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Biomedical subjects

N B Olivier

Publications and source records attributed to N B Olivier.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Concentration of cardiac troponin I in a horse with a ruptured aortic regurgitation jet lesion and ventricular tachycardia.

An 18-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was evaluated because of sudden onset of ventricular tachycardia and signs of colic. Three years earlier, a diastolic decrescendo murmur, consistent with aortic regurgitation, had been detected, but the horse continued to perform well and compete successfully. Cardiac ultrasonographic examination revealed a defect in the interventricular septum below the aortic root, and serum concentrations of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were higher than those measured in clinically normal horses. Repeated development of tachyarrhythmia during hospitalization prompted a decision to euthanatize the horse. A ruptured endocardial jet lesion below the aortic valve with formation of a cleft into the interventricular septum was found on necropsy. This report of increased serum cTnI concentrations in a horse with myocardial disease and our other findings suggest that assessment of cardiac troponin concentrations may be a useful tool in the evaluation of horses with suspected myocardial disease.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Short-term effects of ecadotril in dogs with induced congestive heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate short-term hemodynamic effects of ecadotril in a model of congestive heart failure in dogs. ANIMALS: 6 conscious adult male dogs. PROCEDURES: Instruments were placed in dogs to measure left ventricular, aortic, and atrial blood pressures. Heart failure was induced by repeated coronary embolization with latex microspheres. Four times, and in random order, dogs were given vehicle or active drug (3, 10, or 30 mg/kg of body weight) orally. Hemodynamic variables, urine flow, and urinary electrolyte excretion were measured before and 30, 90, and 150 minutes, and 10 and 21 hours after drug administration. RESULTS: Changes in urine flow, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, or peak positive and negative rate of change in ventricular pressure were not apparent. Urinary sodium excretion significantly increased in response to the low and high doses of ecadotril but not in response to the 10 mg/kg dose. Left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) consistently decreased in dose- and time-dependent manner. Maximal group-averaged reductions in LVEDP were 5.2, 8.1, and 10 mm Hg for the low, middle, and high doses, respectively. The magnitude of the decrease in LVEDP was not related to cumulative change in urine flow. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Orally administered ecadotril reduced left ventricular filling pressures in these dogs by a mechanism that does not require a substantial diuretic effect. Ecadotril may be effective for alleviating clinical signs in dogs with left-sided heart failure and may be particularly beneficial for use in dogs that are refractory to traditional diuretic therapy.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Surgical correction of late-onset Budd-Chiari-like syndrome in a dog.

An 18-month-old dog was examined because of ascites of 1 month's duration. Typical causes of ascites, including hepatic failure, heart failure, and protein-losing enteropathy, were ruled out. The dog's history included being hit by a car 6 months earlier, and the caudal vena cava had an S shape on thoracic radiographs. In addition, the abdominal fluid had a high protein concentration and low cellular content. These findings were all consistent with a diagnosis of postsinusoidal hypertension secondary to obstruction of hepatic venous outflow (Budd-Chiari-like syndrome). During exploratory thoracotomy, the pericardium appeared to have been torn from the heart and was partially wrapped around the caudal vena cava, causing a constriction. The pericardium was removed and the dog recovered without any further complications. Blunt trauma has been previously reported to cause kinking of the caudal vena cava and Budd-Chiari-like syndrome in dogs; but in these dogs, clinical signs of ascites developed a few days to several weeks after the traumatic incident. It appears that, depending on the cause of the hepatic venous outflow obstruction, onset of Budd-Chiari-like syndrome may be delayed for months.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1998

Type-1 hypersensitivity reactions to Malassezia pachydermatis extracts in atopic dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential allergenic role of the yeast Malassezia pachydermatis in dogs with clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. ANIMALS: 5 clinically normal nonatopic dogs, 10 atopic dogs with cytologic evidence of Malassezia dermatitis, and 12 atopic dogs without cytologic evidence of Malassezia dermatitis. PROCEDURE: A crude yeast extract was produced by disrupting the cell wall of M pachydermatis. The crude extract and 8 of its fractions, which were generated by fractionation in a high-performance liquid chromatography column, were injected along with 46 commercial allergens for intradermal allergy testing of normal and atopic sample populations. Significant difference between atopic populations was evaluated, using a threshold concentration of crude yeast extract that failed to induce wheal-and-flare responses in normal nonatopic dogs. RESULTS: Atopic dogs with cytologic evidence of Malassezia dermatitis had significantly greater wheal-and-flare reactions to intradermal injection of crude extract of M pachydermatis than did atopic dogs without cytologic evidence of Malassezia dermatitis. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that M pachydermatis is capable of promoting type-1 hypersensitivity reactions in dogs with an atopic dermatitis phenotype. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Currently, Malassezia dermatitis is principally managed by use of antifungal chemotherapy. Because the yeast appears to be a contributing allergen in dogs with atopic dermatitis, hyposensitization with M pachydermatis extracts may offer a future alternative to extended or repeated episodic administration of antifungals for extended control of recurrent infections.

