Research Communications of the 24th ECVIM‐CA Congress Rheingoldhalle in Mainz, Germany,
4th to 6th September 2014
LIST OF ORAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
ESVIM – European Society of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Thursday 4 September
10.00‐10.15
ESVIM‐O‐1
Canonne‐Guibert
DETECTION OF ANGIOSTRONGYLUS VASORUM IN THE BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE FLUID OR FAECES
OF COUGHING AND HEALTHY DOGS IN BELGIUM
12.20‐12.35
ESVIM‐O‐2
Mason
LIGNEOUS MEMBRANITIS IN A FAMILY OF SCOTTISH TERRIERS
12.35‐12.50
ESVIM‐O‐3
Willems
SCREENING OF APPARENTLY HEALTHY ELDERLY DOGS
14.25‐14.40
ESVIM‐O‐4
Hansson‐Hamlin
ANTINUCLEAR ANTIBODY SPECIFICITY IN DOGS WITH IMMUNE‐MEDIATED RHEUMATIC DISEASE
ISCAID ‐ International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases
Thursday 4 September
09.00‐09.15
ISCAID‐O‐1
Spiri
CLINICAL AND GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION AND VIRUS NEUTRALIZATION PATTERNS OF FELINE
CALICIVIRUS ISOLATES FROM FOUR VIRULENT‐SYSTEMIC DISEASE OUTBREAKS IN CATS IN SWITZERLAND
AND LIECHTENSTEIN
09.15‐09.30
ISCAID‐O‐2
Willi
CASE CONTROL STUDY ON FELINE CALICIVIRUS TO INVESTIGATE RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS
FOR INFECTION
09.30‐09.45
ISCAID‐O‐3
Friedl
EFFICACY OF PASSIVELY TRANSFERRED ANTIBODIES IN CATS WITH ACUTE VIRAL UPPER RESPIRATORY
TRACT INFECTION
09.45‐10.00
ISCAID‐O‐4
Schulz
SAMPLING SITES FOR DETECTION OF FELINE HERPESVIRUS‐1, FELINE CALICIVIRUS, AND CHLAMYDOPHILA
FELIS IN CATS WITH FELINE UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT DISEASE
10.15‐10.30
ISCAID‐O‐5
Schuller
IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL DETECTION OF IGG AND IGM IN LUNG TISSUE OF DOGS WITH LEPTOSPIRAL
PULMONARY HAEMORRHAGE SYNDROME (LPHS)
11.20‐11.35
ISCAID‐O‐6
Knoepfler
CLINICAL, LABORATORY, RADIOLOGICAL FEATURES AND OUTCOME OF 99 DOGS WITH LEPTOSPIROSIS
(2006‐2013)
11.35‐11.50
ISCAID‐O‐7
Buono
CARDIAC AND EXOCRINE PANCREATIC INVOLVEMENT IN DOGS WITH LEPTOSPIROSIS
11.50‐12.05
ISCAID‐O‐8
Mylonakis
MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF BARTONELLA IN DOGS WITH LEISHMANIOSIS (LEISHMANIA INFANTUM)
WITH OR WITHOUT ARTHRITIS
12.05‐12.20
ISCAID‐O‐9
Grellet
RISK FACTORS OF GIARDIA INFECTION AND PATHOGENICITY IN WEANING PUPPIES
ESVCP – European Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology
Thursday 4 September
14.40‐14.55
ESVCP‐O‐1
Giger
FELINE ACUTE INTERMITTENT PORPHYRIA IN NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA: CLINICAL TO MOLECULAR
GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION
15.10‐15.25
ESVCP‐O‐2
Zoia
HAEMOSTATIC FINDINGS OF PLEURAL FLUID: A CROSS‐SECTIONAL STUDY IN 33 DOGS
15.25‐15.40
ESVCP‐O‐3
Zoia
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PLEURAL EFFUSIONS AND PRIMARY HYPERFIBRINOGENO‐LYSIS: A CASE CONTROL
STUDY IN 99 DOGS
15.10‐15.55
ESVCP‐O‐4
Gommeren
INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES AND C‐REACTIVE PROTEIN IN CANINE SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE
SYNDROME
15.55‐16.10
ESVCP‐O‐5
Heilmann
BIOLOGICAL VARIATION OF CANINE CALPROTECTIN CONCENTRATIONS IN SERUM
16.10‐16.25
ESVCP‐O‐6
Koutinas
CORRELATION OF ACUTE PHASE PROTEINS WITH CLINICAL AND LABORATORY PARAMETERS, AND CLINICAL
STAGING IN 80 DOGS WITH LEISHMANIASIS CAUSED BY L. INFANTUN/CHAGASI
16.25‐16.40
ESVCP‐O‐7
Dunning
DEVELOPMENT OF A REMOTE PLATELET P‐SELECTIN TEST FOR DELAYED MEASUREMENT OF PLATELET
FUNCTION IN DOGS AND CATS
ESVCN – European Society of Veterinary Clinical Nutrition
Thursday 4 September
14.25‐14.40
ESVCN‐O‐1
German
THE KINETICS OF WEIGHT LOSS IN OBESE CLIENT‐OWNED DOGS
14.40‐14.55
ESVCN‐O‐2
Söder
METABOLIC AND HORMONAL RESPONSE TO A FEED‐CHALLENGE TEST IN LEAN AND OVERWEIGHT DOGS
14.55‐15.10
ESVCN‐O‐3
Christmann
EFFECTIVENESS OF A NEW DIETETIC WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FOOD TO ACHIEVE WEIGHT LOSS IN CLIENT‐OWNED
OBESE CATS
SCH – Society of Comparative Hepatology
Thursday 4 September
15.10‐15.25
SCH‐O‐1
Dolera
MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY (MRS) IN CANINE HEPATIC ENECEPHALOPATHY DIAGNOSIS
AND MONITORING
15.25‐15.40
SCH‐O‐2
Lecoindre
DIAGNOSTIC COMPARISON OF NEEDLE AND WEDGE LAPAROSCOPIC BIOPSIES IN DOGS:
22 CASES
15.40‐15.55
SCH‐O‐3
Strommer
A PILOT STUDY TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF TRANSCUTANEOUS INDOCYANINE GREEN CLEARANCE
AS LIVER FUNCTION TEST IN CATS AND DOGS
15.55‐16.10
SCH‐O‐4
Rahmani
EVALUATION OF PREPRANDIAL AND POSTPRANDIAL GALLBLADDER VOLUME USING THREE‐DIMENSIONAL
ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN HEALTHY DOGS
VBPS – Veterinary Blood Pressure Society
Thursday 4 September
11.20‐11.35
VBPS‐O‐1
Manczur
COMPARISON OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS IN CONSCIOUS BEAGLES
11.35‐11.50
VBPS‐O‐2
Crosara
SYSTOLIC ARTERIAL PRESSURE MEASURED SIMULTANEOUSLY BY DOPPLER TECHNIQUE, USING FORELIMB
AND HINDLIMB, IN DOGS
11.50‐12.05
VBPS‐O‐3
Elliott
EFFICACY AND CLINICAL SAFETY OF A NEW PALATABLE FORMULATION OF AMLODIPINE IN THE TREATMENT
OF HYPERTENSIVE CATS
12.05‐12.20
VBPS‐O‐4
Elliott
PHARMACODYNAMIC AND PHARMACOKINETIC MODELLING OF AMLODIPINE IN FELINE HYPERTENSIVE
PATIENTS
ESVONC – European Society of Veterinary Oncology
Thursday 4 September
14.25‐14.40
ESVONC‐O‐1
Hergt
APPLICABILITY OF THE ‘KIUPEL’ 2‐TIER GRADING SYSTEM ON CYTOLOGY SPECIMENS IN CANINE
CUTANEOUS MAST CELL TUMOURS
14.40‐14.55
ESVONC‐O‐2
Keller
EVALUATION OF THE JAK2‐STAT5 PATHWAY AS A THERAPEUTIC TARGET IN CANINE MASTOCYTOMAS
14.55‐15.10
ESVONC‐O‐3
Krupa
RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF MASITINIB‐BASED TREATMENT OF SUBCUTANEOUS MAST CELL TUMOURS
IN 25 CHEMO NAÏVE DOGS
15.10‐15.25
ESVONC‐O‐4
Sayag
OUTCOME OF CANINE DIFFUSE LARGE B‐CELL LYMPHOMA DURING CHEMOTHERAPY WITH L‐ASPARAGINASE,
CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE, VINCRISTINE AND PREDNISOLONE (LCOP): 30 CASES (2003 – 2013)
15.25‐15.40
ESVONC‐O‐5
Mason
EPIRUBICIN RESCUE CHEMOTHERAPY IN CANINE HISTIOCYTIC SARCOMA
15.40‐15.55
ESVONC‐O‐6
Queiroga
STUDY OF THE MECHANISMS BEHIND COX‐2 EXPRESSION IN CANINE MELANOCYTIC TUMOURS
15.55‐16.10
ESVONC‐O‐7
Larsen
NEUTER STATUS AND RISK OF CANCER IN A DANISH DOG POPULATION
16.10‐16.25
ESVONC‐O‐8
Vilhena
SERUM ACUTE PHASE PROTEINS IN FELINE MALIGNANT MAMMARY TUMOURS
16.25‐16.40
ESVONC‐O‐9
Martin
ESTABLISHMENT AND CHARACTERISATION OF A NOVEL CANINE HISTIOCYTIC SARCOMA CELL LINE
ESVC – European Society of Veterinary Cardiology
Friday 5 September
14.25‐14.40
ESVC‐O‐1
Rishniw
LEFT ATRIAL FUNCTION DIFFERS BETWEEN DOGS WITH DIFFERENT SEVERITIES OF MYXOMATOUS
MITRAL VALVE DISEASE
14.40‐14.55
ESVC‐O‐2
Menciotti
QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF CANINE MITRAL VALVE IN DOGS USING THREE‐DIMENSIONAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
14.55‐15.10
ESVC‐O‐3
Tidholm
REAL‐TIME 3‐ AND 2‐DIMENSIONAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTIVE REGURGITANT
ORIFICE AREA IN DOGS WITH MYXOMATOUS MITRAL VALVE DISEASE
15.10‐15.25
ESVC‐O‐4
Lu
MICRORNAS EXPRESSION IN CANINE MYXOMATOUS MITRAL VALVE DISEASE
15.25‐15.40
ESVC‐O‐5
Eriksson‐Palojarvi
INCREASED LEFT HEART SIZE PREDICTS RISK OF CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE IN CAVALIER KING
CHARLES SPANIELS WITH MITRAL REGURGITATION CAUSED BY MYXOMATOUS VALVE DISEASE
15.40‐15.55
ESVC‐O‐6
Koutinas
LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF SYSTOLIC ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE IN DOGS WITH VARIOUS STAGES
OF MITRAL VALVE DISEASE.
