OBJECTIVE To determine the safety and pharmacokinetics of various doses of plant-derived cannabidiol (CBD) versus placebo following repeated oral administration. ANIMALS 20 healthy adult Beagles. PROCEDURES In a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial, dogs were randomized to 5 groups balanced in body weight and sex (n = 4 dogs/group) and received a CBD (1, 2, 4, or 12 mg/kg; from cannabis extract) or placebo oil formulation PO once daily for 28 days. Outcome variables were assessed through daily health observations, veterinary examinations, CBC, and serum biochemical analysis. Blood samples were collected at various time points to estimate 24-hour pharmacokinetic profiles of CBD and selected metabolites (7-carboxy-CBD and 7-hydroxy-CBD). RESULTS Repeated CBD administration was well tolerated by dogs, with no clinically important changes in measured safety outcomes. Veterinary examinations revealed no clinically important abnormal findings. Adverse events were mild in severity. Relative to placebo administration, CBD administration at 12 mg/kg/d resulted in more gastrointestinal adverse events (mainly hypersalivation) and significantly higher serum alkaline phosphatase activity. Total systemic exposure to CBD increased on a dose-dependent basis following both acute (first dose) and chronic (28 days) administration. Within each CBD dose group, repeated administration increased total systemic exposure to CBD 1.6- to 3.3-fold. The 24-hour trough plasma CBD concentrations were also dose dependent, with a steady state reached following 2 weeks of administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Repeated, daily oral administration of the CBD formulation led to dose-dependent increases in total systemic exposure to CBD and 24-hour trough plasma concentrations in healthy dogs. These findings could help guide dose selection.

While heart failure is a primary cause of death for many in-transit-loss (ITL) pigs, the underlying cause of these deaths is not known. Cardiomyopathies are considered a common cause of heart failure in humans and often have a genetic component. The objective of this study was to determine if genes associated with cardiomyopathies could be identified in ITL pigs. Samples from the hearts of pigs that died during transport to an abattoir in Ontario, Canada were collected and genotyped along with samples from pigs that did not die during transport (ILT hearts: n = 149; non-ITL/control hearts: n = 387). Genome-wide analyses were carried out on each of the determined phenotypes (gross cardiac lesions) using a medium density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip and 500 kb windows/regions for analysis, with 250 kb regions of overlap. The distribution derived by a multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis of all phenotypes demonstrated a lack of complete separation between phenotypes of affected and unaffected animals, which made diagnosis difficult. Although genetic differences were small, a few genes associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVM) were identified. In addition, multiple genes associated with cardiac arrhythmias and ventricular hypertrophy were identified that can possibly result in heart failure. The results of this preliminary study did not provide convincing evidence that a single, heritable cardiomyopathy is the cause of heart failure in ITL pigs.

OBJECTIVE To compare the performance of 5 synthetic peptide–based ELISAs with that of 3 commercially available immunofluorescent assays (IFAs) for serologic diagnosis of anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis in dogs. SAMPLE A convenience set of 109 serum samples obtained before and at various times after inoculation for 23 dogs that were experimentally infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, or Ehrlichia ewingii and 1 uninfected control dog in previous studies. PROCEDURES All serum samples were assessed with 5 synthetic peptide–based ELISAs designed to detect antibodies against A phagocytophilum, A platys, E canis, E chaffeensis, and E ewingii and 3 whole organism–based IFAs designed to detect antibodies against A phagocytophilum, E canis, and E chaffeensis. The species-specific seroreactivity, cross-reactivity with the other tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each assay and compared among assays. RESULTS All serum samples obtained from dogs experimentally infected with a TBP yielded positive results on a serologic assay specific for that pathogen. In general, sensitivity was comparable between ELISAs and IFAs and tended to increase with duration after inoculation. Compared with the IFAs, the corresponding ELISAs were highly specific and rarely cross-reacted with antibodies against other TBPs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that peptide-based ELISAs had enhanced specificity relative to whole organism–based IFAs for detection of antibodies against Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp, which should facilitate accurate diagnosis and may help detect dogs coinfected with multiple TBPs.

Some immortalized lens epithelial cell lines have been established and are useful for molecular analysis. The establishment of additional cell lines must, however, enable a variety of in-vitro examinations. The objective of this study was to establish a new canine lens epithelial cell line by isolating CLC-1 cells from the lens tissue of a dog with cataracts. In CLC-1 cells, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) treatment significantly decreased gene expression of an epithelial marker and elevated that of mesenchymal markers; these characteristics are similar to those of a human lens epithelial cell line. Interestingly, CLC-1 cells exhibited lower expression of an epithelial marker and higher expression of mesenchymal markers than an anterior lens capsule. These results suggest that CLC-1 cells were derived from a cell population that was committed to epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cataract lens tissue. In conclusion, CLC-1 cells could be useful for analyzing molecular pathogenesis in canine cataracts.

