OBJECTIVE To evaluate the usefulness of intestinal biomarkers in determining the presence of intestinal epithelial damage in neonatal calves with diarrhea caused by 4 etiologic agents. ANIMALS 40 neonatal calves that were healthy (n = 10) or had diarrhea (30). PROCEDURES The study was a cross-sectional study. Results of hematologic analyses and serum concentrations of intestinal fatty acid–binding protein (I-FABP), liver fatty acid–binding protein (L-FABP), trefoil factor 3 (TFF-3), Claudin-3 (CLDN-3), γ-enteric smooth muscle actin (ACTG2), intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), interleukin-8 (IL-8), platelet-activating factor (PAF), and leptin (LP) were compared among calves grouped according to whether they were healthy (control group; G-1) or had diarrhea caused by K99 Escherichia coli (G-2; n = 10), bovine rota- or coronavirus (G-3; 5 each), or Cryptosporidium spp (G-4; 10). RESULTS Across the 3 time points at which blood samples were obtained and evaluated, the groups of calves with diarrhea generally had markedly higher mean serum concentrations of L-FABP, TFF-3, IAP, IL-8, and LP, compared with the control group. In addition, G-2 also consistently had markedly higher mean serum concentrations of I-FAB and ACTG2 and lower mean serum concentrations of CLDN-3, compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that degree of intestinal epithelial damage differed among calves grouped by the etiologic agent of diarrhea and that such damage might have been more severe in calves with diarrhea caused by K99 E coli. Additionally, our results indicated that serum concentrations of I-FABP, L-FABP, TFF-3, IAP, IL-8, ACTG2, LP, and CLDN-3 were useful biomarkers of intestinal epithelial damage in calves of the present study.

Achyranthes japonica Nakai (A. japonica) is a medicinal herb found widely distributed throughout Korea. The biological activities of A. japonica are well-documented and include anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and immunity enhancement. The objective of the present study was to investigate the immune-related activities of A. japonica extract in dogs. The extract was acquired by ethanol extraction and purified by filtration. To examine the effect of A. japonica extract on immune cell viability, human lymphocytes, such as Jurkat T-cells and Ramos B-cells, were exposed to the extract. After treatment with the extract, the number of Ramos B-cells was increased, whereas Jurkat T-cells remained unaffected. Griess assay revealed decreased nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse macrophage Raw 264.7 cells after exposure to A. japonica extract. To evaluate the in-vivo effect in dogs, feed containing A. japonica extract was provided to 8 dogs for 2 months. Blood samples were collected before, during, and after consumption of the feed. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from the blood samples and the number of T-cells and B-cells were assessed using flow cytometry with anti-dog fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated CD3 and anti-dog phycoerythrin (PE)-conjugated CD21 antibodies, respectively. We observed a significant increase in the average number of B-cells in the PBMCs during ingestion of the feed containing A. japonica. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed a decrease in the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, in 3 out of 8 dogs and increased levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine, in 4 out of 8 dogs. Taken together, we believe that these changes indicate that A. japonica extract is beneficial in improving the immunity of dogs by stimulating B-cells and inducing production of anti-inflammatory responses.

The effects of radiation therapy may be potentiated by combining radiation therapy with secondary therapies. Clinically, radiation therapy has been combined with bisphosphonates for treatment of canine appendicular osteosarcoma for years. The objective of this study was to determine if the timing of administration of bisphosphonates in relation to radiation therapy alters clonogenic survival or cell viability of canine osteosarcoma cells in vitro. Canine osteosarcoma cells were treated before administration of radiation, concurrent with radiation, or after radiation. Reduction in clonogenic survival was identified when bisphosphonates were administered post-radiation compared with pre-radiation. No significant differences were identified for cell viability at any time points. Further investigation of the cellular effects of bisphosphonates on canine osteosarcoma cells is warranted. Consideration may be given to administering bisphosphonates 24 h after radiation to reduce replication of canine osteosarcoma cells and possibly prolong the analgesic effects of both treatments.

