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ABSTRACT: This review presents the consensus opinion of the Canine Leishmaniasis Working Group on the prognosis and monitoring of leishmaniasis in dogs. While the prognosis for both exposed and infected dogs is considered to be favourable, this changes if infection progresses to overt disease. For clinically affected animals undergoing treatment, the prognosis is dictated by the severity of the signs (and in particular the severity of renal dysfunction) when therapy is initiated; assessing the degree of proteinuria is useful in this context. Approximately 75% of dogs without evidence of renal involvement live for >4years if adequately treated. Monitoring the response to treatment includes ongoing clinical and clinicopathological assessment, as well as quantifying serological responses and the parasite load in the patient.
The Veterinary Journal 05/2013; · 2.24 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Objective-To evaluate 4 methods used to measure plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 concentrations in healthy cats and cats with diabetes mellitus or other diseases. Animals-39 healthy cats, 7 cats with diabetes mellitus, and 33 cats with other diseases. Procedures-4 assays preceded by different sample preparation methods were evaluated, including acid chromatography followed by radioimmunoassay (AC-RIA), acid-ethanol extraction followed by immunoradiometry assay (AEE-IRMA), acidification followed by immunochemiluminescence assay (A-ICMA), and IGF-2 excess followed by RIA (IE-RIA). Validation of the methods included determination of precision, accuracy, and recovery. The concentration of IGF-1 was measured with all methods, and results were compared among cat groups. Results-The intra-assay coefficient of variation was < 10% for AC-RIA, A-ICMA, and AEE-IRMA and 14% to 22% for IE-RIA. The linearity of dilution was close to 1 for each method. Recovery rates ranged from 69% to 119%. Five healthy cats had IGF-1 concentrations > 1,000 ng/mLwith the AEE-IRMA, but < 1,000 ng/mL with the other methods. Compared with healthy cats, hyperthyroid cats had significantly higher concentrations of IGF-1 with the A-ICMA method, but lower concentrations with the IE-RIA method. Cats with lymphoma had lower IGF-1 concentrations than did healthy cats regardless of the method used. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Differences in the methodologies of assays for IGF-1 may explain, at least in part, the conflicting results previously reported in diabetic cats. Disorders such as hyperthyroidism and lymphoma affected IGF-1 concentrations, making interpretation of results more difficult if these conditions are present in cats with diabetes mellitus.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 12/2012; 73(12):1925-31. · 1.27 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The continuous glucose monitoring system allows generation of detailed glucose curves via measurement of glucose concentration in interstitial fluid. The conventional site for sensor placement in diabetic cats is the subcutaneous tissue of the lateral chest wall. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of sensors placed in the lateral chest wall and in two alternative sites - the dorsal neck and lateral knee fold - of diabetic cats. Initialisation was successful in 15/20 lateral chest wall sensors, 9/10 neck sensors and 3/10 knee fold sensors. Compared with the reference portable blood glucose meter, 0.8% of measurements from lateral chest wall sensors, 0.7% from knee fold sensors and 0% from neck sensors would have resulted in erroneous treatment. This preliminary study suggests that dorsal neck placement may be superior to lateral chest wall and lateral knee fold; however, further investigation with a larger number of cases would be required to confirm this finding.
Journal of feline medicine and surgery. 10/2012;
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ABSTRACT: To determine whether preanalytic and analytic factors affect evaluation of the urinary protein-to-creatinine (UPC) ratio in dogs.
50 canine urine samples.
The UPC ratio was measured to assess the intra-assay imprecision (20 measurements within a single session), the influence of predilution (1:10, 1:20, and 1:100) for urine creatinine concentration measurement, and the effect of storage at room temperature (approx 20°C), 4°C, and -20°C.
The coefficient of variation at room temperature determined with the 1:20 predilution was < 10.0%, with the highest coefficients of variation found in samples with a low protein concentration or low urine specific gravity. This variability could result in misclassification of samples with UPC ratios close to the thresholds defined by the International Renal Interest Society to classify dogs as nonproteinuric (0.2), borderline proteinuric (0.21 to 0.50), or proteinuric (> 0.51). A proportional bias was found in samples prediluted 1:10, compared with samples prediluted 1:20 or 1:100. At room temperature, the UPC ratio did not significantly increase after 2 and 4 hours. After 12 hours at room temperature and at 4°C, the UPC ratio significantly increased. The UPC ratio did not significantly change during 3 months of storage at -20°C.
