Long-term safety of dietary salt: A 5-year ProspEctive rAndomized bliNded and controlled stUdy in healThy aged cats (PEANUT study)

BACKGROUND

High-salt diets promote urine dilution and decrease urolithiasis risk.

OBJECTIVE

Prospectively evaluate the safety of chronic high dietary salt intake (randomized controlled trial).

ANIMALS

Twenty research colony neutered, healthy aged cats (11.5 years [10.0-11.6], median [interquartile range]).

METHODS

Healthy cats were randomized to control or high-salt dry diets (sodium: 1.02 ± 0.16 [mean, SD] and 3.26 ± 0.30 g/Mcal metabolizable energy [ME], respectively; chloride: 2.26 ± 0.33 and 5.71 ± 0.28 g/Mcal ME, respectively), fed for up to 60 months. Assessments included CBC, plasma biochemistry, urinalysis, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blood pressure, renal and cardiac (conventional Doppler and 2-dimensional color tissue Doppler) imaging, annually. Cats that died or were euthanized underwent necropsy. Diet effects over time were evaluated with linear mixed models.

RESULTS

Follow-up duration (median [Interquartile range]) was similar between the control (38.7 months [28.6-48.2]) and high-salt group (51.4 months [45.7-59.0]). Diet had no significant effect on changes in GFR, blood pressure, plasma creatinine concentration, end-diastolic left ventricular (LV) wall thicknesses, LV internal diameters, LV systolic function, left atrial size, or systolic and diastolic Doppler variables. One control cat developed hypertension. One high-salt group cat developed persistent azotemia. Serial plasma biochemistry and urine specific gravity suggested early chronic kidney disease in 4 nonazotemic cats (2 per group), consistent with necropsy findings.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

In healthy aged cats, a commercial veterinary diet containing 3.26 ± 0.30 g/Mcal ME sodium was safe with regard to renal and cardiac function for up to 5 years.

Evaluation of a smartphone-based colorimetric method for urinalysis dipstick readings in cats

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic performances of a smartphone-based colorimetric method (SBCM) for urinalysis with a semi-automated point-of-care (POC) analyser using standardised solutions and cat urine.

METHODS

Artificial solutions (negative and positive quality controls, and purposely designed artificial urine) and natural urine from 216 cats were used. Two urine reagent strips were simultaneously dipped in each sample. One dipstick was read by the SBCM and the other by the POC analyser at the same time. Results for pH, proteins, bilirubin, 'blood', glucose and ketones were considered. Overall agreement and sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the SBCM were determined based on selected cut-offs.

RESULTS

For the artificial solutions, 80 comparisons were obtained for each analyte and each expected concentration. The overall agreement (exactly the same result) between the two methods was 78.4%. SBCM sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 99.0%, 100% and 99.3%, respectively. The correlation between the two methods was almost perfect (Cohen's kappa coefficient = 0.9851). For natural urine samples, the overall agreement (including pH) was 68.6%. Using optimal cut-offs for the SBCM determined from the results of analysis of artificial solutions, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the SBCM were 100%, 76.02% and 80.5%, respectively. In this situation, the correlation between the two methods was moderate (Cohen's kappa coefficient = 0.5401). This was mostly due to a high rate of false-positive results for bilirubin (61.1%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

With proper cut-off use (ie, considering positive or negative results) the SBCM evaluated here has a perfect sensitivity and appropriate diagnostic performances for proteins, 'blood', glucose and ketones. Based on these experimental data, this method appears suitable for dipstick urinalysis but positive results for bilirubin and proteins have to be confirmed.

