Biomedical subjects

Kenneth J Drobatz

Publications and source records attributed to Kenneth J Drobatz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Renal transplantation in cats with calcium oxalate urolithiasis: 19 cases (1997-2004).

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcome of renal transplantation in cats with renal failure associated with calcium oxalate urolithiasis. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 19 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for evaluation of signalment, preoperative clinical signs, physical examination results, dietary history, clinicopathologic data, abdominal imaging, postoperative diet, complications, and long-term outcome. RESULTS: The domestic shorthair was the most common breed represented. There were 13 spayed females and 7 castrated males. Mean age was 6.8 years. Clinical signs included weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, polyuria, and polydipsia. Before surgery, cats received commercially available canned or dry food (n = 10), a prescription renal failure diet (5), a commercial diet to manage struvite crystalluria (1), or an unknown diet (3). Seventeen cats were anemic. All cats were azotemic. Hypercalcemia was detected in 7 cats. Abdominal imaging revealed nephrolithiasis, ureterolithiasis, or both in all cats. Median duration of survival of all cats was 605 days. Eight cats were alive 282 to 2,005 days (median, 1,305 days) after surgery. Eleven cats died 2 to 1,197 days (median, 300 days) after surgery. Five cats formed calculi in their allograft (120 to 665 days). Two of the 5 cats that formed calculi were hypercalcemic. Four of the 5 cats died following complications associated with formation of calculi. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Renal transplantation appears to be a viable option for cats in renal failure secondary to calcium oxalate urolithiasis. In addition to reported complications in renal transplant recipients, formation of calculi within the allograft may also occur.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed2005

Signs of neurologic dysfunction in dogs with central versus peripheral vestibular disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of specific signs of neurologic dysfunction in dogs with central vestibular disease (CVD) or peripheral vestibular disease (PVD) and whether the degree of head tilt, rate of nystagmus, and number of beats of postrotatory nystagmus can be used to help distinguish CVD from PVD. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: 40 client-owned dogs with vestibular system dysfunction. PROCEDURE: A standard neurologic examination was performed, along with an expanded vestibular system examination that assessed the degree of head tilt, rate of nystagmus, and number of beats of postrotatory nystagmus. RESULTS: Dogs with CVD were significantly more likely to be nonambulatory than were dogs with PVD. Dogs with PVD were significantly more likely to veer or lean in 1 direction and to have resting nystagmus than were dogs with CVD. Median rate of resting nystagmus was significantly higher for dogs with PVD, but no significant differences between groups were detected in regard to presence or degree of head tilt, presence of positional ventral strabismus, and number of beats of postrotatory nystagmus. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that nonambulatory tetraparesis is significantly more common in dogs with CVD and veering and leaning are significantly more common in dogs with PVD. Although neither the degree of head tilt nor the number of beats of postrotatory nystagmus could be used to distinguish CVD from PVD, rate of resting nystagmus may be useful in distinguishing the 2 conditions.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Indications for and outcome of positive-pressure ventilation in cats: 53 cases (1993-2002).

OBJECTIVE: To determine indications for and outcomes of positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) in cats, document ventilator management, and identify factors associated with outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 53 cats that underwent PPV. PROCEDURE: Information on signalment, history, concurrent diseases, clinical findings, results of venous blood gas analyses and clinicopathologic testing, treatment, ventilator settings, and outcome was retrieved from the medical records. Data for cats that survived were compared with data for cats that died or were euthanatized while undergoing PPV RESULTS: PPV was initiated for management of respiratory failure (36 cats [68%]), cardiac arrest (9 [17%]), neurologic impairment (6 [11%]), and nonresponsive hypotension (2 [4%]). Eight cats (15%) survived, 19 (36%) died, and 26 (49%) were euthanatized while undergoing PPV. Cats that survived had a longer duration of ventilation than did those that died or were euthanatized and had a significantly higher incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Signalment and ventilator settings were not associated with outcome. Cats that had no clinical evidence of pulmonary disease but required PPV because of primary neurologic disease had a higher survival rate (2/6) than did cats that required PPV because of respiratory failure (5/36), cardiac arrest (1/9), or nonresponsive hypotension (0/2). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that the survival rate for cats requiring PPV may be lower than reported survival rates for dogs. Death was attributable to progressive respiratory failure, non-responsive hypotension, kidney failure, or neurologic impairment.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Survival times in dogs with right atrial hemangiosarcoma treated by means of surgical resection with or without adjuvant chemotherapy: 23 cases (1986-2000).