The intra-assay precision of the UPC ratio was sufficiently low to avoid misclassification of samples, except for values close to 0.2 or 0.5. The optimal predilution ratio for urine creatinine concentration measurement was 1:20. A 1:100 predilution is recommended in samples with a urine specific gravity > 1.030. The UPC ratio must be measured as soon as samples are collected. Alternatively, samples should be immediately frozen to increase their stability and minimize the risk of misclassification of proteinuria.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 06/2012; 73(6):779-88. · 1.27 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Chitosan and alkalinizing agents can decrease morbidity and mortality in humans with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Whether this holds true in dog is not known. Objective of the study was to determine whether a commercial dietary supplement containing chitosan, phosphate binders, and alkalinizing agents (Renal), compared to placebo, reduces mortality rate due to uremic crises in dogs with spontaneous CKD, fed a renal diet (RD). A masked RCCT was performed including 31 azotemic dogs with spontaneous CKD. Dogs enrolled in the study were randomly allocated to receive RD plus placebo (group A; 15 dogs) or RD plus Renal (group B; 16 dogs). During a first 4-week period, all dogs were fed an RD and then randomized and clinically evaluated up to 44 weeks. The effects of dietary supplements on mortality rate due to uremic crises were assessed. At 44 weeks, compared to group A, dogs in group B had approximately 50% lower mortality rate due to uremic crises (P = 0.015). Dietary supplementation with chitosan, phosphate binders, and alkalinizing agents, along with an RD, is beneficial in reducing mortality rate in dogs with spontaneous CKD.
TheScientificWorldJOURNAL 01/2012; 2012:219082. · 1.66 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate predictors of survival time in dogs undergoing adrenalectomy and identify risk factors associated with adrenal gland tumor metastasis and vein thrombosis.
Retrospective case series.
52 dogs with primary adrenal gland tumors.
Medical records were reviewed. Signalment, tumor features, and information from surgical procedures were evaluated to identify factors predictive of overall survival time, which was defined as the time from surgery until death. The association between metastasis or vein thrombosis and tumor type, size, and site (right or left adrenal gland) was investigated.
On the basis of results of univariate analysis, survival time was significantly shorter for dogs with adenocarcinoma, tumor major axis length ≥ 5 cm, metastasis, and vein thrombosis and when adrenalectomy was combined with an additional abdominal surgical intervention. On multivariate analysis, survival time was significantly shorter for dogs with an adrenal gland tumor with major axis length ≥ 5 cm and for dogs with metastasis or vein thrombosis. Significant associations were found between metastasis and adenocarcinoma and between vein thrombosis and tumors with major axis length ≥ 5 cm.
Dogs with an adrenal gland tumor with major axis length ≥ 5 cm, documented metastasis, or vein thrombosis had a poorer prognosis. Metastasis was more frequent in dogs with adenocarcinoma and vein thrombosis when tumors were ≥ 5 cm in length.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 07/2011; 239(2):216-21. · 1.79 Impact Factor
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Eric Zini
The Veterinary Journal 06/2011; 188(3):258-9. · 2.24 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To investigate whether combined treatment with gemcitabine and piroxicam in dogs with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder is tolerated and provides an advantage in terms of survival time over previously reported treatments.
Clinical trial. Animals-38 dogs with TCC of the urinary bladder.
Dogs were treated with gemcitabine (800 mg/m(2), IV over 30 to 60 minutes, q 7 d) and piroxicam (0.3 mg/kg [0.14 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h). Complete blood cell counts were monitored prior to each gemcitabine treatment. All toxic effects of gemcitabine in dogs were recorded. Primary tumors were ultrasonographically reevaluated after 4 gemcitabine treatments.
Dogs received a median of 8 gemcitabine treatments (range, 1 to 38 treatments/dog). In response to treatment, 10 of 38 (26.3%) dogs had grade 1 gastrointestinal tract signs, 11 (28.9%) had grade 2, and 5 (13.2%) had grade 3. Grade 1 neutropenia developed in 6 (15.8%) dogs and grade 2 and 3 neutropenia in 2 (5.3%) dogs each. Thrombocytopenia was rare. All dogs had improvement of clinical signs of disease. Two dogs had a complete tumor response, 8 had a partial response, 19 had stable disease, and 8 had progressive disease. Median survival time with treatment was 230 days.
Administration of gemcitabine in combination with piroxicam treatment failed to provide a longer overall survival time in dogs with TCC of the urinary bladder, compared with previously reported treatment strategies. However, this combination of chemotherapy did provide a new treatment alternative with fewer adverse effects.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 04/2011; 238(8):1004-10. · 1.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To determine factors predicting survival in dogs with high-grade multicentric lymphoma. Design-Retrospective cohort study. Animals-127 dogs with high-grade multicentric lymphoma evaluated at 4 veterinary hospitals from 2000 to 2009.