Multifocal cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala spinifera with clinical resolution in an immunocompromised cat

Case summary

A 3-year-old neutered domestic shorthair cat with a long history of idiopathic immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia treated with ciclosporin and prednisolone was referred 2 months after the appearance of nodular dermatitis. A single pigmented nodule was present in the lateral carpal region of the right foreleg. The lesion was 7 mm in diameter, non-exudative and cutaneous to subcutaneous. Fine-needle aspiration of the mass revealed the presence of pigmented fungal elements. Excisional surgery was planned; in the meantime, a plaque-like lesion developed in the interorbital region. Histopathological examination confirmed the presumptive diagnosis of phaeohyphomycosis, and Exophiala spinifera was identified as the aetiological agent. Itraconazole, given orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg for 8 weeks following surgery, enabled clinical resolution despite continued use of immunosuppressants. The follow-up was carried out over 14 weeks.

Relevance and novel information

This case report provides the first evidence of multifocal cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by E spinifera with clinical resolution after combined surgical and itraconazole treatment in an immunocompromised cat.

Short course of immune-suppressive doses of prednisolone, evaluated through a prospective double-masked placebo-controlled clinical trial in healthy Beagles, is associated with sustained modifications in renal, hydration, and electrolytic status

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects and duration of orally administered prednisolone on renal function evaluated by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) determination and creatinine (Cr) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentrations as well as on urinalysis, electrolytes, and hydric status in healthy dogs.

ANIMALS

14 healthy Beagles.

PROCEDURES

In this prospective double-masked placebo-controlled study, dogs were randomized after baseline evaluation to receive a 7-day course of either prednisolone (1.5 to 2.0 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) or a placebo. A repeated-measure design was performed, each dog participating in 4 successive sampling sessions. Clinical data, systolic blood pressure, CBC, and biochemical analyses including serum SDMA concentration, GFR determination, urine output quantification, and complete urinalysis were performed for all dogs the day before (D0) and at the end of steroid administration (D7) as well as 2 weeks (D21) and 4 weeks (D35) after the end of treatment.

RESULTS

At D7, when compared with baseline, GFR increased significantly in treated dogs, whereas creatinine and SDMA concentrations decreased significantly. GFR and Cr but not SDMA modifications persisted significantly at D21. None of the variables differed significantly from baseline at D35. The OR of presenting an albumin band on urine electrophoresis was 2.4 times as high in treated versus control dogs (OR, 36; 95% CI, 1.8 to 719.4; P = 0.02).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A short-term course of immune-suppressive prednisolone treatment in healthy dogs leads to a sustained but reversible renal hyperfiltration state. Modification in electrolytic variables can affect the clinical interpretation of blood work in such patients.

Machine-learning algorithm as a prognostic tool in non-obstructive acute-on-chronic kidney disease in the cat

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to develop an algorithm capable of predicting short- and medium-term survival in cases of intrinsic acute-on-chronic kidney disease (ACKD) in cats.

METHODS

The medical record database was searched to identify cats hospitalised for acute clinical signs and azotaemia of at least 48 h duration and diagnosed to have underlying chronic kidney disease based on ultrasonographic renal abnormalities or previously documented azotaemia. Cases with postrenal azotaemia, exposure to nephrotoxicants, feline infectious peritonitis or neoplasia were excluded. Clinical variables were combined in a clinical severity score (CSS). Clinicopathological and ultrasonographic variables were also collected. The following variables were tested as inputs in a machine learning system: age, body weight (BW), CSS, identification of small kidneys or nephroliths by ultrasonography, serum creatinine at 48 h (Crea₄₈), spontaneous feeding at 48 h (SpF₄₈) and aetiology. Outputs were outcomes at 7, 30, 90 and 180 days. The machine-learning system was trained to develop decision tree algorithms capable of predicting outputs from inputs. Finally, the diagnostic performance of the algorithms was calculated.

