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Biomedical subjects

J M Scarlett

Publications and source records attributed to J M Scarlett.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Prevalence of Giardia in symptomatic dogs and cats throughout the United States as determined by the IDEXX SNAP Giardia test.

National prevalence of Giardia infection in dogs and cats presenting to clinics with vomiting and/or diarrhea was examined using the IDEXX SNAP Giardia test kit. Veterinary practices across the United States were sent an invitation to participate in the survey and asked to use the test on fecal samples from the target population. The survey requested that the clinics report the results of 20 or more tests. A total of 21,092 results were reported, comprised of 16,114 dogs and 4,978 cats. Analysis of the data (excluding the handful of results reported from Puerto Rico) showed a Giardia prevalence of 15.6% among dogs tested, and 10.8% among cats. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Regional categorization into Northeast, Southeast, West, and Midwest drew out significant (p < 0.001) differences in prevalence in most cases for dogs; the differences were not significant for cats. These differences and other variables are currently being examined with this and additional data sets. We conclude on the basis of the SNAP test diagnostic that Giardia is a common enteric agent among dogs and cats with gastrointestinal signs.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Influence of patient positioning on sensitivity of mesenteric portography for detecting an anomalous portosystemic blood vessel in dogs: 34 cases (1997-2000).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether sensitivity of detecting an anomalous portosystemic blood vessel during operative mesenteric portography varied with patient positioning. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 34 dogs with a portosystemic shunt diagnosed via scintigraphy or surgery. PROCEDURE: Portograms were evaluated for a portosystemic blood vessel. Sensitivity was calculated from results obtained with dogs in left lateral, right lateral, and dorsal recumbency and from results obtained with dogs in 2 or 3 positions. Differences in sensitivity among positions and between 2 examiners were evaluated. RESULTS: Sensitivity was 85, 91, and 100% in dorsal, right lateral, and left lateral recumbency, respectively. Sensitivity was lower in dorsal recumbency than in left lateral recumbency, although differences were not significant. There was no significant difference between sensitivity of results obtained in dorsal and right lateral recumbency or right lateral and left lateral recumbency. Sensitivity for combined right lateral and dorsal positions was 97%, which was better than that in dorsal recumbency alone, although the difference was not significant. Because sensitivity in left lateral recumbency was 100%, there was no need to evaluate the improvement obtained by combining the result of this position with the results of other positions. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of mesenteric portography varied with patient positioning. The optimal position varied among patients but left lateral recumbency may be better and dorsal recumbency worse. Sensitivity may be improved by performing the test with the patient in orthogonal recumbent positions.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Attitudes of owners regarding tendonectomy and onychectomy in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of behavior problems following tendonectomy or onychectomy in cats, as well as attitudes of owners following these procedures. DESIGN: Nonrandomized clinical trial. ANIMALS: 18 cats that underwent tendonectomy and 39 cats that underwent onychectomy. PROCEDURE: Owners of cats that underwent tendonectomy or onychectomy between February 1993 and May 1998 were contacted by telephone and asked several questions regarding reasons for surgery as well as complications and behavioral changes in cats following surgery. RESULTS: The most common reason for considering tendonectomy or onychectomy was to avoid damage caused by the cat scratching household materials. Avoidance of injury to humans or animals was chosen more often by owners whose cats underwent onychectomy than those that underwent tendonectomy. Tendonectomy was more likely to have been recommended by veterinarians than onychectomy. Significantly more cats that underwent tendonectomy (67%) than onychectomy (44%) returned to normal activity within 3 days after surgery. Significant differences were not detected regarding behavior problems after surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although tendonectomy and onychectomy involved some medical complications and behavior changes following surgery, owners had positive attitudes regarding both surgeries after the immediate postoperative period. Tendonectomy may be a humane alternative to onychectomy, although owners need to be advised that nail trimming is still necessary in cats after surgery.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Molecular studies on the ecology of Listeria monocytogenes in the smoked fish processing industry.