16.30‐16.45
ESVC‐O‐7
Lee
CAN THE CALCIUM UPTAKE GENES EXPRESSED IN BLOOD REFLECT THE MYOCARDIAL DYSFUNCTION
IN CHRONIC HEART FAILURE?
16.45‐17.00
ESVC‐O‐8
Modler
INCREASED NORMALIZED PULMONARY TRANSIT TIMES AND PULMONARY BLOOD VOLUMES IN CARDIOMYOPATHIC
CATS WITH OR WITHOUT CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
17.00‐17.15
ESVC‐O‐9
Aroch
DIFFERENCE IN PERIPHERAL AND CENTRAL VENOUS BLOOD GLUCOSE CONCENTRATIONS IN ACUTE
ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM IN CATS AND DOGS
Saturday 6 September
09.00‐09.15
ESVC‐O‐10
Dolera
PERIPHERAL GLYCAEMIA IN DOGS WITH LIMB THROMBOSIS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY
09.15‐09.30
ESVC‐O‐11
Roels
RIGHT PULMONARY VEIN TO PULMONARY ARTERY RATIO: A NEW ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC INDEX OF PULMONARY
HYPERTENSION IN WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIERS WITH IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS
09.30‐09.45
ESVC‐O‐12
Abrantes
CHARACTERIZATION AND LONG‐TERM OUTCOME OF VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECTS IN DOGS AND CATS
09.45‐10.00
ESVC‐O‐13
Gouni
TISSUE DOPPLER AND STRAIN IMAGING ALTERATIONS IN AGING PTPLA‐DEFICIENT LABRADOR RETRIEVERS
WITHIN A FRENCH PEDIGREE SEGREGATING CENTRONUCLEAR MYOPATHY
10.00‐10.15
ESVC‐O‐14
Mizuno
MACROSCOPIC EVALUATION OF THE MITRAL VALVE CHORDAE TENDINEAE DURING MITRAL VALVE REPAIR
10.15‐10.30
ESVC‐O‐15
Dickson
TWO‐DIMENSIONAL AORTIC VALVE MEASUREMENTS DIFFER THROUGHOUT DIASTOLE
11.20‐11.35
ESVC‐O‐16
Christiansen
CARDIAC MITOCHONDRIAL AND CYTOSKELETAL CHANGES IN FELINE HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY:
AN ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDY
11.35‐11.50
ESVC‐O‐17
Spalla
CARDIAC MECHANICS IN DOGS WITH PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS: A SHORT TERM SPECKLE‐TRACKING
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY STUDY
11.50‐12.05
ESVC‐O‐18
Yu
PREVALENCE AND PROGNOSIS OF CARDIAC CACHEXIA IN DOGS AFFECTED WITH CHRONIC DEGENERATIVE
MITRAL VALVE DISEASE
12.05‐12.20
ESVC‐O‐19
Lu
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MITRAL VALVE DISEASE IN MALTESE DOGS IN TAIWAN
12.20‐12.35
ESVC‐O‐20
Martinelli
CARDIORENAL SYNDROME IN DOGS WITH CHRONIC VALVULAR HEART DISEASE: A RETROSPECTIVE
STUDY
12.35‐12.50
ESVC‐O‐21
Höglund
BREED DIFFERENCES IN CONCENTRATIONS OF NEUROENDOCRINES AND CORTISOL IN HEALTHY DOGS
ESVE – European Society of Veterinary Endocrinology
Friday 5 September
14.25‐14.40
ESVE‐O‐1
Hrovat Vernik
BEHAVIOUR IN DOGS BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT OF SPONTANEOUS HYPOTHYROIDISM WITH L‐THYROXINE
14.40‐14.55
ESVE‐O‐2
Peterson
OVERT OR SUBCLINICAL IATROGENIC HYPOTHYROIDISM IN CATS: CLINICAL, LABORATORY, AND
THYROID SCINTIGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN 35 CASES
14.55‐15.10
ESVE‐O‐3
Peterson
IATROGENIC FELINE HYPOTHYROIDISM: CHALLENGES AND COMPLEXITIES OF THYROID HORMONE REPLACEMENT
IN CATS
15.10‐15.25
ESVE‐O‐4
Giger
CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM WITH GOITER IN CATS DUE TO A TPO MUTATION
15.25‐15.40
ESVE‐O‐5
Riederer
ASSESSMENT OF A GLUCAGON‐LIKE PEPTIDE‐1 ANALOGUE (EXENATIDE EXTENDED‐RELEASE) IN CATS
WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETES MELLITUS
15.40‐15.55
ESVE‐O‐6
Öhlund
LASER MICRODISSECTION OF PANCREATIC ISLETS ALLOWS FOR QUANTITATIVE REAL‐TIME PCR DETECTION
OF ISLET‐SPECIFIC GENES IN HEALTHY AND DIABETIC CATS
16.30‐16.45
ESVE‐O‐7
Scudder
THE FELINE AIP GENE: THE KEY TO HYPERSOMATOTROPISM TUMORIGENESIS?
16.45‐17.00
ESVE‐O‐8
Kenny
EXPERIENCES OF A NEWLY ESTABLISHED HYPOPHYSECTOMY CLINIC FOR TREATMENT OF FELINE HYPERSOMATOTROPHISM
17.00‐17.15
ESVE‐O‐9
Fracassi
URINARY EXRETION OF CALCIUM AND PHOSPATE IN DOGS WITH PITUITARY DEPENDENT HYPERCORTISOLISM:
CASE CONTROL STUDY IN 167 DOGS
17.15‐17.30
ESVE‐O‐10
Cosgrove
COMPARISON OF FOUR MONITORING METHODS FOR TRILOSTANE TREATMENT OF CANINE HYPERADRENOCORTICISM
17.30‐17.45
ESVE‐O‐11
Hanson
SURVIVAL ANALYSIS OF DOGS WITH ADRENOCORTICAL INSUFFICIENCY
17.45‐18.00
ESVE‐O‐12
Beatrice
MULTIPLE ENDOCRINE NEOPLASIA IN DOGS AND CATS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OVER 10 YEARS
(2004‐2014)
ESCG – European Society of Comparative Gastroenterology
Friday 5 September
14.25‐14.40
ESCG‐O‐1
Bresciani
EFFICACY OF SACCHAROMYCES BOULARDII IN THE TREATMENT OF DOGS WITH CHRONIC ENTEROPATHIES.