RESULTS

Crea₄₈ was the best predictor of survival at 7 days (threshold 1043 µmol/l, sensitivity 0.96, specificity 0.53), 30 days (threshold 566 µmol/l, sensitivity 0.70, specificity 0.89) and 90 days (threshold 566 µmol/l, sensitivity 0.76, specificity 0.80), with fewer cats still alive when their Crea₄₈ was above these thresholds. A short decision tree, including age and Crea₄₈, predicted the 180-day outcome best. When Crea₄₈ was excluded from the analysis, the generated decision trees included CSS, age, BW, SpF₄₈ and identification of small kidneys with an overall diagnostic performance similar to that using Crea₄₈.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Crea₄₈ helps predict short- and medium-term survival in cats with ACKD. Secondary variables that helped predict outcomes were age, CSS, BW, SpF₄₈ and identification of small kidneys.

Sublingual sialocele in a cat

Case summary

A 1-year-old male neutered cat was presented with a right-sided swelling of the floor of the oral cavity, causing dysphagia and hypersialorrhoea for 2 months. Fine-needle aspiration of the mass and CT were suggestive of a right sublingual sialocoele with no obvious cause. Surgical resection of the ipsilateral sublingual–mandibular salivary gland complex, as well as marsupialisation of the mucocoele, was performed. The cat recovered uneventfully. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen confirmed the diagnosis. No sign of recurrence was reported 7 months after surgery.

Relevance and novel information

Overall, sialocoeles are rare in cats but sublingual mucocoele is the most common form. Diagnosis is usually straightforward and the use of CT to help localise the affected site and possibly identify a cause has been infrequently described. Surgical treatment recommendations have been updated, which also makes a refresher of this uncommon condition likely to be of interest to the feline practitioner.

Evaluation of Cystatin C for the Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats

BACKGROUND

Serum cystatin C (sCysC) and urinary cystatin C (uCysC) are potential biomarkers for early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats. An in-depth clinical validation is required.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate CysC as a marker for CKD in cats and to compare assay performance of the turbidimetric assay (PETIA) with the previously validated nephelometric assay (PENIA).

ANIMALS

Ninety cats were included: 49 CKD and 41 healthy cats.

METHODS

Serum CysC and uCysC concentrations were prospectively evaluated in cats with CKD and healthy cats. Based on plasma exo-iohexol clearance test (PexICT), sCysC was evaluated to distinguish normal, borderline, and low GFR. Sensitivity and specificity to detect PexICT < 1.7 mL/min/kg were calculated. Serum CysC results of PENIA and PETIA were correlated with GFR. Statistical analysis was performed using general linear modeling.

RESULTS

Cats with CKD had significantly higher mean ± SD sCysC (1.4 ± 0.5 mg/L) (P < .001) and uCysC/urinary creatinine (uCr) (291 ± 411 mg/mol) (P < .001) compared to healthy cats (sCysC 1.0 ± 0.3 and uCysC/uCr 0.32 ± 0.97). UCysC was detected in 35/49 CKD cats. R(2) values between GFR and sCysC or sCr were 0.39 and 0.71, respectively (sCysC or sCr = μ + GFR + ε). Sensitivity and specificity were 22 and 100% for sCysC and 83 and 93% for sCr. Serum CysC could not distinguish healthy from CKD cats, nor normal from borderline or low GFR, in contrast with sCr.

CONCLUSION

Serum CysC is not a reliable marker of reduced GFR in cats and uCysC could not be detected in all CKD cats.

ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Hypertension in Cats

Practical relevance:

Feline hypertension is a common disease in older cats that is frequently diagnosed in association with other diseases such as chronic kidney disease and hyperthyroidism (so-called secondary hypertension), although some cases of apparent primary hypertension are also reported. The clinical consequences of hypertension can be severe, related to ‘target organ damage’ (eye, heart and vasculature, brain and kidneys), and early diagnosis followed by appropriate therapeutic management should help reduce the morbidity associated with this condition.