Allergens↗
PubMed1996

Quantity and distribution of Malassezia organisms on the skin of clinically normal dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To define the extent to which Malassezia organisms can be recovered from the skin of clinically normal dogs and to assess differences in organism recovery related to anatomic sampling site and to method of collection. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled study. ANIMALS: 19 clinically normal dogs. PROCEDURE: The number of Malassezia pachydermatis organisms were determined in fungal cultures of samples obtained from the skin of clinically normal dogs, using an adhesive tape method to obtain samples from 10 sites/dog. Additionally, 3 methods (direct impression, swabbing technique, and superficial skin scraping) that are commonly used for obtaining samples for cytologic examination were evaluated. RESULTS: Malassezia organisms were found in low numbers as part of the microflora of the skin of clinically normal dogs. Number of organisms differed significantly for various anatomic locations (chin, highest number; inguinal and axillary regions, lowest number). Malassezia organisms were identified more frequently by use of adhesive tape and fungal culturing than by the methods used for cytologic examination. However, comparing methods used for obtaining samples for cytologic examination with each other, marked differences were not detected in our ability to recover yeast organisms among the 3 techniques. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Although Malassezia spp is part of the microflora of the skin of clinically normal dogs, it is extremely difficult to detect the organism by any of the 3 sampling methods used for sample collection for cytologic examination. Therefore, anatomic site and method of sample collection should be considered when attempting to make a diagnosis of Malassezia dermatitis.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Noninvasive kinematic analysis of the walk in healthy large-breed dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To use computer-assisted kinematic analysis to describe the walk in healthy dogs and to adapt Fourier transformation for analysis of the data. DESIGN: Evaluation of normal walk in dogs, using kinematic and force plate analysis. SAMPLE POPULATION: 15 healthy large-breed dogs. PROCEDURE: Morphometric data were collected to describe the sample population. Temporal and distance variables were measured to describe the walk. Flexion and extension movements were described for the scapulohumeral, cubital, carpal, coxofemoral, femorotibial, and tarsal joints. Fourier transformation was adapted to facilitate analysis of the joint angle waveforms. RESULTS: Unique and complex patterns of flexion and extension movements were observed for each joint studied. The walk had consistency of movement in the sample population in temporal and distance variables and joint movements. Variances attributable to intra- and interdog differences were similar and 1 to 2 orders of magnitude smaller than the mean Fourier coefficients from which they were calculated for all 6 joints. The number of essential Fourier coefficients required to represent the joint angle waveforms was 3 for the coxofemoral joint, 5 each for the femorotibial, scapulohumeral, cubital, and carpal joints, and 6 for the tarsal joint. CONCLUSIONS: Computer-assisted kinematic gait analysis proved to be a reliable and consistent technique for assessment of movement at the walk in dogs, and Fourier transformation was shown to be an effective tool for analysis of the kinematic data. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The database derived from the normal sample population in this study can be used as a model of musculoskeletal function at the walk for future comparisons with disease and treatment.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Kinematic evaluation of gait in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

OBJECTIVE: Noninvasive, computer-assisted, three-dimensional kinematic gait analysis was used to describe lameness in a chronic model of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) in dogs. DESIGN: Hind limb lameness was evaluated prior to and at 1, 3, and 6 months after transection of the cranial cruciate ligament. ANIMALS: Seven clinically normal large dogs. PROCEDURE: Dynamic flexion and extension angles and angular velocities were calculated for the coxofemoral, femorotibial, and tarsal joints. Distance and temporal variables were determined. Essential Fourier coefficients were used to develop mean flexion extension curves for all joints and to compare changes in movement that developed with CCLR over time. RESULTS: Each joint had a characteristics pattern of flexion and extension movement that changed with CCLR. The femorotibial joint angle was more flexed throughout stance and early swing phase of stride and failed to extend in late stance. Angular velocity of the femorotibial joint was damped throughout stance phase, with extension velocity almost negligible. The coxofemoral and tarsal joint angles, in contrast to the femorotibial joint angle, were extended more during stance phase. These changes were documented as differences noted in the essential Fourier coefficients. Stride length and frequency also varied significantly after CCLR. CONCLUSIONS: Cranial cruciate ligament rupture affects movement of the coxofemoral and tarsal joints, as well as the femorotibial joint, in gait. A pattern of joint movement may be discerned in which the coxofemoral and tarsal joints compensate for the dysfunction of the femorotibial joint. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Methods were developed that will improve objective evaluation of CCLR and its treatment in dogs.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1994