We have applied molecular approaches, including PCR-based detection strategies and DNA fingerprinting methods, to study the ecology of Listeria monocytogenes in food processing environments. A total of 531 samples, including raw fish, fish during the cold-smoking process, finished product, and environmental samples, were collected from three smoked fish processing facilities during five visits to each facility. A total of 95 (17.9%) of the samples tested positive for L. monocytogenes using a commercial PCR system (BAX for Screening/Listeria monocytogenes), including 57 (27.7%) environmental samples (n = 206), 8 (7.8%) raw material samples (n = 102), 23 (18.1%) samples from fish in various stages of processing(n = 127), and 7 (7.3%) finished product samples (n = 96). L. monocytogenes was isolated from 85 samples (16.0%) using culture methods. Used in conjunction with a 48-h enrichment in Listeria Enrichment Broth, the PCR system had a sensitivity of 91.8% and a specificity of 96.2%. To track the origin and spread of L. monocytogenes, isolates were fingerprinted by automated ribotyping. Fifteen different ribotypes were identified among 85 isolates tested. Ribotyping data established possible contamination patterns, implicating raw materials and the processing environment as potential sources of finished product contamination. Analysis of the distribution of ribotypes revealed that each processing facility had a unique contamination pattern and that specific ribotypes persisted in the environments of two facilities over time (P < or = 0.0006). We conclude that application of molecular approaches can provide critical information on the ecology of different L. monocytogenes strains in food processing environments. This information can be used to develop practical recommendations for improved control of this important food-borne pathogen in the food industry.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Characterization and pathogenic potential of Listeria monocytogenes isolates from the smoked fish industry.

This study was designed to evaluate the hypothesis that some of the Listeria monocytogenes subtypes associated with foods, specifically smoked fish, may have an attenuated ability to cause human disease. We tested this hypothesis by using two different approaches: (i) comparison of molecular subtypes found among 117 isolates from smoked fish, raw materials, fish in process, and processing environments with subtypes found among a collection of 275 human clinical isolates and (ii) the evaluation of the cytopathogenicity of industrial isolates. Ribotyping and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism typing of the hlyA and actA genes differentiated 23 subtypes among the industrial isolates and allowed classification of the isolates into three genetic lineages. A significantly higher proportion of human isolates (69.1%) than industrial isolates (36.8%) were classified as lineage I, which contains human sporadic isolates and all epidemic isolates. All other industrial isolates (63.2%) were classified as lineage II, which contains only human sporadic isolates. Lineage I ribotypes DUP-1038B and DUP-1042B represented a significantly higher proportion of the human isolates than industrial isolates (5.1%). Lineage II ribotypes DUP-1039C, DUP-1042C, and DUP-1045, shown previously to persist in the smoked fish processing environment, represented nearly 50% of the industrial isolates, compared to 7.6% of the human isolates. Representatives of each subtype were evaluated with a tissue culture plaque assay. Lineage I isolates formed plaques that were significantly larger than those formed by lineage II isolates. Isolates from the smoked fish industry representing three ribotypes formed no plaques or small plaques, indicating that they had an impaired ability to infect mammalian cells. While L. monocytogenes clonal groups linked to human listeriosis cases and outbreaks were isolated, our data also suggest that at least some L. monocytogenes subtypes present in ready-to-eat foods may have limited human-pathogenic potential.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Identification and characterization of elevated microbial counts in bulk tank raw milk.