Clinical challenges:

Despite being a common disease, routine blood pressure (BP) monitoring is generally performed infrequently, probably leading to underdiagnosis of feline hypertension in clinical practice. There is a need to: (i) ensure BP is measured as accurately as possible with a reproducible technique; (ii) identify and monitor patients at risk of developing hypertension; (iii) establish appropriate criteria for therapeutic intervention; and (iv) establish appropriate therapeutic targets. Based on current data, amlodipine besylate is the treatment of choice to manage feline hypertension and is effective in the majority of cats, but the dose needed to successfully manage hypertension varies between individuals. Some cats require long-term adjuvant therapy and, occasionally, additional therapy is necessary for emergency management of hypertensive crises.

Evidence base:

These Guidelines from the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) are based on a comprehensive review of the currently available literature, and are aimed at providing practical recommendations to address the challenges of feline hypertension for veterinarians. There are many areas where more data is required which, in the future, will serve to confirm or modify some of the recommendations in these Guidelines.

Renal abscesses in cats: six cases

Case series summary

Six cats were diagnosed with renal abscesses. Common clinical findings were lethargy, dehydration, abdominal pain and nephromegaly. Fever was noted in half of the cases. Diagnosis was established by ultrasonography, cytological examination and bacterial culture of abscess aspirates. At least one possible contributing factor could be identified in all cases. Antibiotics were consistently used and in two cats the abscess was surgically drained. The short-term outcome was fair but the long-term outcome was dependent on the underlying condition.

Relevance and novel information

The results of this small case series suggest that renal abscess should be considered when nephromegaly and/or abdominal discomfort are noted. Diagnosis of renal abscess is straightforward when ultrasonography and fine-needle aspirate analysis can be performed. Medical treatment is assumed to be preferable but surgical treatment may be warranted on a case-by-case basis. Given that almost every affected cat was diagnosed with at least one comorbidity, a thorough evaluation is recommended for all cats with renal abscesses.

Plasma exogenous creatinine clearance in clinically healthy cats: comparison with urinary exogenous creatinine clearance, tentative reference intervals and indexation to bodyweight

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is considered to be the best indicator of overall kidney function. The major objectives of this study were to compare plasma exogenous creatinine clearance (PECC) with a reference method, to establish reference intervals (RIs) for PECC and to assess the effects of indexation of GFR to bodyweight (BW) in cats. PECC was compared with urinary clearance of exogenous creatinine (UECC) in six clinically healthy domestic shorthair cats (experiment 1). Tentative RIs were determined according to current guidelines and the effects of indexation to BW and of covariables on GFR were assessed in 43 clinically healthy cats of various breeds (experiment 2). PECC was 15% higher than UECC (P <0.01), but the two estimates were strongly correlated (r(2)=0.97, P = 0.001). RIs for PECC were 6.4-21.3 mL/min or 1.2-4.9 mL/min/kg. The absolute (i.e. non-indexed) GFR value was not dependent on BW. Thus, indexation of GFR to BW in cats would not standardize the GFR value, but could introduce bias in clinical interpretation. Significant effects of breed, plasma protein concentration and plasma albumin concentration on GFR were demonstrated. Plasma concentrations of urea and creatinine, when assessed separately, were also weakly correlated with GFR in healthy cats. These combined findings contribute to a better understanding of renal function assessment in cats.

Routine plasma biochemistry analytes in clinically healthy cats: within-day variations and effects of a standard meal

Limited information is available on pre-analytical variations in plasma analytes in cats. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of the time of sampling and a standard meal on plasma analytes in healthy cats. Eight healthy, adult, fasted cats underwent blood sampling every 2 h from 8 am to 8 pm twice at a 12 day interval. On the days of sampling, four cats were kept fasted and the others were fed just after the first sample, in a crossover design. Plasma glucose, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, calcium, phosphate, proteins, albumin, cholesterol and triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were assayed on each sample. Effects of time of sampling and meal on plasma biochemistry results were tested using a general linear model. Diurnal variations in tested plasma analytes in fasted cats were negligible except for urea and creatinine, which gave noticeably higher plasma concentrations in the afternoon than in the morning. Observed postprandial variations were of some importance for phosphate and creatinine and of indisputable clinical relevance for CO2 and urea.