OBJECTIVE: To determine survival times in dogs with right atrial hemangiosarcoma treated by means of pericardectomy and tumor resection, with or without adjuvant chemotherapy, and identify complications associated with treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 23 dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs were included only if the diagnosis was confirmed histologically. RESULTS: The most common initial complaints included acute collapse (8 [35%] dogs), anorexia or inappetence (8 [35%]), and lethargy (8 [35%]). The most common physical examination abnormalities included muffled heart sounds (12 [52%] dogs), tachycardia (7 [30%]), and weak pulses (7 [30%]). Postoperative complications developed in 12 (52%) dogs; however, most complications were minor. Twenty (87%) dogs were discharged from the hospital. Survival time was significantly longer in the 8 dogs that received adjuvant chemotherapy (mean, 164 days; median, 175 days) than in the 15 dogs that did not receive chemotherapy (mean, 46 days; median, 42 days). Dogs that received chemotherapy were significantly younger and had significantly lower WBC counts than did dogs that did not receive chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that in dogs with right atrial hemangiosarcoma, surgical resection of the tumor was associated with a low complication rate and complications that did arise typically were minor. In addition, use of adjuvant chemotherapy following resection was associated with significantly longer survival times, compared with resection alone.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Effective gene therapy for an inherited CNS disease in a large animal model.

Genetic diseases affecting the brain typically have widespread lesions that require global correction. Lysosomal storage diseases are good candidates for central nervous system gene therapy, because active enzyme from genetically corrected cells can be secreted and taken up by surrounding diseased cells, and only small amounts of enzyme (<5% of normal) are required to reverse storage lesions. Injection of gene transfer vectors into multiple sites in the mouse brain has been shown to mediate widespread reversal of storage lesions in several disease models. To study a brain closer in size to the human brain, we evaluated the extent of storage correction mediated by a limited number of adeno-associated virus vector injections in the cat model of human alpha-mannosidosis. The treated cats showed remarkable improvements in clinical neurological signs and in brain myelination assessed by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. Postmortem examination showed that storage lesions were greatly reduced throughout the brain, even though gene transfer was limited to the areas surrounding the injection tracks. The data demonstrate that widespread improvement of neuropathology in a large mammalian brain can be achieved using multiple injection sites during one operation and suggest that this could be an effective treatment for the central nervous system component of human lysosomal enzyme deficiencies.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Expression of inhibitory G proteins in adenomatous thyroid glands obtained from hyperthyroid cats.

OBJECTIVE: To identify within guanosine triphosphate-binding proteins (G proteins) the subset of inhibitory G proteins (G) that have decreased expression in adenomatous thyroid glands obtained from hyperthyroid cats. SAMPLE POPULATION: Adenomatous thyroid glands obtained from 5 hyperthyroid cats and normal thyroid glands obtained from 3 age-matched euthyroid cats. PROCEDURE: Expression of G(i1), G(i2), and G(i3) in enriched membrane preparations from thyroid glands was quantified by use of immunoblotting with G(i) subtype-specific antibodies. RESULTS: Expression of G(i2) was significantly decreased in tissues of hyperthyroid glands, compared with expression in normal thyroid tissue. Expression of G(i1) and G(i3) was not significantly different between normal thyroid tissues and tissues from hyperthyroid glands. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A decrease in G(i2) expression decreases inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and allows a relative increase in stimulatory G protein expression. This results in increased amounts of cAMP and subsequent unregulated mitogenesis and hormone production in hyperthyroid cells. Decreased G(i2) expression may explain excessive growth and function of the thyroid gland in cats with hyperthyroidism.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