Recent studies have found that anemia and anisocytosis are precipitating factors for certain heart diseases in dogs. This study evaluated the prevalence and correlation of anemia and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in dogs with heartworm disease (HWD). The study population consisted of 20 healthy control dogs and 86 dogs with HWD: 28 dogs with no clinical signs or pulmonary hypertension (Group 1), 42 dogs with mild clinical signs but no pulmonary hypertension (Group 2), and 16 dogs with severe clinical signs and pulmonary hypertension (Group 3). Along with echocardiographic interrogation of pulmonary hypertension, red blood cell (RBC) profiles were evaluated, including RDW. The total number of red blood cells (tRBCs), hematocrit (HCT), and hemoglobin (HGB) concentration was significantly lower in Group 3 dogs compared to control dogs (P < 0.05), while the RDW was significantly higher in Group 3 dogs than in control dogs (P < 0.05). The RDW was closely correlated to other RBC profiles and the presence of pulmonary hypertension (P < 0.05). The severity of tricuspid regurgitant gradient (TRG) was closely correlated with Hb and tRBC (P < 0.05), but not with the RDW and reticulocyte count. This study finding indicated that anemia and anisocytosis are common complications in dogs with severe clinical signs and pulmonary hypertension caused by heartworm disease (HWD). It would therefore be beneficial for clinicians to routinely check red blood cell (RBC) profiles, including RDW, in order to monitor the progression of heartworm disease in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To compare the ability of acetaminophen-codeine (AC; 15.5 to 18.5 mg/kg and 1.6 to 2.0 mg/kg, respectively) or carprofen (4.2 to 4.5 mg/kg) administered PO to attenuate experimentally induced lameness in dogs. ANIMALS 7 purpose-bred dogs. PROCEDURES A blinded crossover study was performed. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive AC or carprofen treatment first and then the alternate treatment a minimum of 21 days later. Synovitis was induced in 1 stifle joint during each treatment by intra-articular injection of sodium urate (SU). Ground reaction forces were assessed, and clinical lameness was scored at baseline (before lameness induction) and 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after SU injection. Plasma concentrations of acetaminophen, carprofen, codeine, and morphine were measured at various points. Data were compared between and within treatments by repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS During AC treatment, dogs had significantly higher lameness scores than during carprofen treatment at 3, 6, and 9 hours after SU injection. Peak vertical force and vertical impulse during AC treatment were significantly lower than values during carprofen treatment at 3, 6, and 9 hours. Plasma concentrations of carprofen (R)- and (S)-enantiomers ranged from 2.5 to 19.2 μg/mL and 4.6 to 25.0 μg/mL, respectively, over a 24-hour period. Plasma acetaminophen concentrations ranged from 0.14 to 4.6 μg/mL and codeine concentrations from 7.0 to 26.8 ng/mL, whereas plasma morphine concentrations ranged from 4.0 to 58.6 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Carprofen as administered was more effective than AC at attenuating SU-induced lameness in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To use the small data approach of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) to evaluate the transferability of reference intervals (RIs) for kinetic variables obtained with instrumented gait analysis (IGA) in dogs from an RI-originator laboratory to another laboratory that used the same data acquisition and analytic techniques for IGA in walking dogs. ANIMALS 27 adult client-owned dogs without evidence of lameness. PROCEDURES Dogs were individually walked at their preferred velocity on a pressure-sensing walkway for IGA at the Colorado State University Animal Gait Laboratory (CSU-AGL), and 6 valid trials were analyzed for each dog. The small data approach of the CLSI was then used to evaluate transferability of RIs previously established at the Purdue University Animal Gait Laboratory (PU-AGL). A linear model was used to establish weight-dependent RIs for peak vertical force (PVF). RESULTS Results indicated that RIs of dynamic weight distribution (DWD), DWD symmetry index, DWD coefficient of variation, PVF symmetry index, and PVF coefficient of variation were transferable from PU-AGL to CSU-AGL, whereas the weight-dependent RIs for PVF were not. Regression slopes for PVF versus body weight were greater for all limbs in dogs tested at the CSU-AGL, compared with historic results for dogs tested at the PU-AGL. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Use of the small data approach method of the CLSI to validate transference of RIs for IGA kinetic variables in walking dogs was simple and efficient to perform and may help facilitate clinical and research collaborations on gait analysis.