RANDOMIZED DOUBLE BLIND PLACEBO‐CONTROL STUDY
14.40‐14.55
ESCG‐O‐2
Jergens
EFFECT OF VSL#3 PROBIOTIC STRAINS ON THE INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA IN CANINE INFLAMMATORY
BOWEL DISEASE
14.55‐15.10
ESCG‐O‐3
Schmitz
TREATMENT WITH THE PROBIOTIC ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM IN DOGS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL
DISEASE: EFFECT ON MICROBIOME COMPOSITION
15.10‐15.25
ESCG‐O‐4
Pomba
RISK FACTORS FOR FAECAL COLONIZATION WITH ESCHERICHIA COLI PRODUCING EXTENDED‐SPECTRUM
AND PLASMID‐MEDIATED AMPC BETA‐LACTAMASES IN DOGS WITHOUT ANTIMICROBIAL PRESSURE
15.25‐15.40
ESCG‐O‐5
Allenspach
LONG‐TERM RELAPSE RATE, COMPLIANCE AND CLINICAL SEVERITY IN DOGS DIAGNOSED WITH CHRONIC
ENTEROPATHIES (29 CASES)
15.40‐15.55
ESCG‐O‐6
Tappin
THE USE OF MULTIFACTORIAL ANALYSIS FOR THE DETECTION OF PANCREATITIS IN DOGS
16.30‐16.45
ESCG‐O‐7
Dunning
THE USE OF FAECAL LACTOFERRIN AS A MARKER OF INTESTINAL INFLAMMATION IN DOGS WITH
CHRONIC ENTEROPATHY
16.45‐17.00
ESCG‐O‐8
Grellet
COMPARISON OF FECAL S100A12 AND FECAL CALPROTECTIN CONCENTRATIONS AS INDICATORS OF
DISEASE ACTIVITY IN DOGS WITH CHRONIC DIARRHEA
17.00‐17.15
ESCG‐O‐9
Williams
ORAL COBALAMIN SUPPLEMENTATION EFFECTIVELY RAISES SERUM COBALAMIN CONCENTRATION IN
GERIATRIC CATS WITH IDIOPATHIC MALABSORPTION, BUT CONCENTRATIONS DECREASE RAPIDLY
FOLLOWING CESSATION OF SUPPLEMENTATION
ESVNU – European Society of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology
Saturday 6 September
09.00‐09.15
ESVNU‐O‐1
Ghys
BIOLOGICAL VALIDATION OF FELINE CYSTATIN C: THE EFFECT OF BREED, AGE AND GENDER AND
ESTABLISHMENT OF A REFERENCE INTERVAL
09.15‐09.30
ESVNU‐O‐2
Steinbach
A PILOT STUDY TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF TRANSCUTANEOUS GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE
MEASUREMENT USING FLUORESCENCE‐MARKED SINISTRIN IN DOGS AND CATS
09.45‐10.00
ESVNU‐O‐4
Williams
INITIAL EVALUATION OF AUTOMATED URINARY ALBUMIN: CREATININE RATIO (UAC) AND URINARY
CYSTATIN C: CREATININE RATIO (UCYSC) AS SCREENING TESTS FOR THE DETECTION OF AZOTAEMIC
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN CATS
10.00‐10.15
ESVNU‐O‐5
Sewell
CYSTINURIA IN KROMFOHRLÄNDER DOGS
10.15‐10.30
ESVNU‐O‐6
Baril
URETERAL CALCULI IN CATS: RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF SIGNALMENT, CLINICAL DATA, MEDICAL
MANAGEMENT AND SHORT‐TERM OUTCOME IN 83 CASES (2005 – 2013)
11.20‐11.35
ESVNU‐O‐7
Taffin
SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE AND RENAL DISEASE IN CLINICALLY ILL CATS NATURALLY INFECTED
WITH FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS
11.35‐11.50
ESVNU‐O‐8
Dorsch
EVALUATION OF FIRST‐LINE ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CATS
WITH AND WITHOUT DOCUMENTED COMORBIDITIES
11.50‐12.05
ESVNU‐O‐9
Marques
EMERGENCE OF MULTIDRUG‐RESISTANT BACTERIA CAUSING URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN COMPANION
ANIMALS: A 14‐YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IN PORTUGAL
12.05‐12.20
ESVNU‐O‐10
Pelander
INCIDENCE‐ AND MORTALITY RATES OF KIDNEY DISEASE IN A LARGE POPULATION OF INSURED
SWEDISH DOGS
LIST OF POSTER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
ESVIM – European Society of Veterinary Internal Medicine
ESVIM‐P‐1
Lilja‐Maula
ACTIVIN B, BUT NOT ACTIVIN A, IS UPREGULATED IN LUNGS OF WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIERS
WITH CANINE IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS
ESVIM‐P‐2
Bremer
MORBIDITY IN THE NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLING RETRIEVER WITH A FOCUS ON IMMUNE‐MEDIATED
DISEASE
ESVIM‐P‐3
Viitanen
VIRAL CO‐INFECTIONS IN DOGS WITH BACTERIAL PNEUMONIA
ESVIM‐P‐4
Lin
CAUSES OF CANINE ANEMIA IN TAIWAN: A FIVE‐YEAR RETROSPECTIVE SURVEY
ESVIM‐P‐5
Canonne‐Guibert
DETECTION OF MYCOPLASMA CANIS AND MYCOPLASMA CYNOS BY SPECIFIC QUANTITATIVE POLYMERASE
CHAIN REACTION ASSAYS IN THE BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE FLUID IN DOGS INFECTED WITH BORDETELLA
BRONCHISEPTICA
ESVIM‐P‐6
Canonne‐Guibert
DETECTION OF BORDETELLA BRONCHISEPTICA, MYCOPLASMA CANIS AND MYCOPLASMA CYNOS BY SPECIFIC
QUANTITATIVE POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION ASSAYS IN THE BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE FLUID
OF DOGS WITH EOSINOPHILIC BRONCHOPNEUMOPATHY
ISCAID ‐ International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases
ISCAID‐P‐1
Monteiro Carvalho Mori Cunha
MORPHOLOGICAL RENAL LESIONS IN DOGS SEROPOSITIVE FOR CANINE VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS
ISCAID‐P‐2
Chirek
PREVALENCE OF ANAPLASMA PHAGOCYTOPHILUM IN HEALTHY CANINE BLOOD DONORS
ISCAID‐P‐3
Fernandez Aragones
STUDY OF RISK FACTORS IN CATS WITH URTD, CONJUNCTIVITIS AND CHRONIC GINGIVOSTOMATITIS
IN SPAIN
ISCAID‐P‐4
Pomba
HIGH FREQUENCY OF COLONIZATION BY METHICILLIN‐RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCI IN HEALTHY HUMANS
IN DAILY CONTACT WITH ANIMALS IN PORTUGAL
ISCAID‐P‐5
Weingart
INFECTION WITH HEMOPLASMA SPECIES IN 17 CATS WITH ANEMIA
ISCAID‐P‐6
Liu
CLINICAL APPLICATION OF PORCINE ANTI CDV ANTIBODY SUBUNIT F(AB’)2 IN CANINE DISTEMPER
DOGS
ESVCP – European Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology
ESVCP‐P‐1
Stiller
VALIDATION OF A NEW SANDWICH‐ELISA TO MEASURE FELINE HAPTOGLOBIN
ESVCP‐P‐2
Roels
VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR: A BLOOD BIOMARKER IN CANINE IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY
FIBROSIS?