Records were reviewed to identify dogs with completely staged high-grade multicentric lymphoma treated with chemotherapy. Data collected included signalment, history, hematologic findings, tumor characteristics, treatment, and outcome. Long-term survival was defined as surviving > 2 years after diagnosis. Variables were analyzed for associations with dogs living > 2 years.
Among the 127 enrolled dogs, 13 (10%) survived > 2 years with a median survival time of 914 days (range, 740 to 2,058 days). Survival rates at 3, 4, and 5 years were 4%, 3%, and 1 %, respectively. At diagnosis, 11 of the 13 long-term survivors had a body weight ≥ 10 kg, PCV ≥ 35%, absence of ionized hypercalcemia, centroblastic lymphoma, immunophenotype B, absence of bone marrow involvement, and lymphoma stages I through IV and were not previously treated with corticosteroids. The same combination of factors was present in 26 of 114 (23%) dogs surviving ≤ 2 years, yielding a negative predictive value of 97.8% for long-term survivors. Four of the 6 long-term survivors that died during the study died of another cancer; 3 of them had osteosarcoma.
Absence of the aforementioned combination of variables at diagnosis may help identify dogs with lymphoma that will not survive > 2 years. Other types of neoplasia, in particular osteosarcoma, may develop in long-term-surviving dogs.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 02/2011; 238(4):480-5. · 1.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The fatigue life of a structure is also influenced by its size. Statistically, a bone from a large animal is expected to bear a higher risk of stress fracture if compared to the same bone from a small animal of the same species. This is not documented in the dog, where individuals can have a 40 times difference in body mass. We investigated the effect of body size on cortical bone microdamage accumulation, cortical microstructural organization (porosity, osteon area, and osteocyte lacunar density), and turnover in dogs with a wide body mass range. The aim was to understand and mathematically model how the bone tissue copes with the microdamage accumulation linked to body mass increase. Calcified transverse cortical sections of 18 canine radii of remarkably different size were examined by means of a standard bulk-staining technique and histomorphometric standard algorithms. Relationships between the investigated histomorphometric variables age, sex and mass were analyzed by general linear multivariate models and exponential equations. Type and location of microdamage and bone turnover were not influenced by body mass. Gender did not influence any parameter. Age influenced bone turnover and activation frequency. Microcrack density was influenced by bone mass. Bones had a similar microstructural organization within the same species regardless of the subject's dimension. Microdamage accumulation is inversely related to bone mass, whereas bone turnover is mass-invariant. We theorize a mass-related change in the bone fracture toughness targeted to reach an optimal unique dimensionless curve for fatigue life.
Calcified Tissue International 02/2011; 88(5):409-15. · 2.38 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the accumulation of black dust matter in lungs (anthracosis) and primary lung cancer in dogs. A retrospective study was carried out on material from 35 dogs with primary lung cancer and 160 controls. The amount, histological appearance and birefringence of anthracosis were assessed in pulmonary specimens by light microscopy, and the odds ratio (OR) calculated for dogs with primary lung cancer. The same factors were analysed to identify an association between tumour histotype, histological grade, and clinical stage. Papillary adenocarcinoma was most commonly diagnosed (45.7%). The majority of tumours were of histological grade II, and the lung cancer was more often localised (clinical stage I). An increased risk of lung cancer was observed in dogs with higher amounts of anthracosis (OR: 2.11, CI 95%: 1.20-3.70; P < 0.01), which suggests an association between anthracosis due to inhalation of polluted air and lung cancer in dogs.