The objective of this study was to document tidal variations in tracheal height during normal respiration in 19 healthy adult (> 1 y old) small-breed dogs (< 10 kg) using fluoroscopy and radiography. Each dog underwent tracheal fluoroscopic examination on inspiration and expiration while in a standing position (F-S) and in right lateral recumbency (F-RL), followed by radiographic projections obtained in right lateral recumbency. The percent variation in tracheal height during maximal inspiration and expiration was determined at 3 different locations [cervical region (CR), thoracic inlet (TI), and intrathoracic (IT) region]. When all imaging procedures and sites of measurement were considered, tracheal height varied during physiologic inspiration and expiration from 0% to 21.1%, with a mean of 4.5%. The mean percent variation in tracheal height was not significantly different among imaging modalities (F-S versus F-RL versus radiography) (P = 0.16) or measurement sites (CR versus TI versus IT) (P = 0.89). The body condition score (BCS) (P = 0.96), age (P = 0.95), and breed (P = 0.19) did not significantly influence the mean percent variation in tracheal height. The average variation in tracheal height during maximal physiological inspiration and expiration is small (< 6%) in most healthy adult small-breed dogs as assessed by fluoroscopy and radiography, although tracheal height may vary by as much as 21.1% in some healthy individuals. Inspiratory and expiratory radiographs acquired in right lateral recumbency provide an accurate assessment of tracheal height as an alternative to fluoroscopy.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of tulathromycin for prevention of abortion in pregnant ewes when administered within 24 hours after experimental inoculation with Campylobacter jejuni. ANIMALS 20 pregnant ewes between 72 and 92 days of gestation. PROCEDURES All ewes were inoculated with a field strain of C jejuni (8.5 × 108 to 10.6 × 108 CFUs, IV). Eighteen hours later, ewes received either tulathromycin (1.1 mL/45 kg [2.4 mg/kg], SC; n = 10) or sterile saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (1.1 mL/45 kg, SC; sham; 10). Ewes were euthanized immediately after observation of vaginal bleeding, abortion, or completion of a 21-day observation period. Necropsy was performed on all ewes, and tissue specimens were obtained for bacterial culture and histologic examination. RESULTS 1 sham-treated ewe and 1 tulathromycin-treated ewe developed signs of severe endotoxemia and were euthanized within 24 hours after C jejuni inoculation. Seven sham-treated and 2 tulathromycin-treated ewes developed vaginal bleeding or aborted and were euthanized between 4 and 21 days after C jejuni inoculation. The proportion of tulathromycin-treated ewes that developed vaginal bleeding or aborted during the 21 days after C jejuni inoculation (2/9) was significantly less than that for the sham-treated ewes (7/9). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that administration of tulathromycin to pregnant ewes following exposure to C jejuni was effective in decreasing the number of C jejuni–induced abortions. Because of concerns regarding the development of macrolide resistance among Campylobacter strains, prophylactic use of tulathromycin in sheep is not recommended.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of 2 augmentation techniques on the mechanical properties of titanium cannulated bone screws. SAMPLE 33 titanium cannulated bone screws (outer diameter, 6.5 mm; guide channel diameter, 3.6 mm). PROCEDURES 11 screws were allocated to each of 3 groups. The guide channel of each screw was filled with polymethyl methacrylate bone cement alone (OCS group) or in combination with a 3.2-mm-diameter orthopedic pin (PCS group) or remained unmodified (control group) before mechanical testing. Each screw underwent a single-cycle 3-point bending test to failure with a monotonic loading rate of 2.5 mm/min. Failure was defined as an acute decrease in resistance to load of ≥ 20% or a bending deformation of 15 mm. Mechanical properties were determined for each screw and compared among the 3 groups. RESULTS All screws in the control and OCS groups and 1 screw in the PCS group broke during testing; a 15-mm bending deformation was achieved for the remaining 10 screws in the PCS group. Maximum load and load at failure differed significantly among the 3 groups. Stiffness and load at yield for the PCS group were significantly greater than those for the control and OCS groups but did not differ between the control and OCS groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Use of bone cement and an orthopedic pin to fill the guide channel of cannulated screws significantly increased the strength of the construct, but ex vivo and in vivo studies are necessary before this augmentation technique can be recommended for clinical patients.

The objective of this study was to explore the mathematical relationships between independent variables (patient morphometrics and treadmill speed) and dependent variables (accelerometer or pedometer output) when evaluating data from accelerometers and pedometers in dogs. Twenty dogs took part in 3 randomized activities, consisting of exercise on a treadmill at 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 m/s for a total distance of 1 km at each speed. Dogs simultaneously wore both an accelerometer and a pedometer. Statistical analysis used multiple regression models to discover the relationships between independent and dependent variables. A formula was developed to predict the distance traveled by a dog based on its morphometrics and activity monitor output. Shoulder height had stronger correlations to accelerometer and pedometer outputs than other morphometric variables. As shoulder height increased, all accelerometer and pedometer outputs decreased. As treadmill speed increased, both accelerometer and pedometer step counts decreased, while accelerometer activity counts increased. According to a formula derived to predict the total distance traveled using patient shoulder height and accelerometer or pedometer output, pedometer steps were the most accurate predictor of distance traveled. Accelerometer steps were less accurate when using the same model. Accelerometer activity counts did not reveal a meaningful predictive formula. The results of this study indicate that patient morphometrics and treadmill speed (as a measure of intensity) influenced accelerometer and pedometer data. The pedometer data more precisely and accurately estimated the distance traveled based on step counts and patient shoulder height. In normal dogs, accelerometer and pedometer steps may reasonably estimate distance traveled.