-inflammatory shift in unprimed and endotoxin-primed canine leukocytes in vitro, without compromising neutrophil and monocyte TLR4 expression or altering the viability of neutrophils and lymphocytes in canine blood samples.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of 2 fractions of inspired oxygen (Fio2s) during anesthesia on postanesthesia Pao2 and other measures of oxygen exchange. ANIMALS 22 healthy adult sexually intact female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy by ventral midline celiotomy. PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned to receive either oxygen (Fio2 > 0.9 [100% oxygen]; n = 11; control group) or a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen (Fio2 = 0.4; 11; 40% oxygen group) as the carrier gas for isoflurane while anesthetized. All dogs were allowed to breathe spontaneously while anesthetized. For each dog, the Pao2, Paco2, other indices of oxygenation, and extent of sedation were monitored at predetermined times during and for 1 hour after anesthesia. Measured variables were compared between the 2 treatment groups and over time within each treatment group. RESULTS None of the measured variables differed significantly between the control and 40% oxygen groups at any time during the postanesthesia period. Within each treatment group, the Paco2 and extent of sedation decreased over time during the postanesthesia period. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that indices of oxygenation did not differ significantly between healthy dogs in which the Fio2 was maintained at > 0.9 and those in which the Fio2 was maintained at 0.4 while anesthetized for ovariohysterectomy. Thus, the addition of nitrogen to the carrier gas for an inhalant anesthetic conferred neither an advantage nor disadvantage in regard to oxygenation during the first hour of anesthesia recovery.

OBJECTIVE To characterize the distribution and intensity of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression in the eyes of cats with and without uveitis and to determine whether COX-2 expression is correlated with severity of inflammation. SAMPLES Archived ocular tissue specimens from 51 cats with and 10 cats without ocular disease. PROCEDURES Specimens from only 1 eye were evaluated for each cat. Specimens were stained with H&E stain or immunohistochemical stain for detection of COX-2 and reviewed. For each eye, the type, severity, and distribution of inflammation and the distribution and intensity of COX-2 expression were determined for the uvea and other ocular tissues. Correlation between COX-2 expression and inflammation severity was also assessed. RESULTS COX-2 was not expressed in any nondiseased eye. Of the 51 diseased eyes, 20 had histologic evidence of lymphocytic-plasmacytic uveitis, 13 had neutrophilic uveitis, 11 had diffuse iris melanoma with uveitis, and 7 had diffuse iris melanoma without uveitis. Of the 44 eyes with uveitis, COX-2 was detected in the uvea of 16, including 11 eyes with lymphocytic-plasmacytic uveitis, 4 with neutrophilic uveitis, and 1 with diffuse iris melanoma–induced uveitis. Inflammation was severe, moderate, or mild in 10, 5, and 1 of those eyes, respectively. Cyclooxygenase-2 was detected in the cornea of 21 eyes with uveitis and 1 eye with diffuse iris melanoma without uveitis. Uveitis severity was positively correlated with COX-2 expression in both the uvea and cornea. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that COX-2 is an inflammatory mediator in feline uveitis but not diffuse iris melanoma.

The purpose of this study was to determine a wide range of selected hematologic, venous blood gases, and plasma biochemistry analytes in common chameleons (Chamaeleo chamaeleon). Blood samples were collected from the ventral tail vein of 41 common chameleons to determine reference intervals for 30 different blood analytes. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, packed cell volume (PCV), refractometric total solids (TS), blood cell counts, and differentials were also determined. The microscopic evaluation of blood smears revealed inclusion bodies in monocytes in 7 of the samples. Females showed significantly higher values of plasma proteins and calcium and cholesterol concentrations and males showed significantly higher values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) plasma concentrations. Significant differences were found between similar analytes determined by different testing methodologies in the PCV/hematocrit, electrolytes (sodium, potassium), and plasma proteins [TS, total protein (TP) and albumin]. Blood analytes determined in this study can provide baseline data that may be useful when evaluating the health status of common chameleons, taking into consideration the potential effects of gender and the type of analyzer used.

OBJECTIVE To compare morphology of the ciliary cleft (CC) region in dogs after topical administration of latanoprost, pilocarpine, or a combination of latanoprost and pilocarpine. ANIMALS 6 Beagles. PROCEDURES A prospective 4-phase crossover study with washout periods was performed. Latanoprost (phase L), pilocarpine (phase P), pilocarpine followed by latanoprost (phase PL), and latanoprost followed by pilocarpine (phase LP) were administered to the right eye. Artificial tears were administered to the left eye (control eye). For each phase, pupil diameter and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured and ultrasonographic biomicroscopy was performed 2 hours after topical treatment. Angle opening distance (AOD), ciliary cleft width (CCW), ciliary cleft length (CCL), and ciliary cleft area (CCA) were evaluated. ESULTS All treated eyes had marked miosis without significant differences in pupil diameter among phases. Significant IOP reductions were detected for all phases, except phase P. The AOD and CCA were significantly increased in all phases for treated eyes, compared with results for control eyes. The CCW was significantly increased in phases P, PL, and LP; CCL was significantly increased in phases PL and LP. Comparison of treated eyes among phases revealed that CCW differed significantly between phases L and P and between phases L and PL. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Prostaglandin-mediated and cholinergic-mediated miosis caused variations in CC configurations. When latanoprost and pilocarpine were used in combination, the first drug administered determined the cleft morphology, which was not fully reversed by the second drug. The CC morphology did not fully explain IOP reductions.