Partial urorectal septum malformation sequence in a kitten with disorder of sexual development

A 2-month-old kitten exhibited simultaneously an imperforate anus, hypospadias, rectourethral fistula and genital dysgenesis (penis restricted to the glans, absence of prepuce and bifid scrotum). Surgical correction consisted of separation of the urinary and digestive tracts, perineal urethrostomy and connection of the rectum to the newly made anal opening. Pathological examination of the testes, conventionally removed at 9 months of age, showed no mature spermatozoa and underdevelopment of germ and Leydig cells. In humans, the absence of an anal opening in association with abnormal sexual development defines the urorectal septum malformation sequence. Here, we describe the first case of this syndrome in a kitten with a normal male karyotype (38,XY) and a normal coding sequence for the SRY gene. Both the rectourethral fistula and observed genital abnormalities might have been induced by a disturbance in the hedgehog signalling pathway. However, although four polymorphic sites were identified by DHH gene sequencing, none cosegregated with the malformation.

Manual ventilation therapy and aggressive potassium supplementation in the management of respiratory failure secondary to severe hypokalaemia in a cat with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

A domestic shorthair cat was referred for progressive muscle weakness and dyspnoea. The cat had a 2-month history of severe weight loss, small intestinal diarrhoea, polyphagia and polyuria/polydipsia. Biochemical analysis and venous blood gas evaluation revealed severe hypokalaemia [1.7 mmol/l; reference interval (RI): 3.5–5.1 mmol/l] and hypoventilation (partial pressure of carbon dioxide = 68 mmHg; RI: 34–38 mmHg). Aggressive potassium supplementation was initiated. The cat was manually ventilated until serum potassium increased to 3 mmol/l. A diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) was made based on clinical signs and serum feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (0.1 μg/l; RI: 12–82 μg/l). Medical management of the EPI resulted in clinical recovery.

Feline CKD

Practical relevance:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most frequently encountered disorders in cats, having increased in prevalence in recent decades. Although the underlying cause is rarely identified, the common final outcome of feline CKD is tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Knowledge of CKD pathophysiology is necessary for optimal individualised patient management, especially with regard to diagnosis and treatment of extrarenal complications.

Patient group:

CKD is most common in senior and geriatric cats, but should be considered in any feline patient with ureterolithiasis, hyperthyroidism, retrovirus infection, systemic hypertension, cardiovascular disease or urinary tract infection.

Evidence base:

Most of our knowledge of the pathogenesis of CKD is extrapolated from human nephrology and experimental animal studies. There is, therefore, a need for further studies in cats. The prevalence of clinical signs in feline CKD is well documented. Several concurrent diseases associated with CKD have also been reported in cats, especially in the geriatric population, but there is no or only limited published evidence demonstrating a cause-and-effect relationship between most of these conditions and CKD. Studies performed over the past 15 years have nevertheless allowed identification of major risk factors (proteinuria, plasma phosphate and plasma creatinine) influencing the progression of feline CKD.

Clinical challenges:

Clinical signs occur in the late stages of renal disease, so populations at higher risk of CKD should be screened routinely. CKD-associated complications (systemic hypertension, secondary renal hyperparathyroidism, hypokalaemia, anaemia, metabolic acidosis) must not be overlooked as they may affect the progression of disease. Disease progression is itself unpredictable and renal function may remain stable for extended periods. Most cats with early CKD do not progress to end-stage CKD before they die.

Audience:

General practitioners play a major role in screening feline patients at risk of development or progression of CKD.

Comparison of pharmacokinetic variables for creatinine and iohexol in dogs with various degrees of renal function

OBJECTIVE

To compare pharmacokinetics and clearances of creatinine and iohexol as estimates of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in dogs with various degrees of renal function.