Changes in renal function associated with treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats.

We measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimated by plasma disappearance of 99mTc-labeled diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, serum concentrations of thyroxine (T4), creatinine, and urea nitrogen, and urine specific gravity in 13 cats with naturally acquired hyperthyroidism before and 30 days after treatment by bilateral thyroidectomy, and in a group of 11 control cats. Mean (+/- SD) serum T4 concentration decreased from a pretreatment value of 120.46 (+/- 39.21) nmol/L to a posttreatment value of 12.15 (+/- 6.26) nmol/L (P < 0.0001; reference range, 10 to 48 nmol/L). Treatment of hyperthyroidism resulted in a decrease in mean (+/- SD) glomerular filtration rate, from 2.51 (+/- 0.69) ml/kg of body weight/min to a posttreatment value of 1.40 (+/- 0.41) ml/kg/min (P < 0.0001). Mean serum creatinine concentration increased from 1.26 (+/- 0.34) mg/dl to 2.05 (+/- 0.60) mg/dl (P < 0.01). Mean serum urea nitrogen concentration increased from 26.62 (+/- 6.83) mg/dl to a mean postthyroidectomy concentration of 34.92 (+/- 8.95) mg/dl (P < 0.01). All changes were significant. Two cats developed overt renal azotemia after treatment of hyperthyroidism. Our results provide further evidence that treatment of hyperthyroidism can result in impaired renal function. In addition, our results suggest that, in some instances, thyrotoxicosis might mask underlying chronic renal insufficiency.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Characterization of baroreflex impairment in conscious dogs with pacing-induced heart failure.

Open-loop baroreflex responses were evaluated in eight conscious dogs before and during congestive heart failure to determine the effects of failure on baroreflex control of blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, and total peripheral resistance. Heart failure was induced by rapid ventricular pacing. Baroreflex function was determined by calculation of the range and gain of the open-loop stimulus-response relationships for the effect of carotid sinus pressure on blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, and total peripheral resistance. The range and gain of blood pressure responses were substantially reduced as early as 3 days after induction of heart failure (161 +/- 6 to 99 +/- 8 mmHg and -2.7 +/- 0.3 to -1.5 +/- 0.1, respectively) and remained depressed for the 21 days of heart failure. This depression in baroreflex control of blood pressure was associated with similar depressions in reflex range and gain for heart rate (125 +/- 9 to 78 +/- 11 beats/min and -2.05 +/- 0.2 to -1.16 +/- 0.2 beats/min, respectively) and cardiac output (1.74 +/- 0.2 to 0.46 +/- 0.2 l/min and -0.81 +/- 0.02 to -0.027 +/- 0.008 l/min, respectively). The group-averaged range and gain for reflex control of vascular resistance were not altered by heart failure. In three dogs, discontinuation of rapid ventricular pacing led to resolution of heart failure within 7 days and partial restoration of the range and gain of reflex control of blood pressure. We conclude that heart failure reversibly depresses baroreflex control of blood pressure principally through a concurrent reduction in reflex control of cardiac output, whereas reflex control of vascular resistance is not consistently affected.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Heart failure depresses endothelium-dependent responses in canine femoral artery.

Vascular responses to many physiological stresses are abnormal in heart failure. Increased peripheral resistance and a reduction in the vasodilator response to exercise and ischemia are examples of this abnormal vascular control. Such abnormal vascular control in heart failure is a result of interplay between neural, hormonal, and local vascular factors. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that a specific local mechanism, endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh), is depressed in experimental heart failure. Experiments were performed on 11 purebred beagles. Experimental heart failure was induced by rapid ventricular pacing for approximately 30 days. Femoral artery diameter was measured by sonomicrometry, and dose-response relationships to ACh, norepinephrine (NE), and nitroglycerin (NTG) were done before and after inhibition of cyclooxygenase by indomethacin. Heart failure resulted in a significant depression of ACh relaxation at all concentrations. In dogs with heart failure, indomethacin enhanced the dilation response to low concentrations of ACh. Constriction to NE and dilation to NTG were unchanged by heart failure. These data demonstrate that in the canine femoral artery endothelium-dependent dilation to ACh is depressed in experimental heart failure. Depression of endothelium-dependent vasodilation represents one local mechanism for abnormal control of the vasculature in congestive heart failure.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1985

Efficacy of digoxin administration in dogs with idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy.