The bacterial composition of bulk tank milk from 13 farms was examined over a 2-wk period to characterize sudden elevations in the total bacterial count referred to as "spikes." Bulk tank milk samples collected at each pick-up were analyzed for standard plate count, Petrifilm aerobic count, somatic cell count, gram-negative organisms, and streptococci. Twenty standard plate count spikes were observed: 12 associated with streptococci, 4 associated with gram-negative organisms, 2 associated with streptococci and gram-negative organisms, and 2 that were not definitively characterized. Spikes ranged from 14,000 to 600,000 cfu/ml. Streptococcus uberis was isolated as the predominant organism from 11 spikes, and Escherichia coli was isolated from 4 spikes. Statistical analysis of total bacterial counts indicated a high correlation (r = 0.94) between standard plate counts and Petrifilm aerobic count. Regression analysis of standard plate counts and Petrifilm aerobic counts yielded the equation log10 (standard plate count) = 0.73 + 0.85log10 (Petrifilm aerobic count), indicating that the correlation, although strong, is not one to one. In a related pilot study, triplicate bulk tank milk samples were collected and analyzed for total bacterial count and presumptive streptococcus, gram-negative, and staphylococcus counts. Two-way ANOVA of these triplicate data indicated a lack of significant variation among the triplicate samples, suggesting that one sample can reliably gauge the microbial status of the entire bulk tank.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Evaluation of treatments for separation anxiety in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate treatment outcome in dogs with separation anxiety and owner compliance with and perception of effectiveness of discharge instructions. DESIGN: Cohort study. ANIMALS: 52 dogs with separation anxiety. PROCEDURE: Sex, age at which the owner obtained the dog, age at which separation anxiety was first noticed, age at behavioral examination, and discharge instructions were obtained from medical records of each dog. Between 6 and 64 months after the behavioral examination, owners were contacted by telephone and questioned about the outcome of treatment, their compliance with discharge instructions, and their perception of the effectiveness of each instruction. RESULTS: Thirty-two (62%) dogs had improved, whereas 20 were the same, were worse, or had been euthanatized or given away. Mixed-breed dogs were significantly less likely to improve than purebred dogs. Compliance varied according to discharge instruction. Significantly fewer dogs with owners that were given > 5 instructions improved or were cured, compared with those with owners given fewer instructions. Twenty-seven dogs were also treated with amitriptyline or other medication; 15 (56%) improved. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Owners complied with instructions that involved little time such as omitting punishment and providing a chew toy at the time of departure. Owners were also willing to increase the dog's exercise but were not willing to uncouple the cues of departure from real departures or desensitize the dog to impending departure. Administration of psychoactive medication may be necessary to augment behavior modification techniques designed to reduce separation anxiety in dogs.

Amitriptyline↗
PubMed2000

Mortality rates and causes of death among emaciated cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine mortality rates and causes of death for thin (i.e., lean or emaciated) cats and, if mortality rates were high, to determine factors associated with risk that cats would be thin. DESIGN: Cohort study. ANIMALS: 1,138 cats examined at 27 private veterinary practices in the northeastern United States. PROCEDURE: Body condition of the cats was scored (emaciated, lean, optimally lean, optimal, heavy, obese) between 1991 and 1992. Follow-up information on whether cats had developed any illnesses, whether cats had died, and, if cats had died, cause of death was obtained between 1994 and 1996. Mortality risk for emaciated cats was estimated, using cats in optimal condition as the reference group. RESULTS: Survival curves for emaciated cats were significantly lower than those for cats of other body conditions. Compared with cats in optimal condition, emaciated cats were 4.4 times as likely to die during the follow-up period. However, after adjusting for age and excluding cats that died within 1 year after body condition was scored, emaciated cats were no longer significantly more likely to die. Emaciated cats were more likely to die of an unknown cause than were cats of optimal condition. Risk factors for emaciated body condition included preexisting illness, age, and Siamese breed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that emaciated cats had a significantly higher risk of death, compared with cats in optimal body condition. Serious illness and advancing age accounted for much, and perhaps all, of this increased risk of death.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1999

Urinary mutagenicity as an indicator of occupational exposure in a cohort of cosmetologists.

Epidemiological studies suggest a higher risk of hematopoietic disorders including lymphoma among cosmetologists. The etiology of these disorders among cosmetologists is unknown, but beauticians are exposed to a wide variety of chemicals in the workplace. In this study, the urinary mutagenicity of cosmetologists was studied as an indicator of occupational exposure. A microsuspension modification of the Ames assay with Salmonella typhimurium strain TA98 was used to detect direct-acting mutagens and promutagens in urine. A comparable group of teachers of similar age and gender, and living in the same geographic area was used as the control group. There was no elevated risk for urinary mutagenicity among the cosmetologists after controlling for a number of confounders including smoking. In a multivariate model, smoking regularly or within 24 h of sample collection was found to be positively associated with urinary mutagenicity among both groups. The number of cigarettes smoked daily, age, and length of employment were not associated with urinary mutagenicity. Analysis of urine samples collected successively from each participant showed a fair to good agreement between promutagens in samples, suggesting a fairly constant exposure to promutagens.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Reasons for relinquishment of companion animals in U.S. animal shelters: selected health and personal issues.