ANIMALS

50 Great Anglo-Francais Tricolor Hounds with various degrees of renal function.

PROCEDURES

Boluses of iohexol (40 mg/kg) and creatinine (647 mg/kg) were injected IV. Blood samples were collected before administration and 5 and 10 minutes and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours after administration. Plasma creatinine and iohexol concentrations were assayed via an enzymatic method and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. A noncompartmental approach was used for pharmacokinetic analysis. Pharmacokinetic variables were compared via a Bland-Altman plot and an ANOVA.

RESULTS

Compared with results for creatinine, iohexol had a significantly higher mean ± SD plasma clearance (3.4 ± 0.8 mL/min/kg vs 3.0 ± 0.7 mL/min/kg) and a significantly lower mean volume of distribution at steady state (250 ± 37 mL/kg vs 539 ± 73 mL/kg), mean residence time (80 ± 31 minutes vs 195 ± 73 minutes), and mean elimination half-life (74 ± 20 minutes vs 173 ± 53 minutes). Despite discrepancies between clearances, especially for high values, the difference was < 0.6 mL/min/kg for 34 (68%) dogs. Three dogs with a low GFR (< 2 mL/min/kg) were classified similarly by both methods.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Plasma iohexol and creatinine clearances can be used interchangeably for screening patients suspected of having chronic kidney disease (ie, low GFR), but large differences may exist for dogs with a GFR within or above the reference range.

Relationship between paradoxical breathing and pleural diseases in dyspneic dogs and cats: 389 cases (2001-2009)

OBJECTIVE

To determine the strength of the relationship between paradoxical breathing (PB) and spontaneous pleural diseases in dyspneic dogs and cats.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

ANIMALS

Dogs (n = 195) and cats (194) with a recorded diagnosis of dyspnea examined at the National Veterinary Schools of Alfort and Toulouse (France) between January 2001 and October 2009.

PROCEDURES

Dogs and cats were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of PB. Stratified analysis by species was performed. Signalment of affected animals and occurrence of PB were recorded. The relationship between PB and pleural diseases among dyspneic dogs and cats was analyzed.

RESULTS

A strong relationship between PB and pleural diseases was highlighted in multivariate analysis (dogs, OR = 12.6 and 95% confidence interval = 4.6 to 31.2; cats, OR = 14.1 and 95% confidence interval = 6.0 to 33.5). Paradoxical breathing prevalence among dyspneic dogs and cats was 27% and 64%, respectively. Occurrence of pleural diseases in dyspneic animals with and without PB was 49% and 9% in dogs and 66% and 13% in cats, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of PB as a predictor of pleural diseases were 0.67 and 0.83 in dyspneic dogs and 0.90 and 0.58 in dyspneic cats, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values of PB were 0.49 and 0.91 in dyspneic dogs and 0.66 and 0.87 in dyspneic cats, respectively. Age, sex, feline breeds, and canine morphotypes in patients with PB were not significantly different from those of other dyspneic animals.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

PB was strongly associated with pleural diseases in dyspneic dogs and cats. The presence of this clinical sign should prompt small animal practitioners to implement appropriate emergency procedures and guide their diagnostic strategy.

Pseudomembranous cystitis, an unusual condition associated with feline urine outflow obstruction: Four cases

The clinical follow-up of four cats presumptively diagnosed with pseudomembranous cystitis is described. All presented with acute urine outflow obstruction and acute renal failure. Urethral catheterisation was performed without difficulty but ultrasonography and contrast radiography consistently revealed abnormal bladder wall and content. One cat was euthanased, the remaining three underwent an exploratory cystotomy. Abundant inflammatory and necrotic tissue covering an ulcerated bladder mucosa was removed. All cats recovered uneventfully. No definitive cause was identified but the clinical course of the disease was not typical of idiopathic cystitis.