ESVCP‐P‐3
Rose
COMPARISON OF TOTAL PROTEIN CONCENTRATIONS IN PLEURAL AND ABDOMINAL FLUID IN DOGS
ANALYSED WITH A REFRACTOMETER AND USING PENTRA 400 ®
ESVCP‐P‐4
Giger
WELSH SPRINGER SPANIELS WITH COAGULATION FACTOR VII DEFICIENCY FROM FINLAND
ESVCP‐P‐5
Garden
BREED‐SPECIFIC HAEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PHENOTYPES IN THE DOMESTIC DOG
ESVCN – European Society of Veterinary Clinical Nutrition
ESVCN‐P‐1
Christmann
EFFECTIVENESS OF A NEW DIETETIC WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FOOD TO ACHIEVE WEIGHT LOSS IN CLIENT‐OWNED
OBESE DOGS
SCH – Society of Comparative Hepatology
VBPS – Veterinary Blood Pressure Society
ESVONC – European Society of Veterinary Oncology
ESVONC‐P‐1
Borschensky
CYSTIC PANCREATIC NEOPLASIA IN CATS
ESVONC‐P‐2
Queiroga
ROLE OF CYCLOOXIGENASE‐2 IN PROGNOSIS OF CANINE MAST CELL TUMOURS
ESVONC‐P‐3
Kleiter
RADIOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF 32 CANINE SUBCUTANEOUS SOFT TISSUE SARCOMAS
ESVONC‐P‐4
Mclean
ONCEPT® VACCINATION IN 34 DOGS ‐ THE SOUTH AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
ESVC – European Society of Veterinary Cardiology
ESVC‐P‐1
Szatmári
PUPPIES WITH AN INNOCENT CARDIAC MURMUR HAVE LOWER HEMATOCRIT
ESVC‐P‐2
Kvart
CARDIAC MURMURS IN NORMAL SIBERIAN HUSKY DOGS
ESVC‐P‐3
Swift
INVESTIGATION OF NT‐PROBNP POINT‐OF‐CARE ELISA ASSAY IN CLINICALLY NORMAL FELINE PATIENTS
ESVC‐P‐4
Caivano
LEFT ATRIAL FUNCTION DETERMINED BY 2‐DIMENSIONAL SPECKLE TRACKING ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
IDENTIFIES DOGS WITH CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE SECONDARY TO MITRAL VALVE DISEASE
ESVC‐P‐5
Lehtinen
BREED‐SPECIFIC REFERENCE RANGES FOR ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN SALUKIS
ESVC‐P‐6
Mocanu
ANALYSIS OF THE P WAVE DURATION IN ATRIAL REMODELING VS. AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
DYSFUNCTION IN DOGS
ESVC‐P‐7
Quintavalla
TRANSTHORACIC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN CLINICALLY HEALTHY ADULT NEWFOUNDLAND DOGS: REFERENCE
VALUES FOR THE BREED
ESVC‐P‐8
Roels
CORRELATION BETWEEN THORACIC CT‐SCAN ANGIOGRAPHY FINDINGS AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC RIGHT
PULMONARY VEIN TO PULMONARY ARTERY RATIO IN WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIERS WITH IDIOPATHIC
PULMONARY FIBROSIS
ESVC‐P‐9
Wiley
EFFECT OF A BASIC TRAINING PROGRAM ON EMERGENCY CLINICIAN ACCURACY TO SEMI‐QUANTITATIVELY
ASSESS
THORACIC AND CARDIAC STRUCTURES USING FOCUSED CARDIAC ULTRASOUND (FOCUS)
ESVE – European Society of Veterinary Endocrinology
ESVE‐P‐1
Horspool
PREVALENCE OF HYPERTHYROIDISM IN PORTUGUESE CATS
ESVE‐P‐2
Rito Brandao
ESTABLISHMENT OF A PROTOCOL FOR THE ISOLATION OF PURE PANCREATIC ISLETS OF LANGERHANS
IN CATS
ESVE‐P‐3
Hambrook
NESIDIOBLASTOSIS IN A CAT
ESVE‐P‐4
Vilhena
FELINE HYPERTHYROIDISM IN PORTUGAL
ESVE‐P‐5
Brito‐Casillas
EVIDENCE OF AUTOIMMUNITY IN A POPULATION OF DIABETIC DOGS FROM THE CANARY ISLANDS
ESVE‐P‐6
Hoffrogge
COMPARISON OF THE PLASMA CORTISOL‐DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE‐RATIO IN HEALTHY DOGS AND
DOGS WITH HYPERADRENOCORTICISM
ESVE‐P‐7
Wehner
PREVALENCE OF FELINE HYPERTHYROIDISM AND INTRINSIC RISK FACTORS IN A CLINIC POPULATION
IN SOUTHERN GERMANY
ESVE‐P‐8
Rosca
ENHANCED DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM FOR FELINE DIABETES MELLITUS
ESCG – European Society of Comparative Gastroenterology
ESCG‐P‐1
Steiner
ANALYTICAL COMPARISON OF NEWLY INTRODUCED COMMERCIAL ASSAYS FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF
CANINE AND FELINE PANCREATIC LIPASE IMMUNOREACTIVITY (CPLI AND FPLI) TO ESTABLISHED
ASSAYS
ESCG‐P‐2
Grellet
EFFECT OF AGE, BREED SIZE AND ENTEROPATHOGEN INFECTION ON FECAL IMMUNOGLOBULIN A CONCENTRATIONS
IN WEANING PUPPIES
ESCG‐P‐3
Mougeot
A VERY LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT POULTRY FEATHER HYDROLYZED‐BASED EXTRUDED DIET ALLOWS
IDIOPATHIC CANINE IBD CLINICAL MANAGEMENT WITHOUT IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE TREATMENT: A 13
CASE PROSPECTIVE PILOT STUDY.
ESCG‐P‐4
Wang
ESTABLISHMENT OF SEVERITY SCORING SYSTEM FOR OUTCOME PREDICTION IN CATS WITH PANCREATITIS
ESCG‐P‐5
Unterer
GENOTYPING OF CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS ISOLATES FROM EIGHT DOGS WITH ACUTE HAEMORRAGHIC
DIARRHOEA SYNDROME
ESCG‐P‐6
Volkmann
CHRONIC DIARRHEA IN DOGS: A COMPARISON OF DOGS WITH INTESTINAL LYMPHOMA AND INFLAMMATORY
ENTEROPATHIES
ESCG‐P‐7
Grützner
EFFECT OF HYDROCORTISONE ON SERUM ALPHA1‐PROTEINASE INHIBITOR CONCENTRATIONS IN HEALTHY
DOGS
ESCG‐P‐8
Gerou‐Ferriani
SERUM CITRULLINE AS A NOVEL MARKER OF CHRONIC ENTEROPATHY IN DOGS
ESCG‐P‐9
Dandrieux
DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSION OF CALPROTECTIN AND CD163 IN CANINE INTESTINE
ESCG‐P‐10
Baumgart
FINAL DIAGNOSES IN 155 DOGS WITH CHRONIC VOMITING AND/OR DIARRHEA
ESCG‐P‐11
Hanifeh
CHARACTERIZATION OF MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE‐2 AND ‐9 IN INTESTINAL MUCOSA OF CLINICALLY
HEALTHY DOGS
ESCG‐P‐12
Bernardin
SPONTANEOUS GASTROINTESTINAL PERFORATION IN 13 CATS
ESCG‐P‐13
Bojanic
WHOLE‐GENOME ANALYSES OF CAMPYLOBACTER UPSALIENSIS AND C. HELVETICUS ISOLATED FROM
DOGS AND CATS AND IN SILICO INVESTIGATION OF THEIR PATHOGENIC POTENTIALS
ESCG‐P‐14
Hanifeh
DETERMINATION OF S100A12 AND MYELOPEROXIDASE LEVELS WITHIN INTESTINAL MUCOSA OF CLINICALLY
HEALTHY BEAGLE DOGS
ESVNU – European Society of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology
ESVNU‐P‐1
Alferez‐Reyes
IS DISTAL RENAL TUBULAR ACIDOSIS UNDERDIAGNOSED IN DOGS PRESENTING WITH IMHA?
ESVNU‐P‐2
Scarpa
PREVALENCE OF PROTEINURIA IN CATS AFFECTED WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
ESVNU‐P‐3
Scarpa
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN DOGS AND CATS: URINE CULTURE VERSUS URINALYSIS
ESVNU‐P‐4
Harada
THE EVALUATION OF RENAL FUNCTION AFTER MITRAL VALVE REPAIR IN DOGS
ESVNU‐P‐5
Williams
VALIDATION OF A HIGH PERFORMANCE CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS METHOD FOR MEASUREMENT
OF GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE BY SERUM IOHEXOL CLEARANCE IN DOGS
ORALS
ESCG‐O‐1
EFFICACY OF SACCHAROMYCES BOULARDII IN THE TREATMENT OF DOGS WITH CHRONIC ENTEROPATHIES.