PubMed2005

Effects of CD28 blockade on subsets of naïve T cells in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether human CTLA4-Ig ([hu]CTLA4-Ig) inhibits costimulation-dependent lymphocyte proliferation in vitro, compare the effects of (hu)CTLA4-Ig with cyclosporine and steroids on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell lymphocyte proliferation, and determine whether memory T-cell function remains intact in the presence of (hu)CTLA4-Ig. ANIMALS: 29 cats. PROCEDURE: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with concanavalin A (costimulation-dependent mitogen) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin (costimulation independent mitogens) alone or in the presence of (hu)CTLA4-Ig, cyclosporine, or dexamethasone; effects of these treatments on lymphocyte proliferation were assessed by incorporation of thymidine labeled with tritium or flow cytometry. Antigen-specific proliferation was determined by stimulating PBMCs from 2 healthy cats seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii with soluble Toxoplasma antigen alone or in the presence of (hu)CTLA4-Ig or cyclosporine. RESULTS: (hu)CTLA4-Ig inhibited costimulation-dependent lymphocyte proliferation in vitro but had no effect on costimulation-independent lymphocyte proliferation. Compared with mitogen alone, (hu)CTLA4-Ig caused a significant decrease in responder frequency and proliferative capacity of CD4+ T cells; however, the effect on CD8+ T cells was not significant. Cyclosporine alone or with dexamethasone had a significantly greater suppressive effect on responder frequency and proliferative capacity of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, compared with (hu)CTLA4-Ig. Compared with cyclosporine, (hu)CTLA4-Ig appeared to have a sparing effect on antigen-specific proliferation of memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: (hu)CTLA4-Ig selectively inhibited costimulation-dependent proliferation of lymphocytes in vitro and had a sparing effect on antigen-specific proliferation of memory cells. The specificity of its mechanism of action suggests that (hu)CTLA4-Ig may prevent allograft rejection but leave memory responses to previously encountered antigens intact.

Abatacept↗

PubMed2004

Deployment morbidity among search-and-rescue dogs used after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

OBJECTIVES: To determine characteristics, variables associated with deployment morbidity, and injuries and illnesses of search-and-rescue dogs associated with the Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. DESIGN: Historical cohort study. ANIMALS: 96 dogs. PROCEDURE: Data collected included previous medical or surgical history, physical attributes of dogs, type and number of years of training, site of deployment, shift and hours worked, and number of days deployed. Combined morbidity was defined as 1 or more abnormalities of body systems, including traumatic injuries. RESULTS: Handlers of 96 of the 212 dogs responded to the surveys. Fifty-nine dogs were deployed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 10 by police forces, and 27 as members of other search-and-rescue teams. Sixty-five dogs (incidence rate, 17 events/1,000 dog search hours) had combined morbidity during deployment. System-specific morbidity rates included gastrointestinal tract signs (5 events/1,000 dog search hours), cuts and abrasions mostly on the feet (5 events/1,000 dog search hours), fatigue (6 events/1,000 dog search hours), change in appetite (6 events/1,000 dogs search hours), dehydration (5 events/1,000 dog search hours), respiratory tract problems (2 events/1,000 dog search hours), heat exhaustion (2 events/1,000 dog search hours), and orthopedic or back problems (2 events/1,000 dog search hours). Dogs deployed to the World Trade Center were 6.6 times more likely to have combined morbidity, compared with dogs at the Pentagon. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Injury and illnesses occurred in most dogs and affected several organ systems, but all were minor.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Underlying cause, pathophysiologic abnormalities, and response to treatment in cats with septic peritonitis: 51 cases (1990-2001).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the underlying cause, pathophysiologic abnormalities, and response to treatment in cats with septic peritonitis and identify differences between cats that survived following treatment and cats that did not survive despite treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 51 cats with septic peritonitis. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for clinical findings; results of clinicopathologic testing, microbial culture, and radiography; diagnosis; treatment; and outcome. RESULTS: Signs of pain during palpation of the abdomen were reported for only 29 of 47 (62%) cats. Eight (16%) cats had relative bradycardia (heart rate < 140 beats/min). The most commonly isolated organisms included Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp, and Clostridium spp. The most common cause of peritonitis was gastrointestinal tract leakage (24 cats). No definitive source could be identified in 7 cats. Treatment, including exploratory surgery, was pursued in 23 cats, of which 16 (70%) survived and were discharged. There were no significant differences between survivors and nonsurvivors in regard to heart rate, age, rectal temperature, serum lactate concentration, WBC count, PCV, blood glucose concentration, or serum albumin concentration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that clinicopathologic abnormalities and outcome in cats with septic peritonitis are similar to those reported for dogs. However, certain features may be unique, including an absence of signs of pain during abdominal palpation, relative bradycardia, and apparent spontaneous peritonitis in some cats.