The Veterinary Journal 12/2010; 186(3):364-9. · 2.24 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are cellular receptors that recognize molecules derived from pathogens, endogenous molecules generated after cellular stress, and free fatty acids. TLR activation leads to a proinflammatory reaction that is fundamental in the initiation of an innate immune response and subsequent adaptive responses but also can damage tissues. TLRs are not only expressed within the immune system, but also in most other organ systems including the pancreas. TLR4 is expressed in pancreatic β-cells of rodents and humans and its stimulation affects insulin secretion in response to glucose. A low-grade inflammation is often associated with disturbed performance of β-cells and insulin resistance, the cardinal metabolic event of type-2 diabetes. Feline diabetes mellitus shares many similarities with type-2 diabetes in humans. Our objective was to elucidate the role of TLRs in feline pancreatic islets and islet-like clusters (ILC) that consist of islets with their adjacent tissue. We tested whether TLRs are triggered by their agonists and lead to the expression of inflammatory cytokines. We confirmed the expression of all known feline TLRs in pancreas and ILC. Furthermore, stimulation with TLR agonists increased IL-6 mRNA and protein content and the expression of other proinflammatory cytokines indicating a clear proinflammatory response. The reactivity to TLR ligands was stronger in β-cell enriched populations obtained after sorting by FACS indicating that inflammatory stimuli can also be generated within β-cells. We conclude that the microenvironment of feline β-cells harbor the potential for inflammatory reactions, that can be initiated by molecules released from bacteria or viruses or other molecules recognized by TLRs. Therefore infections associated with bacteriemia and viremia can induce inflammation in islets and damage the endocrine pancreatic tissue.
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 11/2010; 138(1-2):70-8. · 2.08 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Glucocorticoid (GC) action depends on GC plasma concentration, cellular GC receptor expression, and the pre-receptor hormone metabolism catalyzed by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD). 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase exists in 2 isoforms; 11β-HSD1 converts inactive cortisone to cortisol, and 11β-HSD2 converts cortisol to cortisone. Increasing evidence in humans and experimental animals suggests that altered tissue cortisol metabolism may predispose to diabetes mellitus (DM). Once DM is established, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia may further maintain the abnormal metabolism of cortisol. To gain further insight in this regard, healthy cats were infused for 10 d with lipids (n = 6) or saline (n = 5). At the end of the infusion period, tissue samples from adipose tissue (visceral, subcutaneous), liver, and muscle were collected to determine mRNA expression of 11β-HSD1, 11β-HSD2, and GC receptor by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction; blood samples were collected to determine plasma cortisol and leptin concentrations. Lipid infusion resulted in greater 11β-HSD1 expression and lower GC receptor expression in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue, and lower 11β-HSD2 expression in visceral adipose tissue and liver. Plasma cortisol did not differ. Leptin and body weight increased in lipid-infused cats. In spite of comparable circulating cortisol levels, up-regulation of 11β-HSD1 and down-regulation of 11β-HSD2 expression may result in increased tissue cortisol concentrations in fat depots of hyperlipidemic cats. Down-regulation of GC receptor may represent a self-protective mechanism against increased tissue cortisol levels. In conclusion, hyperlipidemia has a profound effect on 11β-HSD expression and supports the connection between high lipid concentrations and tissue cortisol metabolism.
Domestic animal endocrinology 11/2010; 39(4):222-30. · 1.65 Impact Factor
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Eric Zini,
Melania Osto,
Simona Moretti,
Marco Franchini,
Peter H Kook,
Hans Lutz,
Franco Guscetti,
Aurel Perren,
Ludwig E Hoelzle,
Mathias Ackermann,
Thomas A Lutz,
Claudia E Reusch
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ABSTRACT: The goal of the study was to determine whether hyperglycaemia or hyperlipidaemia causes pancreatitis in cats and to assess the effect of excess serum glucose and lipids on amylase and lipase activity. Ten-day hyperglycaemic and hyperlipidaemic clamps were carried out in five and six healthy cats, respectively. Ten healthy cats received saline and served as controls. The activity of amylase was below the normal range in 4 of 5 hyperglycaemic cats by day 10. The activity of lipase did not vary in any of the cats. Samples of exocrine pancreas were normal on histological examination, but the number of tissue neutrophils was increased in hyperglycaemic cats (P<0.05). In a retrospective study 14 of 40 (35%) cats with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus had amylase activities below the reference range at the time of admission. Amylase activities normalised within 1 week of insulin therapy and subsequent glycaemic control. Lipase activity was increased in 26 of 40 (65%) diabetic cats and remained elevated despite glycaemic control. In conclusion, hyperglycaemia, but not hyperlipidaemia, increases pancreatic neutrophils in cats. However, because the histological morphology of the exocrine pancreas was normal, hyperglycaemia may play only a minor role in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis. Low amylase activities in diabetic cats may reflect an imbalance in glucose metabolism rather than pancreatitis.