Calf diarrhea leads to substantial economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide due to medical treatment costs, retarded growth performance, and even death. The objective of this study was to investigate changes in serum protein profiles and acute phase proteins in calves with diarrhea and identify the association between these changes and diarrhea. A total of 185 Korean beef calves were used and divided into 3 groups by age: 1 to 10 days (n = 46), 11 to 20 days (n = 65), and 21 to 30 days (n = 74). Blood and fecal samples were collected from each calf. Serum concentrations of total protein, protein fractions (albumin, α1-globulin, α2-globulin, β-globulin, and γ-globulin), haptoglobin (Hp), and serum amyloid A (SAA) were analyzed. Compared to calves without diarrhea, calves with diarrhea had significantly lower albumin concentrations at 11 to 20 days and 21 to 30 days of age (P = 0.017 and P = 0.000, respectively) and significantly higher α1-globulin fractions at 21 to 30 days of age (P = 0.01). Interestingly, α2-globulin fractions were significantly higher in diarrheic calves in all age groups, whereas γ-globulin fractions were significantly lower in calves with diarrhea aged 1 to 10 days, compared with normal animals. In calves with diarrhea, the concentration of Hp was significantly higher, whereas SAA levels were not different between normal and diarrheic calves. In addition, a positive correlation was found between α2-globulin and Hp (P = 0.0004). Taken together, these results provide useful information about the use of serum protein profiles and Hp as prognostic and diagnostic markers for animal health status.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of epitendinous suture (ES) caliber on the tensile strength of flexor tendon repairs in cadaveric specimens from dogs. SAMPLE 60 cadaveric superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFTs) from 30 skeletally mature dogs. PROCEDURES Specimens were randomly assigned to 5 suture caliber groups (n = 12 SDFTs/group). After sharp transection, SDFTs were repaired by placement of a simple continuous circumferential ES created with size-0, 2–0, 3–0, 4–0, or 5–0 polypropylene suture. Constructs were preloaded to 2 N and load tested to failure. Loads at yield, peak, and failure and mode of failure were compared among groups by statistical methods. RESULTS Yield, peak, and failure loads for SDFT repair constructs were positively correlated with ES caliber and did not differ between the size-0 and 2–0 groups on pairwise comparisons. Yield load was significantly greater for size-0, 2–0, and 3–0 groups than for the 4–0 and 5–0 groups. Peak and failure loads were significantly greater for the size-0 and 2–0 groups than for the remaining groups. Most size-0 (12/12), 2–0 (12/12), and 3–0 (10/12) group constructs failed because of ES pull-through; several constructs in the 4–0 group (5/12) and most in the 5–0 group (11/12) failed because of ES breakage. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested size-0 and 2–0 sutures should be considered when placing an ES for flexor tendon repairs in dogs. However, in vivo studies are needed determine the effects of increasing ES caliber on clinical outcomes for dogs undergoing these procedures.

This study was carried out to investigate the resistance phenotypes and resistance genes of Escherichia coli from swine in Guizhou, China. A total of 47 E. coli strains isolated between 2013 and 2018 were tested using the Kirby-Bauer (K-B) method to verify their resistance to 19 common clinical antimicrobials. Five classes consisting of 29 resistance genes were detected using polymerase chain reaction. The status regarding extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and the relationship between ESBL CTX-M-type β-lactamase genes and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes were analysed. A total of 46 strains (97.9%) were found to be multidrug resistant. Amongst them, 27 strains (57.4%) were resistant to more than eight antimicrobials, and the maximum number of resistant antimicrobial agents was 16. Twenty antibiotic resistance genes were detected, including six β-lactamase genes blaTEM (74.5%), blaCTX-M-9G (29.8%), blaDHA (17.0%), blaCTX-M-1G (10.6%), blaSHV (8.5%), blaOXA (2.1%), five aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes aac(3′)-IV (93.6%), aadA1 (78.7%), aadA2 (76.6%), aac(3′)-II c (55.3%), aac(6′)-Ib (2.1%) and five amphenicol resistance genes floR (70.2%), cmlA (53.2%), cat2 (10.6%), cat1 (6.4%), cmlB (2.1%), three PMQR genes qnrS (55.3%), oqxA (53.2%), qepA (27.7%) and polypeptide resistance gene mcr-1 (40.4%). The detection rate of ESBL-positive strains was 80.9% (38/47) and ESBL TEM-type was the most abundant ESBLs. The percentage of the PMQR gene in blaCTX-M-positive strains was high, and the detection rate of blaCTX-M-9G was the highest in CTX-M type. It is clear that multiple drug resistant E. coli is common in healthy swine in this study. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase is very abundant in the E. coli strains isolated from swine and most of them are multiple compound genotypes.