RANDOMIZED DOUBLE BLIND PLACEBO‐CONTROL STUDY
F. Bresciani, S. d'Angelo, F. Fracassi, R. Galuppi, A. Diana, N. Linta, G. Bettini,
M. Morini, M. Pietra
University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'emilia (bo), Italy
Saccharomyces boulardii (Sb)is a non‐pathogenic yeast used in the prevention and treatment
of gastrointestinal disorders in human beings and horses. The aim of this study was
to evaluate the effect of Sb in healthy dogs and dogs with chronic enteropathies (CE).
Sb was formulated in 10x109 CFU capsules. Its concentration and viability within the
capsules was controlled by yeast culture in subsequent steps until expiration date.
Four healthy dogs (HD) and 18 dogs with CE (10 inflammatory bowel disease ‐ IBD, 8
protein losing enteropathy ‐ PLE) were included. In HD Sb was administered for 10 days
(1x109 CFU/kg BID); daily clinical evaluation was performed to assess possible adverse
effects and quantitative stool cultures for yeasts were performed before, during and
after the administration. In dogs with CE a randomized double blind placebo‐control
study was performed, administering Sb (1x109 CFU/kg BID) or placebo (Pl). Sb or Pl
administration was added to standard therapeutic protocols (diet, antibiotics and
immunosuppressive drugs), to evaluate its efficacy for the treatment of IBD and PLE.
Complete blood work, abdominal ultrasonography, gastro‐duodenal and colon endoscopy
and histopathological evaluation of intestinal samples were performed at diagnosis
and after 60 days of treatment. Validated score system for the clinical signs (CECCAI),
ultrasonography, endoscopy and histopathology were applied. Significance was set for
P < 0.05. Results in HD showed the absence of Sb in the faeces before treatment, its
presence after one day, its steady state (10x107 CFU/g) after 5 days and its complete
elimination 4 days after withdrawal of treatment. No adverse effects were reported.
In CE dogs the clinical score improved significantly in dogs receiving Sb compared
to dogs receiving Pl (P = 0.009). In PLE dogs the albumin concentration increased
significantly (P = 0.034) in the group receiving Sb with respect to Pl. The daily
frequency of defecation in the Sb group was significantly lower with respect to Pl
after 45 (P = 0.032) and 60 (P = 0.004) days of treatment. No statistical differences
were found between dogs receiving Sb and Pl after treatment, based on the endoscopic
evaluation of duodenum and colon. No statistical differences were found between the
two groups on the duodenal ultrasonographic and histological evaluation after treatment.
In conclusion, Sb can be safely used in dogs with CE, in addition to standard treatment,
to achieve a better control of clinical signs and a significant increase in albumin
concentration compared to the standard therapy alone.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESCG‐O‐2
EFFECT OF VSL#3 PROBIOTIC STRAINS ON THE INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA IN CANINE INFLAMMATORY
BOWEL DISEASE
R.S. White1, G. Rossi2, T. Atherly3, C. Webb4, S. Hill5, J.M. Steiner6, J.S. Suchodolski6,
A.E. Jergens
1
1Iowa State University, Ames, United States of America2University of Camerino, Camerino,
Italy3USDA‐ARS, Ames, United States of America4Colorado State University, Fort collins,
United States of America5Veterinary Specialty Hospital, San diego, United States of
America6GI Laboratory Texas A&M University, College station, United States of America
Canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune‐mediated enteropathy likely triggered
by environmental and immunoregulatory factors in genetically susceptible dogs. Previous
studies suggest a pivotal role for gut bacteria in disease pathogenesis since luminal
microbial composition is markedly altered (ie, dysbiosis) at diagnosis. Probiotic
bacteria appear to be therapeutically effective in some forms of human IBD. Controlled
studies evaluating the efficacy of probiotic therapy for canine IBD have not been
previously reported. The aim of the present study was to characterize the mucosa‐associated
microbiota and determine the clinical, microbiological, and mucosal homeostatic effects
of orally administered VSL#3 probiotics in dogs with IBD. Twenty dogs diagnosed with
moderate‐to‐severe IBD (CIBDAI score > 5) were randomized to receive standard therapy
(ie, elimination diet and glucocorticoids) with or without probiotic VSL#3. The mucosal
microbiota from endoscopic intestinal biopsies of IBD dogs and controls was evaluated
by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) targeting the 16S rRNA genes of total
bacteria, group‐specific organisms, and individual bacterial species shown to be relevant
in human IBD. Epithelial tight junction protein (TJP) expression was studied using
immunohistochemistry. Clinical signs and changes in mucosal microbiota and TJP expression
were assessed before and after probiotic VSL#3 therapy. IBD dogs showed a reduction
in GI signs following 8 weeks of probiotic therapy compared with baseline CIBDAI scores
(P < 0.05). Adherent and sporadic invasive bacteria (EUB) were observed in the small
intestines and colon of healthy dogs. The diseased canine duodenum was nearly bacteria‐free.
IBD dogs given probiotic VSL #3 had altered spatial redistribution of most bacterial
groups in the mucus and adherent compartments of the colon. Subset analysis showed
that Lactobacilli were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the lumen and mucus post‐VSL
#3, while the number of mucus laden Bifidobacteria approached significance (P = 0.08).
Expression of TJP showed that occludin was significantly lower in control intestines
as compared to duodenal and colonic mucosa obtained from IBD dogs that received probiotic
(P = 0.008 and P = 0.01, respectively). In contrast, claudin‐2 expression in the colon
was significantly higher (P < 0.002) in control dogs versus VSL #3 treated IBD dogs.
Our data demonstrate that probiotic VSL#3 alters some of the mucosa‐associated microbiota
in dogs with IBD. These probiotic changes in bacterial composition are associated
with up‐regulated TJP expression indicative of enhanced epithelial barrier integrity,
similar to VSL#3‐induced disease protection seen in human IBD.
Conflicts of interest
The probiotics used in the trial were supplied free of charge by the manufacturer.
ESCG‐O‐3
TREATMENT WITH THE PROBIOTIC ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM IN DOGS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL
DISEASE: EFFECT ON MICROBIOME COMPOSITION
S. Schmitz
1, J.S. Suchodolski3, B.C. Guard3, J.M. Steiner3, D. Werling2, K. Allenspach1
1Royal Veterinary College, Department of Clinical Sciences and Services1, and Department
of Pathology and Infectious Diseases2, London, United Kingdom3Gastrointestinal Laboratory,
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College Station, Texas, United States
of America
Canine Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is thought to be partially caused by an aberrant
immune response towards the intestinal microbiome. In humans and mice, administration
of probiotics can alleviate IBD severity and/or prevent relapse by induction of a
more “tolerant”microenvironment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect
of probiotic Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415 E1707 (EF) on intestinal microbiome
composition. Dogs were recruited to receive EF at 1x10e8 cfu in a double‐blinded,
placebo‐controlled manner in addition to an exclusion diet (hydrolysed protein). Seven
dogs were included in the probiotics group and 5 dogs in the placebo group. All dogs
improved clinically after treatment, however, there was no obvious effect on clinical
severity in those that received probiotics. Fresh naturally voided faecal samples
were collected from all dogs before and after treatment, snap‐frozen in liquid nitrogen
and stored at ‐ 80°C until further analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted from each faecal
sample using the Mobio Power soil DNA isolation Kit (MoBio Laboratories), as recommended
by the manufacturer. Next generation sequencing was performed on the Ion‐Torrent[TRADEMARK]
(Life Technologies) platform based upon the V1‐V3 region (E. coli position 27‐519)
of the 16S rRNA gene with the following primers: forward 28F: GAGTTTGATCNTGGCTCAG
and reverse 519R: GTNTTACNGCGGCKGCTG. Raw sequence data were screened, trimmed, filtered,
and chimera depleted with default settings using the QIIME pipeline version 1.8 and
UCHIME software, in which microbiome composition between treatment groups before and
after treatment was compared.
Microbiota composition was not significantly different between probiotic and placebo
treatment groups, and did not change significantly before and after treatment. However,
there was large individual variability in the microbiome composition. Species richness
of faecal samples increased after treatment in both groups, but was only statistically
significant in the probiotic treatment group.
In conclusion, probiotic treatment in dogs with IBD leads to a significantly increased
richness of the faecal bacterial microbiome. A possible additional effect of the change
of diet cannot be excluded. Further studies should investigate microbiomic changes
in healthy dogs fed the same diet to assess if similar changes in the fecal microbiome
occur due to dietary changes alone.