Abdominal Pain↗

PubMed2003

Clinical differentiation of acute necrotizing from chronic nonsuppurative pancreatitis in cats: 63 cases (1996-2001).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize clinical, clinicopathologic, radiographic, and ultrasonographic findings in cats with histologically confirmed acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) or chronic nonsuppurative pancreatitis (CP) and identify features that may be useful in the antemortem differentiation of these disorders. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 63 cats with histologically confirmed ANP (n = 30) or CP (33). PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for signalment, clinical signs, concurrent diseases, clinicopathologic findings, and results of radiography and ultrasonography. RESULTS: Cats in both groups had similar nonspecific clinical signs, physical examination findings, and radiographic and ultrasonographic abnormalities. Abdominal ultrasonographic abnormalities, including hypoechoic pancreas, hyperechoic mesentery, and abdominal effusion, were found in cats in both groups and, therefore, were not specific for ANP. Cats with CP were significantly more likely to have concurrent diseases than were cats with ANP (100 and 83%, respectively). Clinicopathologic abnormalities were similar between groups; however, serum alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly higher in cats with CP. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that ANP and CP in cats cannot be distinguished from each other solely on the basis of history, physical examination findings, results of clinicopathologic testing, radiographic abnormalities, or ultrasonographic abnormalities.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Evaluation of risk factors for bite wounds inflicted on caregivers by dogs and cats in a veterinary teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with increased risk of being bitten by a dog or cat in a veterinary teaching hospital. DESIGN: Unmatched case-control study. STUDY POPULATION: 207 animal caregivers. PROCEDURE: Case subjects (n = 75) were any caregiver that reported being bitten by a dog or cat. Control subjects (n = 132) were randomly selected from a list of all caregivers interacting with dogs or cats. Information on the characteristics of the caregivers, characteristics of the dogs and cats, and the nature of the interaction between the dog or cat and the caregiver was obtained by use of self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS: Caregivers were more likely to be bitten by dogs or cats that had warning signs on their cages indicating the potential to bite or that were considered difficult to handle. Caregivers interacting with cats or with older dogs and cats were more likely to be bitten. Only 37 to 55% of dogs and cats that had characteristics traditionally associated with biting or were considered likely to bite were muzzled. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Muzzling dogs and cats should be considered more frequently. Dogs and cats considered to have the propensity to bite frequently do bite, and precautions, such as muzzling, should be taken if the medical condition or conformation of the dog or cat is amenable to this type of restraint.

Animal Technicians↗

PubMed2003

Postoperative hypoxemia and hypercarbia in healthy dogs undergoing routine ovariohysterectomy or castration and receiving butorphanol or hydromorphone for analgesia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine frequency and severity of postanesthetic hypoxemia and hypercarbia in healthy dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy or castration and given butorphanol or hydromorphone for analgesia. DESIGN: Prospective trial. ANIMALS: 0 healthy dogs weighing > 10 kg (22 lb). PROCEDURE: Dogs were anesthestized with acepromazine, glycopyrrolate, thiopental, and isoflurane, and butorphanol (n = 10) or hydromorphone (10) was used for perioperative analgesia. Arterial blood gas analyses were performed 10 and 30 minutes and 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after extubation. RESULTS: In dogs that received hydromorphone, mean PaCO2 was significantly higher, compared with the preoperative value, 10 and 30 minutes and 1, 2, and 3 hours after extubation. Mean PaCO2 was significantly higher in dogs given hydromorphone rather than butorphanol 10 and 30 minutes and 1 and 2 hours after extubation. Mean PaO2 was significantly lower, compared with preoperative values, 30 minutes and 1 and 2 hours after extubation in dogs given hydromorphone and 30 minutes after extubation in dogs given butorphanol. Mean PaO2 was significantly lower in dogs given hydromorphone rather than butorphanol 1 hour after extubation. Four dogs had PaO2 < 80 mm Hg 1 or more times after extubation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that administration of hydromorphone to healthy dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy or castration may result in transient increases in PaCO2 postoperatively and that administration of hydromorphone or butorphanol may result in transient decreases in PaO2. However, increases in PaCO2 and decreases in PaO2 were mild, and mean PaCO2 and PaO2 remained within reference limits.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

PubMed2003

Veterinary critical care.