In personal interviews, people surrendering their dogs and cats to 12 animal shelters in 4 regions of the country discussed their reasons for relinquishing their companion animals and answered questions about their own characteristics and those of their pet. The interviews identified 71 reasons for relinquishment. Personal issues lead the class of reasons for relinquishment of cats and ranked 3rd among those given for relinquishment of dogs. The top 3 health and personal issues cited for giving up cats were allergies of a family member to cats, owner's personal problems, and anew baby. For dogs, the top 3 reasons cited were lack of time for the dog, owner's personal problems, and allergies. Analysis of these health and personal issues suggests that education and counseling before and after acquisition of a pet, as well as the availability of temporary accommodations for pets during times of personal crisis, may reduce relinquishments.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

Moving: characteristics of dogs and cats and those relinquishing them to 12 U.S. animal shelters.

The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy Regional Shelter Survey identified moving as the most often cited of 71 reasons for relinquishing dogs and the 3rd most common reason for relinquishing cats. Most relinquished companion animals were less than 3 years old and female. Dogs were most often intact, whereas cats were most often altered. Friends had given the majority of these companion animals to the relinquishers, who had obtained them at no cost. Most had lived with the relinquishers for less than 2 years. The majority of relinquishers were White and female, and had at least a high school education. Based on the U.S. population age distribution, young adults seem to be using shelters at a significantly higher rate than would be expected. These age groups are also more mobile, according to U.S. Census data. Therefore, educational efforts that target young, potentially mobile adults could decrease the number of animals relinquished.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

Comparison of biological activity and safety of recombinant canine erythropoietin with that of recombinant human erythropoietin in clinically normal dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether recombinant canine erythropoietin (rcEPO) stimulates erythropoiesis in dogs without causing the immunogenicity problem (ie, erythroid hypoplasia) associated with recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO). ANIMALS: 13 clinically normal dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs were randomly assigned to 2 groups; 1 group (n = 6) received rhEPO, whereas the other group (7) received rcEPO. Both groups received SC injections of diluent for 4 weeks before initiating treatment with erythropoietin (100 U/kg of body weight, SC, 3 times/wk). Hematocrit and absolute reticulocyte count were monitored weekly, CBC were done monthly, and bone marrow aspirates for cytologic evaluation were obtained before and at 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks during treatment. RESULTS: Weekly mean Hct and absolute reticulocyte count increased in both groups of dogs during the first 2 weeks of treatment. For dogs receiving rhEPO, precipitous decreases in reticulocyte number and more gradual decreases in Hct were associated with development of erythroid hypoplasia. Dogs receiving rhEPO developed erythroid hypoplasia by week 4 (n = 4), 8 (1), or 16 (1). With cessation of rhEPO treatment after diagnosis of erythroid hypoplasia, RBC production recovered 5 to 11 weeks (median, 7 weeks) later. In contrast, rcEPO treatment caused sustained increases in Hct and reticulocytosis. None of the dogs receiving rcEPO developed erythroid hypoplasia. CONCLUSIONS: rcEPO stimulated erythrocyte production in clinically normal dogs during a 24-week period without causing the erythroid hypoplasia encountered in rhEPO-treated dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Because rcEPO did not cause erythroid hypoplasia, rcEPO may represent an improved option, compared with rhEPO, for treatment of erythropoietin-dependent anemia in dogs.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Associations between body condition and disease in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between body condition and disease in cats. DESIGN: Prospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Information on 1,457 cats without major illnesses from 27 veterinary hospitals in the northeastern United States. PROCEDURE: Cats that had body conditions determined from 1991 to 1992, using a set of 6 body condition silhouettes, had their health experiences and body conditions assessed for the subsequent 4.5 years. Cats were described by the following 6 body conditions: cachectic, lean, optimally lean, optimal weight, heavy, and obese. Data obtained from medical records and owner interviews were collected, using standard forms. Associations between body condition and specific diseases were analyzed. Findings in cats with body conditions other than optimal were compared with findings in cats with optimal body condition. RESULTS: Compared with optimal weight cats, heavy cats were 2.9 times as likely to be taken to veterinarians because of lameness not associated with cat bite abscesses. Obese cats were also 3.9 times as likely to develop diabetes mellitus, 2.3 times as likely to develop nonallergic skin conditions, and 4.9 times as likely to develop lameness requiring veterinary care. Cats considered thin (cachectic and lean) were 1.7 times as likely to be presented to veterinary hospitals for diarrhea. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results of this study substantiate reports of health risks associated with excess body weight in cats. Efforts to reduce weight in heavy and obese cats can lead to reduced risks of diabetes mellitus, lameness (presumably related to osteoarthritis and soft-tissue injuries), and skin problems unrelated to allergies. Cachectic and lean cats are more likely to have diarrhea that is not associated with a definitive diagnosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Human and animal factors related to relinquishment of dogs and cats in 12 selected animal shelters in the United States.