Conflicts of interest
This study is based on a PhD supported by Probiotics Ltd., Somerset, UK (the manufacturer
of the probiotic product Enterococcus faecium mentioned in this study).
ESCG‐O‐4
RISK FACTORS FOR FAECAL COLONIZATION WITH ESCHERICHIA COLI PRODUCING EXTENDED‐SPECTRUM
AND PLASMID‐MEDIATED AMPC BETA‐LACTAMASES IN DOGS WITHOUT ANTIMICROBIAL PRESSURE
C. Pomba, A. Belas, A.S.S. Salazar, L. Telo Da Gama, N. Couto
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lisboa, Portugal
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors for faecal carriage
of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamases (ESBL) and plasmidic AmpC beta‐lactamases (pAmpC)
E. coli‐producers in healthy dogs.
A 3‐month cross‐sectional study was conducted at a private hospital in Lisbon, Portugal
and 151 rectal swabs were obtained from healthy dogs. The dogs included in the study
were healthy with no history of antimicrobial consumption in the previous month. ESBL
and pAmpC genes were detected by PCR and were sequenced. Potential risk factors for
ESBL‐ and pAmpC‐producing E. coli faecal carriage were obtained through a questionnaire
to the owner regarding reason for veterinary visit, hospitalisation and antimicrobial
treatment within the last year, habitat (shelter, dog breeders and private owner),
cohabitation with other animals, street access, kennel/hotel access, age and gender.
Data were analysed by SAS software (version 9.3; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, N.C.) and
logistic regression models were used.
Rectal swabs obtained from 151 healthy dogs yielded 131 positive samples for E. coli.
About 15% of the isolates carried ESBL genes (blaCTX‐M‐32 n = 8, blaCTX‐M‐15 n = 5,
blaCTX‐M‐1 n = 3, blaCTX‐M‐9‐like n = 4) and 20% carried pAmpC genes (blaCMY‐2 n = 23,
blaCMY‐2‐like n = 2, blaDHA‐1 n = 1). Thirteen dogs carried an E. coli isolate with
both an ESBL and a pAmpC gene.
Dogs previously treated with antimicrobials within the last year were at higher risk
of carrying at least one ß‐lactamase (P = 0.003; OR = 7.85; CI 95%: 1.99‐30.89) or
both ß‐lactamases (P = 0.020; OR = 5.18; CI 95%: 1.29‐20.81) than non‐treated dogs.
Dogs in shelters/breeders tended to show a higher incidence of ESBL‐ producing E.
coli (P = 0.069; OR = 3.17; CI 95%: 0.91‐11.01) or at least one ß‐lactamase producing
E. coli (P = 0.050; OR = 2.65; CI 95%: 1.00‐7.03) than dogs from private owners. Males
tended to be less likely to carry at least one ß‐lactamase (ESBL or pAmpC) (P = 0.060;
OR = 0.42; CI 95%: 0.17‐1.04) or a pAmpC enzyme (P = 0.017; OR = 0.28; CI 95%: 0.10‐0.80)
than females. This study suggests that dogs may act as reservoirs for resistant bacteria,
namely for cephalosporin‐resistant E. coli. Three potential risk factors associated
with the carriage of ESBL‐ and/or pAmpC‐producing E. coli by dogs were identified,
which is important for the implementation of effective control measures and judicious
antimicrobial therapy.
Conflicts of interest
Dr Pomba currently receives research funding from the government and national programmes
(Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia). In the past, she has occasionally received
research support or honoraria for lectures from pharmaceutical companies including
Zoetis and Atral Cipan. She is vice‐chair of the Antimicrobial Working Party (AWP)
and member of the Antimicrobial Advice ad hoc Expert group (AMEG) of the European
Medicines Agency (EMA).
ESCG‐O‐5
LONG‐TERM RELAPSE RATE, COMPLIANCE AND CLINICAL SEVERITY IN DOGS DIAGNOSED WITH CHRONIC
ENTEROPATHIES (29 CASES)
K. Allenspach, S. Aflalo, F. Procoli
Royal Veterinary College, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Services,
London, United Kingdom
There are few reports in the literature reporting long‐term relapse rate, owner compliance
and clinical severity of dogs with chronic enteropathies. The goal of this study was
to compare clinical activity index (CCECAI), number of relapses and compliance rates
1‐3 years after diagnosis.
Food‐responsive disease (FRD) was defined as dogs that responded to elimination diet
alone within 2 weeks after initiating therapy, whereas antibiotic‐responsive disease
(ARD) dogs had an unsuccessful dietary trial before and responded to metronidazole
within 2 weeks after initiation of therapy, and steroid‐responsive disease (SRD)dogs
had an unsuccessful dietary and antimicrobial trial before, and required immunosuppressive
therapy to control their clinical signs. CCECAI was extracted from the medical record
database at 1‐3 years after diagnosis. Relapse rate was obtained by requesting the
medical records of the referring veterinarians and defined as number of return visits
to the referring practice after diagnosis. Compliance data was obtained by telephone
questionnaire to the owners.
The FRD group consisted of 21/29 dogs (72%), whereas the ARD and SRD groups consisted
of 4 (10%) and 5 dogs (17%), respectively. There was a significant difference in CCECAI
at follow‐up between FRD and ARD, and FRD and SRD (median CCECAI 1.8 (range 0‐5) for
FRD, 5 (range 0‐ 8) for ARD, and 4.5 (range 0‐8) for SRD, p = 0.01). For the FRD dogs,
43% of owners stated that they deviated from the prescription diet on a daily basis,
24% once a week, and 5% once a month, with a median CCECAI at the time of deviation
from the diet of 4.8 (range 2‐8). Relapse rate was highest for the ARD group, when
compared to FRD and SRD (10 for ARD, 1.7 for FRD, and 4.7 for SRD, p = 0.004). In
the FRD group, 17/21 dogs had been kept on the prescribed diets, and 4 dogs had been
changed to supermarket brands. All of the ARD dogs had been given immunosuppressive
treatment in addition to antibiotics at the time of follow‐up, while 4/5 SRD dogs
were still on immunosuppressive treatments, with one dog being in remission with dietary
treatment alone.
In conclusion, this pilot study indicates that compliance rate for FRD dogs is the
lowest, with owners willing to tolerate the highest severity of clinical signs related
to deviation from the prescription diet. ARD dogs had the highest relapse rate in
this cohort, indicating poor response to treatment in the long‐term.
Conflicts of interest
Dr Allenspach has received research funding from BBSRC, American Kennel Club, Comparative
Gastroenterology Society, Probiotics Ltd UK, Laboklin GmBH Germany, and Bioiberica
Sp. she has also undertaken paid consultancy work for Bioiberica Spain and Hoffmann‐Laroche,
Switzerland.
ESCG‐O‐6
THE USE OF MULTIFACTORIAL ANALYSIS FOR THE DETECTION OF PANCREATITIS IN DOGS
K.J. Slater
1, S. Tappin2, R. Foale2, I. Alexandrakis1
1Avacta Animal Health, Wetherby, United Kingdom2Dick White Referrals, Six mile bottom,
United Kingdom
Despite the high prevalence of canine pancreatitis in post‐mortem studies and the
introduction of new diagnostic tests, it is believed that the disease, particularly
in its chronic form, remains under recognised due to the non‐specific nature of presenting
signs. Histology is considered to be the gold standard for diagnosis of canine pancreatitis,
however, most clinicians are reluctant to take pancreatic biopsies due to significant
risks to the patient.
Numerous serum markers have been reported to be elevated in canine pancreatitis, although
most lack sensitivity or specificity. Consequently, confirmed diagnosis requires results
from a range of tests including imaging, serum biochemistry and physical examination.
We and others have previously shown in other diseases that performance of individual
low specificity markers can be dramatically improved by combining data from multiple
markers with clinical information using analytical algorithms. We therefore applied
this approach to the detection of pancreatitis in dogs.
The activity of two non‐specific biomarkers, amylase and lipase, was determined in
132 serum samples from dogs suspected of having pancreatitis by their veterinarian.