OBJECTIVE To assess effects of speed on kinematic variables measured by use of extremity-mounted inertial measurement units (IMUs) in nonlame horses performing controlled exercise on a treadmill. ANIMALS 10 nonlame horses. PROCEDURES 6 IMUs were attached at predetermined locations on 10 nonlame Franches Montagnes horses. Data were collected in triplicate during trotting at 3.33 and 3.88 m/s on a high-speed treadmill. Thirty-three selected kinematic variables were analyzed. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to assess the effect of speed. RESULTS Significant differences between the 2 speeds were detected for most temporal (11/14) and spatial (12/19) variables. The observed spatial and temporal changes would translate into a gait for the higher speed characterized by increased stride length, protraction and retraction, flexion and extension, mediolateral movement of the tibia, and symmetry, but with similar temporal variables and a reduction in stride duration. However, even though the tibia coronal range of motion was significantly different between speeds, the high degree of variability raised concerns about whether these changes were clinically relevant. For some variables, the lower trotting speed apparently was associated with more variability than was the higher trotting speed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE At a higher trotting speed, horses moved in the same manner (eg, the temporal events investigated occurred at the same relative time within the stride). However, from a spatial perspective, horses moved with greater action of the segments evaluated. The detected changes in kinematic variables indicated that trotting speed should be controlled or kept constant during gait evaluation.

OBJECTIVE To assess insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin expression within pancreatic islets of horses with and without insulin resistance. ANIMALS 10 insulin-resistant horses and 13 insulin-sensitive horses. PROCEDURES For each horse, food was withheld for at least 10 hours before a blood sample was collected for determination of serum insulin concentration. Horses with a serum insulin concentration < 20 μU/mL were assigned to the insulin-sensitive group, whereas horses with a serum insulin concentration > 20 μU/mL underwent a frequently sampled IV glucose tolerance test to determine sensitivity to insulin by minimal model analysis. Horses with a sensitivity to insulin < 1.0 × 10(−4) L•min−1•mU−1 were assigned to the insulin-resistant group. All horses were euthanized with a barbiturate overdose, and pancreatic specimens were harvested and immunohistochemically stained for determination of insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin expression in pancreatic islets. Islet hormone expression was compared between insulin-resistant and insulin-sensitive horses. RESULTS Cells expressing insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin made up approximately 62%, 12%, and 7%, respectively, of pancreatic islet cells in insulin-resistant horses and 64%, 18%, and 9%, respectively, of pancreatic islet cells in insulin-sensitive horses. Expression of insulin and somatostatin did not differ between insulin-resistant and insulin-sensitive horses, but the median percentage of glucagon-expressing cells in the islets of insulin-resistant horses was significantly less than that in insulin-sensitive horses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that, in insulin-resistant horses, insulin secretion was not increased but glucagon production might be downregulated as a compensatory response to hyperinsulinemia.

OBJECTIVE To characterize expression profiles of circulating microRNAs via genome-wide sequencing for dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD). ANIMALS 9 healthy client-owned dogs and 8 age-matched client-owned dogs with CHF secondary to MMVD. PROCEDURES Blood samples were collected before administering cardiac medications for the management of CHF. Isolated microRNAs from plasma were classified into microRNA libraries and subjected to next-generation sequencing (NGS) for genome-wide sequencing analysis and quantification of circulating microRNAs. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) assays were used to validate expression profiles of differentially expressed circulating microRNAs identified from NGS analysis of dogs with CHF. RESULTS 326 microRNAs were identified with NGS analysis. Hierarchical analysis revealed distinct expression patterns of circulating microRNAs between healthy dogs and dogs with CHF. Results of qRT-PCR assays confirmed upregulation of 4 microRNAs (miR-133, miR-1, miR-let-7e, and miR-125) and downregulation of 4 selected microRNAs (miR-30c, miR-128, miR-142, and miR-423). Results of qRT-PCR assays were highly correlated with NGS data and supported the specificity of circulating microRNA expression profiles in dogs with CHF secondary to MMVD. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results suggested that circulating microRNA expression patterns were unique and could serve as molecular biomarkers of CHF in dogs with MMVD.

Enterococcus species have developed from being commensal bacteria to leading pathogens that cause infections in humans and animals. The gastrointestinal tract of mammals is the normal habitat of these species. Virulence factors are proteins that are produced by the bacterium which are used to enhance their pathogenicity. The objectives of this study were to isolate Enterococcus spp. from livestock and companion animals, differentiate between the different sub-species and detect the presence of important virulence genes. Rectal and saliva swabs were collected from dogs and cats, whereas only rectal swabs were collected from cattle and cloacal swabs from chickens. Presumptive Enterococcus was selected using Bile Esculin Azide (BEA) agar, and Enterococcus species were confirmed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by amplifying the tuf gene. In order to differentiate between E. faecalis and E. faecium, a multiplex PCR was used to detect the SodA gene. The genes responsible for gelatinase production (gelE) and for conjugation (ccf) were also detected using PCR. Out of 211 animal swabs, 182 (86%) were positive for the tuf gene. Overall, there were 55 isolates of E. faecalis (30%) compared to 22 isolates of E. faecium (12%). The virulence genes had a prevalence of 52% and 36% for gelE and ccf, respectively, in all animal hosts. The results demonstrated that chicken cloacal samples had the highest prevalence for E. faecalis, gelE and ccf genes compared to all the other isolates detected from other animal hosts. The results also demonstrated a statistically significant (p < 0.05) association between the prevalence of virulence genes (gelE and ccf) and animal species from which Enterococcus spp. was isolated. We provided evidence that healthy livestock and companion animals can harbour pathogenic Enterococcusthat can be transferred via the food chain as well as through close association such as petting and licking of humans. This study partially demonstrated that Enterococcispp. are capable of evolving from being simple commensal bacteria to becoming pathogens that cause infection in humans and animals through the acquisition of virulence factors through mobile genetic elements.