Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema in small animals

Electrocutions in Free-Ranging Platyrrhine Nonhuman Primates: Diagnostic Features for a Threatening Condition

Electrical accidents pose a considerable threat to wildlife in anthropized regions, particularly arboreal mammals, as evidenced by cases of electrocutions in nonhuman primates (NHPs). This study characterized the frequency, anatomic distribution, and pathological features of electrocution injuries in free-ranging NHPs based on data retrieved from necropsy archives at the Veterinary Pathology and Forensics Laboratory, University of Brasilia, Brazil. Gross and microscopic evaluations were conducted to assess the nature and extent of electrothermal injuries, including burns and tissue damage. Between 2019 and 2022, electrocution accounted for 16.5% of NHP deaths, primarily affecting black tufted marmosets. Adult NHPs, regardless of sex, were predominantly affected, mainly in the rainy season. Limbs were the most commonly affected body parts, with double, triple, or multiple injury sites being common. Gross findings mostly included severe burns (Grades III and IV), ulcerative injuries, blisters, bone exposure, singed hair, and muscle exposure. Microscopic examinations unveiled epidermal necrosis, smudging of collagen fibers, stretched epidermal nuclei, blisters (epidermal honeycomb aspect), muscle necrosis, skin metallization, and hemorrhage and congestion within internal organs. Electrocution has emerged as a substantial cause of death in free-ranging NHPs, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. The study underscores the need for public policy adjustments to mitigate the risks of electrocution in NHPs and enhance species conservation efforts in human-dominated landscapes.

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Medicine: A Clinical Review

Thoracic point-of-care ultrasound (T-POCUS) has grown in popularity and usage in small animal emergencies and critical care settings due to its non-invasive nature, mobility, and ability to acquire images in real time. This review summarizes current understanding about T-POCUS in dogs and cats with respiratory illnesses, including normal thoracic ultrasonography appearance and numerous pathological situations. The basics of T-POCUS are covered, including equipment, scanning procedures, and picture settings. Practical applications in patients with respiratory distress are discussed, with an emphasis on pleural space abnormalities and lung diseases. Ultrasound results define pulmonary disorders such as pneumonia, atelectasis, cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, lung lobe torsion, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, pulmonary neoplasms, and pulmonary bleeding. The evaluation focuses on T-POCUS diagnostic skills in a variety of clinical settings. Limitations and the need for more study to standardize techniques, establish agreed terminology, and create specialized educational routes are highlighted.

Emergency Approach to Acute Seizures in Dogs and Cats

Seizures are a common presentation seen in small animal practices. Seizures require prompt management including initial interventions for triage, stabilization, and treatment with first-line anticonvulsant (AC) drugs like benzodiazepines. Concurrently, ruling out metabolic or extracranial causes with point-of-care diagnostics can help guide further diagnostics and treatments. Analysis of the history and a physical exam are also necessary to rule out common "look-alikes" that require specific diagnostic workup and treatments. Typically, causes of seizures can be grouped into intracranial and extracranial causes, with the latter being easier to diagnose with commonly available tests. This review presents a systematic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of single seizures, cluster seizures, and status epilepticus in dogs and cats.

Biophysical properties of alveolar surfactant in drever dogs with hunting associated pulmonary edema

BACKGROUND

A syndrome of acute non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema associated with hunting is prevalent in the drever breed, but etiology of this syndrome is currently unknown. Alveolar surfactant has a critical role in preventing alveolar collapse and edema formation. The aim of this study was to investigate, whether the predisposition to hunting associated pulmonary edema in drever dogs is associated with impaired biophysical properties of alveolar surfactant. Seven privately owned drever dogs with recurrent hunting associated pulmonary edema and seven healthy control dogs of other breeds were included in the study. All affected dogs underwent thorough clinical examinations including echocardiography, laryngeal evaluation, bronchoscopy, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as well as head, neck and thoracic computed tomography imaging to rule out other cardiorespiratory diseases potentially causing the clinical signs. Alveolar surfactant was isolated from frozen, cell-free supernatants of BAL fluid and biophysical analysis of the samples was completed using a constrained sessile drop surfactometer. Statistical comparisons over consecutive compression expansion cycles were performed using repeated measures ANOVA and comparisons of single values between groups were analyzed using T-test.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between groups in any of the biophysical outcomes of surfactant analysis. The critical function of surfactant, reducing the surface tension to low values upon compression, was similar between healthy dogs and affected drevers.

CONCLUSIONS

The etiology of hunting associated pulmonary edema in drever dogs is not due to an underlying surfactant dysfunction.

Successful management of pulmonary edema secondary to accidental electrocution in a young dog

BACKGROUND

Human records describe pulmonary edema as a life-threatening complication of electric shock. Successful management requires prompt recognition and intensive care. However, in companion animals, electrocutions are rarely reported, even though domestic environments are full of electrical devices and there is always the possibility of accidental injury. Therefore, it is important for veterinarians to know more about this condition in order to achieve successful patient outcomes.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 3-month-old male Labrador Retriever was presented with a history of transient loss of consciousness after chewing on a household electrical cord. On admission, the puppy showed an orthopneic position with moderate respiratory distress. Supplemental oxygen via nasal catheter was provided, but the patient showed marked worsening of respiratory status. Point-of-care ultrasound exams suggested neurogenic pulmonary edema due to electrical shock close to the central nervous system and increased B-lines without evidence of cardiac abnormalities. Mechanical ventilation of the patient was initiated using volume-controlled mode with a tidal volume of 9 to 15 ml/kg until reaching an end-tidal carbon dioxide ≤ 40 mm Hg, followed by a stepwise lung-recruitment maneuver in pressure-controlled mode with increases of the peak inspiratory pressure (15 to 20 cm H2O) and positive end-expiratory pressure (3 to 10 cm H2O) for 30 min, and return to volume-controlled mode with a tidal volume of 15 ml/kg until reaching a peripheral oxygen saturation ≥ 96%. Weaning from the ventilator was achieved in six hours, and the patient was discharged two days after admission without neurological or respiratory deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a rather unusual case of a neurogenic pulmonary edema subsequent to accidental electrocution in a dog. Timely diagnosis by ultrasound and mechanical ventilation settings are described. Our case highlights that pulmonary edema should be considered a potentially life-threatening complication of electrical shock in small animal emergency and critical care medicine.