Of these samples 42 were positive by virtue of their pancreatic lipase (cPLi) results
(cPLi > 200 ug/l). The amylase and lipase data was then used to develop a series of
algorithms using mathematical data mining and classification techniques. Additional
algorithms were developed using extra parameters including age, sex, vomiting, diarrhoea
and abdominal pain in addition to the two enzyme levels. The performance of the algorithms
was assessed using 27 separate blinded serum samples taken from dogs which were scored
clinically for acute pancreatitis according to the system described by McCord et al
(J Vet Intern Med 2012;26:888‐896). These cases presented for evaluation with vomiting,
diarrhoea, inappetance and abdominal pain and were included if a clinical history,
results of routine haematology, biochemistry, cPLi assay and abdominal ultrasound
were available.
The results of the multifactorial analysis and cPLi assay results were compared to
the clinical scores. Using amylase and lipase data alone, the algorithm gave a sensitivity
of 81.8% and specificity of 93.3%, compared to cPLi results for the same samples of
63.6% and 86.7% respectively when both methods were referred to clinical scoring.
When the presence of additional clinic data was also included into the algorithm,
the sensitivity increased to 90.9% with specificity of 100%.
The data suggests that test performance for canine pancreatitis can be dramatically
improved when multiple diagnostic parameters are combined using disease specific algorithms.
Conflicts of interest
The author receives a salary as Editor of the BSAVA journal Companion, and has undertaken
unrelated paid consultancies for Bayer and Merial. The author also receives a salary
from Avacta Animal Health, and duties involved working directly on this project.
ESCG‐O‐7
THE USE OF FAECAL LACTOFERRIN AS A MARKER OF INTESTINAL INFLAMMATION IN DOGS WITH
CHRONIC ENTEROPATHY
M. Dunning
1, S. Hulme2, D. Walker3, H.L. Jenkins4, N.H. Bexfield2, R. Bettencourt5, J.H. Boone5
1University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, United Kingdom2School of Veterinary Medicine
and Science, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom3Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists,
Winchester, United Kingdom4School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, United
Kingdom5TechLab, Inc, Blacksburg, va, United States of America
Canine chronic enteropathy (CCE) can cause significant long‐term morbidity. In some
cases this is due to intestinal inflammation, resulting from idiopathic inflammatory
bowel disease (IBD). Currently, the diagnosis of idiopathic IBD and assessment of
disease severity relies on results of subjective clinical indices, laboratory data,
diagnostic imaging and intestinal histopathology, whilst ruling out known causes of
inflammation. In humans with IBD, a number of faecal biomarkers including lactoferrin,
aid with diagnosis and determining disease activity. It may therefore be valuable
to develop similar non‐invasive objective methods to aid diagnosis and clinical assessment
of disease severity in dogs with intestinal inflammation due to idiopathic IBD.
This pilot study aimed to measure faecal lactoferrin concentration (FLC) in dogs with
CCE and histologically confirmed intestinal inflammation (HCII) and to compare this
with control dogs. In addition, the FLC in dogs with HCII would be compared with the
canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index (CIBDAI) and WSAVA standard histopathological
criteria for intestinal inflammation to determine whether there was correlation between
these methods when assessing disease severity.
Faecal samples were obtained from dogs with HCII (n = 13) having undergone investigation
for CCE (serum biochemistry, complete blood count, full faecal and urinalysis, serum
cobalamin, quantitative cPLI, abdominal ultrasound and intestinal biopsies). The control
population were dogs presented for reasons unrelated to CCE (n = 7). Analysis was
carried out using a faecal lactoferrin ELISA previously validated in dogs (TechLab,
USA).
The FLC in dogs with HCII (median 9.79 μg/g ‐ range 0.47 to 150.2) was significantly
higher than control dogs (median 0.75 μg/g ‐ range 0.12‐4.14) (P < 0.003). A cut‐off
FLC of 4.5 μg/g correctly identified 10/13 (77%) of dogs with HCII. Using this cut‐off,
there was no overlap between non‐CCE dogs FLC and the HCII group; giving a sensitivity
of 76% and specificity of 100%. Neither the presence of neutrophils nor the extent
of inflammation on histopathology showed significant correlation with FLC. The CIBDAI
showed moderate correlation with FLC in dogs with HCII (r = 0.79, P = 0.05).
The results of this pilot study suggest that FLC is able to discriminate between dogs
with CCE due to HCII and dogs without CCE. It is possible that incorporating FLC into
a panel of faecal biomarkers will enable non‐invasive assessment of HCII and could
serve as an adjunct to current measures of disease severity in dogs with idiopathic
IBD.
Conflicts of interest
Ryan Bettencourt and James Boone are employees of TechLab, USA.
They provided the ELISA kits free of charge for this work.
There was no other incentive provided and the results have been openly discussed between
all parties.
There has been no censorship placed on the results by TechLab and they have been supportive
of the work and submission of this abstract.
There are no other conflicts to disclose.
ESCG‐O‐8
COMPARISON OF FECAL S100A12 AND FECAL CALPROTECTIN CONCENTRATIONS AS INDICATORS OF
DISEASE ACTIVITY IN DOGS WITH CHRONIC DIARRHEA
A. Grellet
1, R.M. Heilmann2, P. Lecoindre3, A. Feugier1, M.J. Day4, V. Freiche5, J. Hernandez6,
J.S. Suchodolski2, J.M. Steiner2
1Royal Canin, Aimargues, France2Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University,
College station, United States of America3Cerisioz Veterinary Clinic, Saint‐priest,
France4University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom5Alliance Veterinary Clinic,
Bordeaux, France6CHV Frégis, Arcueil, France
Fecal S100A12 and fecal calprotectin concentrations have been described as biomarkers
in dogs with chronic enteropathies [1]. However, to date there has been no direct
comparison of these two markers in dogs with chronic diarrhea. The aim of this study
was to evaluate the performance of these two markers in this situation.
Thirty one dogs presented for a history of chronic diarrhea were prospectively enrolled.
The initial diagnostic workup for all patients included a serum biochemistry profile,
fecal parasitology, abdominal ultrasound examination, and gastrointestinal endoscopy
with collection of endoscopic biopsies. The severity of clinical signs was evaluated
using the CCECAI scoring index and patients were grouped by having a CCECAI of < 12
or ≥ 12. Fecal calprotectin and S100A12 were quantified as previously described [1].
Correlations were evaluated with the Spearman rank correlation test. For both markers
a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to select cut‐off value
that allowed the best discrimination between dogs with a CCECAI<12 and dogs with a
CCECAI ≥ 12. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated.
Correlation analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between S100A12 and
calprotectin (r = 0.77; p < 0.001). The optimal cut‐off value for fecal calprotectin
concentration was 49.1 μg/g, which was associated with a sensitivity of 53.3% and
a specificity of 86.7% (AUC=0.698; P = 0.049). The optimal cut‐off value for fecal
S100A12 concentration was 173.7 ng/g, which was associated with a sensitivity of 93.3%
and a specificity of 60% (AUC=0.782; P = 0.001). The sensitivity for fecal S100A12
was higher than that for fecal calprotectin (p = 0.019). No significant difference
was observed for the specificity of these two markers (p = 0.215). 20 out of the 30
dogs (67%) had concordant results for S100A12 and calprotectin tests. Among these
20 dogs, 11 presented with a CCECAI <12 and 8 of these 11 dogs had both markers below
their cut‐off values. Among the 9 dogs with a CCECAI≥12, 8 dogs had both markers above
their cut‐off values. 66% of dogs (19/29) presented histologic signs of inflammation.
Sensitivities for fecal calprotectin and S100A12 concentrations for histopathological
intestinal inflammation were 42% and 68%, respectively, and specificities were 80%
and 30%, respectively.
At least in this group of patients fecal S100A12 concentration was more sensitive
(but less specific) to detect dogs with a CCECAI ≥ 12 or histopathologic intestinal
inflammation than fecal calprotectin concentration.
1. Grellet et al. AJVR, 2013, 74, 5: 706‐711.
Conflicts of interest
Financial support of Royal canin
ESCG‐O‐9
COBALAMIN CONCENTRATION IN GERIATRIC CATS WITH IDIOPATHIC MALABSORPTION, BUT CONCENTRATIONS
DECREASE RAPIDLY FOLLOWING CESSATION OF SUPPLEMENTATION
D.A. Williams
1, G. Czarnecki‐Maulden2
1University of Illinois, Urbana, United States of America2Nestle‐Purina Research,
St. louis, United States of America
Weight loss and malabsorption of fat, protein, cobalamin and tocopherol in the face
of normal exocrine pancreatic function have been reported in up to 30‐40% of cats
older than 12 years of age fed a variety of nutritionally balanced dry and wet foods
(Patil AP and Cupp CJ. Proc. Nestle‐Purina Compan Anim Nutr Summit, Focus on Gastroenterology,
55‐61, 2010). The objectives of this study were to determine if serum cobalamin concentrations
increased after oral administration of a cobalamin supplement to affected cats, and
the duration of any positive response following cessation of supplementation.