Veterinary species experience similar perturbations of their health to those of human patients. When the long-term prognosis is good and providing suffering can be minimized, animals stand to benefit greatly from recent advances in the field of emergency and critical care. Outcomes in many conditions in small and large animals have improved markedly in the last 15 years, as management has improved, making the financial and emotional investment in critical care worthwhile for many owners.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Evaluation of erythropoiesis and changes in serum erythropoietin concentration in cats after renal transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinicopathologic patterns of the erythropoietic response after renal transplantation in cats with chronic renal failure (CRF). ANIMALS: 14 cats with CRF undergoing renal transplantation. PROCEDURE: Before and at intervals during a 6-month period after transplantation, serum creatinine and erythropoietin concentrations, Hct, erythrocyte indices, aggregate reticulocyte percentage, and iron variables were measured. Additionally, the number of transfusions administered to and any complications that developed in each cat were recorded. RESULTS: In all cats, preoperative azotemia resolved within 6 days after renal transplantation. Two cats had a temporary increase in serum creatinine concentration secondary to an acute graft rejection episode. Anemia (defined as Hct < 28%) resolved in 10 cats 3 to 49 days after surgery. Resolution of anemia was delayed in 2 cats that had acute rejection episodes. Serum erythropoietin concentration and reticulocyte percentage were low preoperatively; values after surgery were highly variable. Compared with preoperative values, serum erythropoietin concentration increased 1 to 4 days after surgery in 11 cats; between days 5 and 58, another increase was detected in 9 cats. Serum iron concentrations were generally low before and 14 days after transplantation. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The erythropoietic response was highly variable in cats after renal transplantation, but anemia typically resolved within 1 month after surgery. A delay in resolution of anemia in cats may indicate poor graft function and inadequate iron stores, suggesting the need for further evaluation for concurrent illness.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Risk factors, prognostic indicators, and outcome of pyothorax in cats: 80 cases (1986-1999).

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors associated with development of pyothorax in cats, assess survival rates for cats that are treated, determine prognostic indicators, and determine recurrence rates. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 80 cats with pyothorax and 212 control cats. PROCEDURE: History; month of evaluation; physical examination findings; results of hematologic, serum biochemical, and retrovirus testing; radiographic findings; outcome; recurrence rate; and necropsy findings were recorded. For control cats, age, sex, breed, indoor versus outdoor status, vaccination history, and single- versus multi-cat household status were recorded. RESULTS: Cats from multi-cat households were 3.8 times as likely (95% confidence interval, 1.9 to 8.2) to develop pyothorax, compared with cats from single-cat households. Indoor or outdoor status was not a risk factor. Cats with pyothorax were significantly younger (mean, 3.83 +/- 3.43 years) than controls (mean, 5.62 +/- 5.27 years). Nonsurvivors had significantly lower heart rates than survivors. Hypersalivation was significantly more common in nonsurvivors (11/39; 26.8%) than survivors (1/39; 3%). Overall, 48.8% (39/80) of cats survived. When cats that were euthanatized without treatment were excluded from analyses, the survival rate was 66.1% (39/59). Pyothorax recurred in 1 of 17 cats for which follow-up information was obtained. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cats with pyothorax that received treatment had a fair to good prognosis, with low recurrence rates in survivors. Hypersalivation and low heart rate were associated with worse clinical outcome. Cats with pyothorax were likely to come from multi-cat households.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2002

Cerebrospinal fluid glutamine, tryptophan, and tryptophan metabolite concentrations in dogs with portosystemic shunts.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether glutamine (GLN), tryptophan (TRP), and tryptophan metabolite concentrations are higher in cerebralspinal fluid (CSF) dogs with naturally occurring portosystemic shunts (PSS), compared with control dogs. ANIMALS: 11 dogs with confirmed PSS and 12 control dogs fed low- and high-protein diets. PROCEDURE: Cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples were collected from all dogs. Serum and CSF concentrations of GLN, alanine, serine, TRP, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and quinolinic acid (QUIN) were measured. RESULTS: Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of GLN, TRP, and 5-HIAA were significantly higher in PSS dogs, compared with control dogs fed high- or low-protein diets. Cerebrospinal fluid QUIN concentration was significantly higher in PSS dogs, compared with control dogs fed the low-protein diet. Serum QUIN concentration was significantly lower in PSS dogs, compared with control dogs fed either high- or low-protein diets. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An increase in CNS GLN concentration is associated with high CSF concentrations of TRP and TRP metabolites in dogs with PSS. High CSF 5-HIAA concentrations indicate an increased flux of TRP through the CNS serotonin metabolic pathway, whereas high CSF QUIN concentrations indicate an increased metabolism of TRP through the indolamine-2,3-dioxygenase pathway. The high CSF QUIN concentrations in the face of low serum QUIN concentrations in dogs with PSS indicates that QUIN production from TRP is occurring in the CNS. High concentrations of QUIN and other TRP metabolites in the CNS may contribute to neurologic abnormalities found in dogs with PSS and hepatic encephalopathy.