Human coronaviruses are known respiratory pathogens associated with a range of respiratory illnesses, and there are considerable morbidity and hospitalisation amongst immune-compromised individuals of all age groups. The emergence of a highly pathogenic human coronavirus in China in 2019 has confirmed the long-held opinion that these viruses are important emerging and re-emerging pathogens. In this review article, we trace the discovery and emergence of coronaviruses (CoVs) over time since they were first reported. The review article will enrich our understanding on the host range, diversity and evolution, transmission of human CoVs and the threat posed by these viruses circulating in animal populations but overtime have spilled over to humans because of the increased proximity between humans and animals.

Neonatal foals may require prolonged sedation to permit ventilatory support in the first few days of life. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the cardiopulmonary effects and clinical recovery characteristics of 2 sedative/analgesia protocols in healthy foals receiving assisted ventilation. Foals were randomized to receive dexmedetomidine, butorphanol, and propofol (DBP) or midazolam, butorphanol, and propofol (MBP) during a 24-hour period. Infusion rates of dexmedetomidine, midazolam, and propofol were adjusted and propofol boluses administered according to set protocols to maintain optimal sedation and muscle relaxation. Ventilatory support variables were adjusted to preset targets. Physiologic variables were recorded, cardiac output (CO) measured (thermodilution), and arterial and mixed venous blood collected for gas analysis at intervals up to 24 hours. Foals in group DBP received dexmedetomidine [2.4 ± 0.5 μg/kg body weight (BW) per hour], butorphanol (13 μg/kg BW per hour), and propofol (6.97 ± 0.86 mg/kg BW per hour), whereas foals in group MBP received midazolam (0.14 ± 0.04 mg/kg BW per hour), butorphanol (13 μg/kg BW per hour), and propofol (5.98 ± 1.33 mg/kg BW per hour). Foals in the DBP group received significantly more propofol boluses (9.0 ± 3.0) than those in the MBP group (4.0 ± 2.0). Although physiologic variables remained within acceptable limits, heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and cardiac index (CI) were lower in foals in the DBP group than in the MBP group. Times to sternal recumbency, standing, and nursing were significantly shorter in the DBP than MBP group. We found that MBP and DBP protocols are suitable to assist ventilatory support in neonatal foals, although MBP results in a prolonged recovery compared to DBP.

OBJECTIVE To determine the cardiopulmonary effects of IV administration of fentanyl to cats anesthetized with isoflurane and during anesthetic recovery with concurrent administration of acepromazine or dexmedetomidine. ANIMALS 6 healthy adult cats. PROCEDURES Cats received an IV bolus (5 μg/kg) followed by an IV infusion (5 μg/kg/h) of fentanyl for 120 minutes during isoflurane anesthesia and for 30 minutes after discontinuing isoflurane. Cats were randomly assigned in a crossover study to receive acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) or dexmedetomidine (2.5 μg/kg), IV, when isoflurane was discontinued. Cardiopulmonary data were obtained during anesthesia and for 30 minutes during the anesthetic recovery period. RESULTS The administration of fentanyl during isoflurane anesthesia resulted in a transient increase in arterial blood pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and oxygen delivery. Compared with values during isoflurane anesthesia, administration of dexmedetomidine during anesthetic recovery resulted in significant decreases in cardiac index, stroke index, and oxygen delivery and significant increases in arterial, central venous, and mean pulmonary artery pressures; systemic vascular resistance index; and oxygen extraction ratio. Administration of acepromazine resulted in increases in heart rate, cardiac index, oxygen uptake, and oxygen extraction ratio. Oxygen extraction ratio did not differ between acepromazine and dexmedetomidine. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Fentanyl transiently improved indices of cardiopulmonary performance when administered to healthy cats anesthetized with isoflurane. The cardiovascular effects of acepromazine and dexmedetomidine in healthy cats receiving fentanyl during recovery from isoflurane anesthesia differed, but measured cardiopulmonary parameters remained within acceptable limits.