Within-day and between-day variability of blood pressure measurement in healthy conscious Beagle dogs using a new oscillometric device

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this study was to determine the within- and between-day variability of blood pressure measurement in dogs using an oscillometric device, pet-MAP.

ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five healthy conscious adult Beagle dogs were used. The dogs were presented in a random order for examinations and the investigators were blinded to the dogs. Blood pressure was measured using a standardized procedure. Three investigators with the same level of experience, trained for 1 h with pet-MAP the day before starting the study, performed 480 blood pressure measurements in 5 healthy conscious dogs on two different days.

RESULTS

The within- and between-day CVs for systolic blood pressure were 9.0-10.1% and 12.8-16.4%, respectively. The corresponding SD values were 14.7-16.6 mm Hg and 21.0-27.1 mm Hg respectively. For diastolic blood pressure, the within- and between-day CVs were 10.3-14.4% and 14.2-24.9% respectively. The corresponding SD values were 9.7-13.9 mm Hg and 13.0-24.0 mm Hg.

CONCLUSIONS

The within- and between-day CVs for systolic blood pressure, measured with pet-MAP by investigators with a minimal period of training, seem to be acceptable in Beagle dogs without hypertension or hypotension. This study suggests that, using this device, one investigator can be replaced by another under the described circumstances.

Validation of the Medonic CA620/530 Vet 20-microl microcapillary sampler system for hematology testing of feline blood

The aim of the current study was to compare feline hematologic variables in blood collected in microcapillary tubes (20 microl) and conventional blood tubes with the Medonic CA620/530 Vet in-house hematologic analyzer. A comparison of results obtained in 60 cats presented at the clinics of the veterinary school showed that the correlations between the 2 methods were 0.97 for white blood cell, 0.95 for red blood cell, and 0.93 for platelet counts; 0.92 for hemoglobin concentration; and 0.99 for mean corpuscular volume. No clinically relevant differences between the 2 blood sampling techniques were observed for any variable, which suggests that both techniques are interchangeable in cats. Moreover, microcapillary tubes would allow easier repeated sampling in the same cat and would likely be useful in other small species.

A nosocomial outbreak of feline calicivirus associated virulent systemic disease in France

This report describes a nosocomial outbreak of feline calicivirus (FCV) associated virulent systemic disease (VSD) in a French veterinary teaching hospital in 2005. The outbreak started in March and resolved within 1 month. Signs, clinical course, clinicopathological findings and lesions were typical of FCV-induced VSD. FCV infection was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Among the eight infected cats, two had to be euthanased, three died, and three recovered after medical treatment. Virus could not be confined inside the animal hospital and on two occasions, students' own cats became infected. Subsequent genetic sequencing studies confirmed that the eight cats were infected with the same strain of virus, and that it was distinct from those involved in the US and UK outbreaks of VSD. Virulence and viral excretion patterns of the isolated strain were further characterised by experimental infection.

Comparison of a New Blood Sampling Device With the Vacuum Tube System for Plasma and Hematological Analyses in Healthy Dogs

Pediatric devices based on a capillary system may provide an alternative to vacuum tubes for canine blood sampling. The potential advantages are absence of vein collapse, limited blood volume sampled, and improved safety. The aim of this study was to compare routine plasma and hematological variables in seven healthy dogs using both techniques. Five biochemical analytes were measured, and a complete hematological examination and plasma exogenous creatinine clearance test were performed. No clinically relevant difference between the two techniques was observed for any variable or functional test assessed.

Comparison of a new device for blood sampling in cats with a vacuum tube collection system—Plasma biochemistry, haematology and practical usage assessment

Using paediatric devices to collect venous blood from a cephalic vein in cats offers numerous practical advantages over traditional jugular venepuncture and vacuum closed systems: minimal restraint is required; there is minimal risk of serious injury to the cat; the discomfort associated with venepuncture is reduced by the use of small diameter (25 gauge) needles; very small volumes (200 μl) of blood are extracted; and the risk of vein collapse or haematoma is low. The aim of this study was to compare the haematological and plasma chemistry results obtained from six healthy cats using the two sampling techniques. Five plasma biochemical analytes were measured and a complete haematological examination was performed on each specimen. No clinically relevant difference between the two blood sampling techniques was observed for any variable, indicating that paediatric devices provide a useful alternative to vacuum tubes for venous blood collection in the cat.