Digoxin administration (0.22 mg/m2 of body surface BID) to 10 large-breed dogs with congestive cardiomyopathy increased shortening fraction more than 5.5% in 4 of the dogs. This group of dogs lived longer than the group that did not have a positive inotropic response to digoxin. Heart rate decreased in both groups of dogs. Base-line jugular PVO2 were low in all dogs. Jugular PVO2 decreased significantly in the group that did not respond to digoxin, presumably because of decreased cardiac output. Jugular PVO2 consistently increased in dogs that had a positive inotropic response to digoxin. Base-line shortening fraction, heart rate, and PVO2 did not predict which dogs would respond to digoxin. Serum digoxin concentrations were consistently between 1.5 and 2.5 ng/ml. It was concluded that digoxin administration is not efficacious in all dogs with congestive cardiomyopathy and that the positive inotropic response is not predicted by base-line shortening fraction, heart rate, or jugular PVO2. Dogs that do respond to digoxin usually live longer than those that do not. Jugular PVO2 can be used to separate dogs that do respond from dogs that do not respond to digoxin as long as the base-line PVO2 is low. The negative chronotropic effects of digoxin may be detrimental to dogs that do not have a positive inotropic effect from digoxin.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Pulmonary edema.

It is important to have an understanding of pulmonary edema because of the frequency of its occurrence in companion animals, the deleterious cardiopulmonary responses to edema, its relation to an underlying primary disease, and the potential for successful treatment. The article begins with a brief description of normal pulmonary fluid physiology and pathophysiology and includes discussions of the etiologies and mechanisms of edema formation, the physiologic abnormalities that occur in response to pulmonary edema, and the diagnosis and therapy of pulmonary edema.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Use of protein-to-creatinine ratio in a single urine specimen for quantitative estimation of canine proteinuria.

The daily excretion of urinary protein was evaluated in 8 conditioned research dogs and in 10 hospitalized, proteinuric dogs, using 24-hour urine collections. Concurrent with each 24-hour urine collection, a 5- to 10-ml urine specimen was obtained during midday. The ratio of urine protein to urine creatinine concentration was determined from the single urine specimen for each dog. Linear regression analysis was used to calculate the correlation between that ratio and the 24-hour urinary protein loss (mg/kg of body weight). The coefficient of determination was significant (r2 = 0.95, P less than 0.0001). Determination of the protein-to-creatinine ratio in a single urine specimen was found to be a sensitive, rapid, and dependable diagnostic technique for detection and quantitative estimation of proteinuria.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic criteria for sepsis in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of various individual criteria and grouped criteria to diagnose sepsis in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective acquisition of clinical data. ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION: Client-owned dogs; 30 septic and 320 nonseptic. METHODS: Rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, white blood cell (WBC) count with percent bands, platelet count, and serum glucose concentration were obtained on day 0. True sepsis was determined on days 0 to 3 according to the following criteria: (1) histological, microbiological, and/or gross confirmation of infection, and (2) systemic illness caused by infection. Data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test and multiple logistic regression. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. RESULTS: The mean temperature, heart rate, WBC count, and percent bands were greater, whereas the mean platelet count was less in septic compared with nonseptic dogs. There was no difference in respiratory rate or glucose concentration. WBC/bands were the best individual criterion for the diagnosis of sepsis (sensitivity 87%; specificity 69%). The sensitivity and specificity of the grouped criteria (> or = two of four; temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, WBC) varied according to ranges of normal used. Multiple logistic regression resulted in little improvement in the sensitivity/specificity of these diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: These criteria are useful for the diagnosis of sepsis when limits are used that result in a high sensitivity (e.g., 97%). The high sensitivity was associated with a low false-negative and a high false-positive rate; sepsis was overdiagnosed with these grouped criteria. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These criteria may be used for a sensitive, but nonspecific, diagnosis of sepsis in dogs.

Animals↗