Research in Veterinary Science 08/2010; 89(1):20-6. · 1.65 Impact Factor
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Saverio Paltrinieri,
Laia Solano-Gallego,
Alessandra Fondati,
George Lubas,
Luigi Gradoni,
Massimo Castagnaro,
Alberto Crotti,
Michele Maroli,
Gaetano Oliva,
Xavier Roura,
Andrea Zatelli, Eric Zini
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 06/2010; 236(11):1184-91. · 1.79 Impact Factor
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Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 06/2010; 236(11):1192-8. · 1.79 Impact Factor
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Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 06/2010; 236(11):1200-6. · 1.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To assess whether urine protein-to-creatinine (UPC) ratios determined in urine samples collected by cystocentesis versus those collected by free catch provide similar diagnostic information for dogs.
Evaluation study.
115 client-owned dogs evaluated because of various health problems requiring urinalysis or to screen for proteinuria in an area endemic for leishmaniasis.
230 paired urine samples, 1 collected by cystocentesis and 1 by free catch, were collected from the 115 dogs. The UPC ratio was determined in paired urine samples (n = 162) from 81 dogs with no indication of active inflammation according to urine sediment analysis. On the basis of the UPC ratio of urine sample collected by cystocentesis, dogs were classified as nonproteinuric (UPC ratio < 0.2), borderline proteinuric (UPC ratio of 0.2 to 0.5), or proteinuric (UPC ratio > 0.5), according to the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS).
The correlation between UPC ratio in urine samples collected by cystocentesis and by free catch was strong (r(2) = 0.90); 75 of 81 (92.6%) dogs had UPC ratios from both urine samples that resulted in classification in the same IRIS substage with a kappa coefficient of 0.83.
The UPC ratio in dogs was minimally affected in urine samples collected by free catch, thus allowing correct grading of proteinuria with this method. The high reliability of the UPC ratio in free-catch urine samples coupled with the ease of collection should increase the use of this value for assessment of proteinuria.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 06/2010; 236(11):1221-4. · 1.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate whether serial determinations of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in dogs with lymphoma could be used to predict outcome and assist in early recognition of disease progression.
Prospective cohort study.
50 dogs with lymphoma.
LDH activity was determined in dogs with newly diagnosed lymphoma or that had not received treatment. The LDH activity was measured at time of initial diagnosis, at completion of chemotherapy, and at 1, 3, and 6 months after chemotherapy. Treatment response and recurrence were recorded. At the end of chemotherapy and at each time point thereafter, the proportion of dogs in complete remission with elevated LDH activity was compared between dogs that did or did not have recurrence within the successive 45 or 90 days. Use of the LDH activity at admission to predict disease-free and survival intervals was evaluated.
The proportion of dogs in complete remission with increased LDH activity at completion of chemotherapy and at 1 month after chemotherapy with recurrence during the successive 45 days was significantly higher (3/9 and 7/9 dogs, respectively) than the proportion of dogs without recurrence (0/32 and 1/26 dogs, respectively). At 3 or 6 months, only 1 dog without recurrence within 45 days had increased LDH activity. Increased LDH activity at time of diagnosis was not associated with disease-free and survival intervals.
Determination of LDH activity may help with identifying episodes of recurrence in dogs with lymphoma. Anticipation of recurrence is an appropriate reason to begin rescue treatment.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 05/2010; 236(9):969-74. · 1.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Objective-To evaluate a urine dipstick test as a possible replacement for urine protein-to-creatinine (UPC) ratio for identifying proteinuria in dogs. Sample Population-507 urine samples from adult dogs. Procedures-Urine dipstick, UPC ratio, specific gravity (USG), and sediment testing were performed on 507 samples. With UPC ratio as the reference criterion, diagnostic accuracy of the urine dipstick test was calculated for the entire data set and for urine samples grouped by USG (</= 1.012 or > 1.012; < 1.030 or >/= 1.030). A UPC ratio < 0.2 was used to indicate absence of proteinuria. Results-The sensitivity of the urine dipstick test for detection of proteinuria was > 90% when 0 mg of protein/dL (a 0+ result) was used to indicate a negative test result, and the specificity ranged from 40% to 60%, depending on the USG. Sensitivity decreased to a range of 56% to 81% when 30 mg of protein/dL (a 1+ result) was used as the cutoff, depending on the USG, but the specificity increased to > 90%. The likelihood of correctly identifying nonproteinuric dogs was low when the USG was </= 1.012, particularly when samples with a 1+ result were considered negative. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-For dogs with a dipstick-test result of 1+ and USG </= 1.012, proteinuria should be assessed by use of the UPC ratio; dogs with a USG value > 1.012 are likely nonproteinuric. When used together, the urine dipstick test and USG measurement were reliable as a rapid alternative to UPC ratio determination in dogs in this study. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:235-240).
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 02/2010; 236(4):439. · 1.79 Impact Factor