Alanine↗

PubMed2002

Response to Malassezia pachydermatis by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from clinically normal and atopic dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential cell-mediated immune response of atopic dogs to the yeast Malassezia pachydermatis and to correlate it with the type-1 hypersensitivity (humoral) response of the same population of dogs. ANIMALS: 16 clinically normal dogs, 15 atopic dogs with Malassezia dermatitis, 5 atopic dogs with Malassezia otitis, and 7 atopic control (ie, without Malassezia dermatitis or otitis) dogs. PROCEDURE: A crude extract of M pachydermatis was extracted for use as an intradermal allergy testing reagent and for stimulation of isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. Flow cytometry was also used to assess cell surface antigenic determinants (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD14, CD21, CD45RA, surface immunoglobulin) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. RESULTS: Atopic dogs with cytologic evidence of Malassezia dermatitis had an increased lymphocyte blastogenic response to crude M pachydermatis extract, compared with clinically normal dogs and dogs with Malassezia otitis. Atopic control dogs did not differ significantly in their responses from atopic dogs with Malassezia dermatitis or otitis. A significant correlation was not found between the lymphocyte blastogenic response and the type-1 hypersensitivity response to M pachydermatis within any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cell-mediated and humoral reactivities to M pachydermatis contribute to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis in dogs but are not directly correlated. Modification of the dysregulated immune response toward M pachydermatis may assist in the reduction of pathologic changes associated with an atopic dermatitis phenotype in dogs.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Variables associated with outcome in dogs undergoing extrahepatic biliary surgery: 60 cases (1988-2002).

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical findings and define clinical variables associated with outcome in dogs undergoing extrahepatic biliary surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Sixty dogs that had extrahepatic biliary tract surgery. RESULTS: Primary diagnoses included necrotizing cholecystitis (36 dogs, 60%), pancreatitis (12 dogs, 20%), neoplasia (5 dogs, 8%), trauma (4 dogs, 7%), and gallbladder rupture from cholelithiasis without necrotizing cholecystitis (3 dogs, 5%). Bile peritonitis occurred in 19 (53%) dogs with necrotizing cholecystitis, 4 dogs with trauma, and 3 dogs with cholelithiasis without evidence of necrotizing cholecystitis. Cholecystectomy (37 dogs, 62%) and cholecystoduodenostomy (14 dogs, 23%) were the 2 most commonly performed procedures. Median hospitalization for survivors was 5 days (range, 1-15 days). There were 43 surviving dogs (72%) and 17 nonsurvivors (28%, 4 died, 13 euthanatized). Presence of septic bile peritonitis (P=.038), elevation in serum creatinine concentration (P=.003), prolonged partial thromboplastin times (PTTs; P=.003), and lower postoperative mean arterial pressures (P=.0001) were significantly associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Extrahepatic biliary surgery is associated with high mortality and a relatively long hospitalization time for survivors. Cholecystectomy and cholecystoduodenostomy were the most common surgical procedures to treat the 4 major biliary problems (necrotizing cholecystitis, pancreatitis, neoplasia, and trauma) observed in this cohort of dogs. The relatively high mortality rate likely reflects the underlying diseases and their effects on the animal (septic bile peritonitis, higher serum creatinine, prolonged PTT, and lower postoperative mean arterial pressure) rather than complications of surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Septic bile peritonitis, preoperative elevated creatinine concentration, and immediate postoperative hypotension in dogs undergoing extrahepatic biliary tract surgery are associated with a poor clinical outcome. Adequate supportive care and monitoring in the perioperative period is critical to improve survival of dogs with extrahepatic biliary disease.

Animals↗