Trichodina ctenophorii n. sp., a novel symbiont of ctenophores of the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico

Peritrich ciliates of the genus Trichodina are internal or external symbionts of invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. We describe here Trichodina ctenophorii n. sp., a symbiont of Mnemiopsis mccraydii and Beroë ovata (Phylum Ctenophora). The morphology of fixed and living specimens is revealed by silver impregnation, scanning electron microscopy, and differential interference microscopy. Distinguishing features of Trichodina ctenophorii include a denticular morphology composed of falcate, blunt-tipped blades, and long, straight thorns, with five pins per denticle. Trichodina ctenophorii is found only on the comb plates of these ctenophores. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a trichodinid from the Gulf of Mexico and the first associated with ctenophores.

Group treatment of erectile by dysfunction for men without partners: a controlled evaluation

This study utilized a control group design to evaluate the effectiveness of group treatment of erectile dysfunction in men without partners. Twenty-one men with secondary erectile dysfunction were randomly assigned to one of two men's groups with different cotherapy teams or to a waiting-list control condition. Results indicated that while the two men's groups did not differ on any clinical-outcome measures, each men's group improved significantly more than the waiting-list clients on a variety of measures concerning sexual attitudes and behaviors related to erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, most of the treatment gains for men's group participants were maintained at six-week and six-month follow-up evaluations. However, the men's group and waiting-list participants did not differ significantly in the reported frequency of erection difficulties following treatment. In comparing the present findings with those of previous studies of men's group treatment, it is hypothesized that the absence of significant change in the frequency of erection difficulties in the present study may have been attributable to the older age of our clients or to the relative lack of emphasis on dating-skills training in this treatment format. This study illustrates the importance of including some form of no-treatment control condition in the evaluation of new treatments for sexual dysfunction.

Dating skills training in the group treatment of erectile dysfunction for men without partners

This study was a controlled evaluation of men's group treatment of erectile dysfunction that emphasized communication and dating skills training for men without partners. Following a 6-week pretreatment waiting period, 11 men were seen for 10 sessions in two men's groups led by different cotherapy teams. Several female guest therapists attended three sessions to help the men role-play a sequence of difficult social interactions. A series of communication/dating homework assignments was added to the weekly sensual/sexual assignments. The results indicated no improvement during the waiting control period, but significant improvement on measures of sexual attitudes and behaviors following treatment. There was a significant reduction in the frequency of erection difficulties before intercourse and a trend toward reduction of erection difficulties during intercourse. These improvements were maintained over a 6-month follow-up.

Biofeedback and facilitation of erection in men with erectile dysfunction

Thirty men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction were instructed to concentrate on cognitions that facilitate erection during one baseline and four training sessions. The subjects were divided into three groups that received either continuous feedback of erection changes plus segments of erotic film delivered contingent on erection increases, contingent film segments without continuous feedback, or noncontingent film segments. Although subjects who received noncontingent film segments initially showed greater erection increase than did subjects in the contingent feedback groups, the groups did not differ by the final training session. However, when subjects were instructed to facilitate erection without the aid of feedback or film segments during evaluation trials that followed each training session, subjects who had received contingent film without continuous feedback showed greater erectile responsivity than subjects in other groups. The groups did not differ in the amount of clinical improvement shown on self-report measures concerning erectile functioning during a 1-month follow-up period. Although these results indicate that the provision of erotic film feedback enhances the voluntary facilitation of erection in the laboratory, the therapeutic value of erectile feedback remains undemonstrated.