Since the 1940s, perceived companion animal overpopulation in the United States has been an important issue to the animal welfare community (Moulton, Wright, & Rinky, 1991). This surplus of animals has resulted in millions of dogs and cats being euthanized annually in animal shelters across the country. The nature and scope of this problem have been notoriously difficult to characterize. The number of animal shelters in the United Stares, the demographics of the population of animals passing through them, and the characteristics of per owners relinquishing animals are poorly understood. What portion of these animals are adopted or euthanized, why they are relinquished, and their source of acquisition are all questions for which there have been little data. Consequently, we are no closer to answering the fundamental question of how and why many animals are destroyed each year in shelters (Arkow, 1994).

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Use of the urine cortisol-to-creatinine ratio for monitoring dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism during induction treatment with mitotane (o,p'-DDD).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the urine cortisol-to-creatinine ratio (UCCR) could replace the ACTH stimulation test in monitoring effectiveness of mitotane induction treatment in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). ANIMALS: 15 dogs with PDH. PROCEDURE: All 15 dogs were given an induction dose of mitotane (o,p'-DDD: 35 to 50 mg/kg of body weight/d) for 3 to 14 days. During the induction period, free-catch morning urine samples were collected for determination of UCCR, followed by ACTH stimulation testing, every other day. Treatment response was divided into 3 categories: well-controlled PDH (post-ACTH serum cortisol concentration > or = 28 nmol/L but < or = 138 nmol/L), deficient cortisol secretion (post-ACTH serum cortisol concentration < 28 nmol/L), and excess cortisol secretion (post-ACTH serum cortisol concentration > 138 nmol/L). RESULTS: The linear relation between UCCR and post-ACTH serum cortisol concentration was significant (P < 0.001); however, the prediction intervals surrounding the line were too broad to be clinically useful. The UCCR overlapped among the 3 categories of treatment response. Nevertheless, dogs with PDH receiving mitotane induction treatment and with UCCR > 79 x 10(-6) were always classified as having excess cortisol secretion. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The UCCR failed to predict post-ACTH cortisol concentration during mitotane induction treatment sufficiently close to be a clinically reliable indicator of treatment control. Seemingly, however, UCCR > 79 x 10(-6) obtained from a dog with PDH during mitotane induction would indicate inadequate adrenal cortex destruction and the need for continued mitotane induction; UCCR < or = 79 x 10(-6) would be inconclusive.

Adrenocortical Hyperfunction↗
PubMed1995

Evaluation of factors associated with development of calcium oxalate urolithiasis in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dietary and environmental factors as potential risk factors for calcium oxalate urolithiasis in cats. DESIGN: Case-control study. ANIMALS: 84 cats with uroliths composed of at least 90% calcium oxalate and 258 age- and gender-matched control cats. PROCEDURE: Owners of cats with calcium oxalate urolithiasis and control cats were surveyed between November 1990 and August 1992. Owners completed a standard questionnaire administered during a single telephone interview. Data collected included information regarding signalment, environment, urination and defecation, diet, and medical history. RESULTS: Calcium oxalate uroliths tended to develop in middle- to older-aged, domestic shorthair cats of typical weight. A gender predilection was not detected. Factors associated with an increase in the risk of calcium oxalate urolithiasis in cats were feeding urine-acidifying diets, feeding a single brand of cat food without providing additional foods or table scraps, maintaining cats in an indoor-only environment, and being of the Persian breed. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Control of diet and environment may help prevent calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

Age Distribution↗