The study evaluated 14 cats older than 12 years of age with fat malabsorption demonstrated
by either increased fecal fat (>20%) or subnormal fat digestibility (<80%), but without
exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) as assessed by assay of serum trypsin‐like
immunoreactivity (fTLI). A commercially available solution of cobalamin containing
1 mg mixed with 1 mL of a liquid flavor enhancer was added to the food of each cat
in a single dose each day for 2 months, after which supplementation ceased. Serum
cobalamin (assayed by competitive binding assay performed through the GI Laboratory
at Texas A&M University and evaluated using reference ranges derived by that laboratory)
was determined immediately prior to initiation of supplementation, then weekly for
3 weeks, then monthly for 4 months.
At the start of the study serum cobalamin was subnormal (<290 ng/L) in 4 of the 14
cats (range <150 to 244 ng/L) and within the reference range (290 to 1499 ng/L) in
the remaining 10 cats (334 to 1065 ng/L). Serum cobalamin was above the reference
range in every cat (1892 to 13109 ng/L) after one week of supplementation and remained
above the reference range in every sample collected during the supplementation period,
with the exception of two cats with values within the reference range when supplementation
was stopped. Serum cobalamin 1, 2 and 3 months after cessation of supplementation
ranged from <150 to 1783, <150 to 1494, and <150 to 948 ng/L, respectively. At the
end of the study serum cobalamin was subnormal in 5 of the 14 cats.
It is concluded oral cobalamin supplementation can effectively increase serum cobalamin
concentrations in geriatric cats with idiopathic chronic enteropathy, but that following
cessation of supplementation concentrations decrease rapidly and can become subnormal
again within as few as 4 weeks.
Conflicts of interest
The primary author collaborated with Nestle‐Purinaon the work reported in this abstract,
and a co‐authoris an employee of Nestle‐Purina. The primary author has previously
received funding from Iams, Mars, Hills and Nestle‐Purina. The author also acts as
a paid consultant for the GI‐Lab, Texas A&M University.
ESVC‐O‐1
LEFT ATRIAL FUNCTION DIFFERS BETWEEN DOGS WITH DIFFERENT SEVERITIES OF MYXOMATOUS
MITRAL VALVE DISEASE
M. Rishniw
1, D. Dickson2, D. Caivano3
1Veterinary Information Network, Davis, United States of America2Heartvets, Dursley,
United Kingdom3University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
Left atrial measurements are crucial in assessing severity of cardiac disease in dogs
with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). However, linear and area dimensions might
not provide a comprehensive assessment of patient status, and cannot differentiate
between severe subclinical (B2) and clinical disease (CHF). Estimates of left atrial
function could provide additional information to help categorize these patients.
We examined 87 dogs with MMVD (25 Normal, 9 B1, 40 B2 and 13 C) presented for cardiac
evaluations by 2D echocardiography. Left atrial linear and area dimensions in right
parasternal short and long axis views were obtained at 3 time points ‐ early diastole
(LAMAX), just prior to mitral valve opening, at the onset of atrial systole (LAP)
and just prior to mitral valve closure (LAMIN). We calculated 4 indices of LA function:
total LA emptying fraction (LATEF), active LA emptying fraction (LAACT), passive LA
emptying fraction (LAPAS) and LA reservoir function (LARES) for all 4 sets of measurements.
We examined the differences in selected LA function indices between different disease
stages with a Kruskal Wallis Test with post‐hoc multiple comparisons. We also examined
the diagnostic accuracy of selected indices of LA function in differentiating dogs
in Stage B2 and Stage C (CHF) using ROC analysis.
Three functional indices consistently differed across the various stages of MMVD ‐
LATEF, LAACT and LARES. These differences were most apparent in the RPLA view for
linear measurements and RPSA view for area measurements. Dogs with CHF had worse function
than all other groups, which differed variably depending on the functional index being
examined. LAareaACT showed the best ability to discriminate between B2 and CHF dogs,
with a 95% specificity, 69% sensitivity and an AUC of 0.84, but this was no better
than use of LA:AO measurements.
Our data suggest that LA function differs between dogs with differing severities of
MMVD, but does not provide a clear distinction between dogs with subclinical disease
and CHF.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐O‐2
QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF CANINE MITRAL VALVE IN DOGS USING THREE‐DIMENSIONAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
G. Menciotti, M. Borgarelli, S. Wesselowski, J. Abbott
Virginia‐Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, United States
of America
Real time three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) has provided new insights into
mitral valve (MV) morphology and function in human myxomatous mitral valve disease
(MMVD).
Objective
Assess the feasibility of 3DE for evaluating the MV in dogs and describe the 3DE features
of the MV in normal dogs and dogs with MMVD.
Materials and Methods
3DE was used to evaluate 85 consecutive, non‐sedated dogs that weighed more than 5 kg.
The study population for the morphologic study included 15 normal dogs, and 41 dogs
with ACVIM Stages B1 or B2‐C MMVD. 3DE image data were digitally recorded and then
analyzed offline, using commercially available software.
Results
3DE image acquisition was feasible in 67/85 (78.8%) consecutive dogs. Patient anxiety
(6), arrhythmias (6) and panting (5) explained failure to obtain a 3DE dataset. Forty‐one
of 67 (61.2%) datasets were of analyzable quality. Body weight and heart rate were
significantly lower in dogs for which it was possible to perform 3DE. Dogs with analyzable
3DE datasets were significantly older and weighed less than dogs in which 3DE could
not be analyzed.
The mitral valve of normal dogs is saddle shaped (annulus height to commissural width
ratio (AHCWR): 0.22 ± 0.06 [mean ± SD]) and has an elliptical annulus (sphericity
index (SI): 0.91 ± 0.07). The following measurements were significantly related to
body surface area (BSA): antero‐posterior diameter (APD) (R2 = 0.46, p < 0.01), anterolateral‐posteromedial
diameter (ALPMD) (R2 = 0.38, p < 0.05), annulus area (AA) (R2 = 0.39, p < 0.05), anterior
leaflet length (ALL) (R2 = 0.38, p < 0.05), anterior leaflet area (ALA) (R2 = 0.38,
p < 0.05). These variables were indexed (i) to BSA for subsequent statistical analyses.
Dogs with MMVD had a significantly greater SI, non‐planar angle, APDi, ALPMDi, ALAi
and ALLi, while having a significantly lower posterior leaflet area (PLA), posterior
leaflet length (PLL), annulus height (AH), tenting height (TH), tenting volume (TV),
tenting area (TA), and AHCWR compared to normal dogs. AH, TV and TA were significantly
greater in normal dogs, compared to dogs with MMVD. SI, APDi, ALPMDi, AAi, ALAi and
ALLi were significantly greater in dogs with Stages B2‐C MMVD, compared to normal
dogs and those in Stage B1. PLL and PLA were significantly lower in B2‐C dogs, compared
to normal dogs. TH was significantly different between the three groups; greatest
in normal dogs and lowest in dogs in Stages B2‐C, suggesting that flattening of the
MV occurs with disease progression.
Conclusions
3DE assessment of the canine MV is feasible. Morphologic changes associated with MMVD
progression are presented.
Conflicts of interest
This research is funded by CEVA Santè Animale.
ESVC‐O‐3
REAL‐TIME 3‐ AND 2‐DIMENSIONAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTIVE REGURGITANT
ORIFICE AREA IN DOGS WITH MYXOMATOUS MITRAL VALVE DISEASE
A. Tidholm
1, K. Höglund2, J. Häggström3, I. Ljungvall3
1Albano Animal Hospital, Danderyd, Sweden2Dept of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Uppsala, Sweden3Dept of Clinical Sciences, Faculty
of Veterinary Medicine, Uppsala, Sweden
Effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA), calculated from a 1‐dimensional measurement
of the width of vena contracta (VC) as the narrowest portion of the proximal regurgitant
jet, might be used to estimate severity of mitral regurgitation (MR). However, this
simplified assumption only holds when the EROA is circular, which might not be true
in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). The aim of the study was to compare
measured EROA using color Doppler real‐time 3 dimensional echocardiography (RT3D)
with calculated EROA estimated by 2 dimensional echocardiography (2D) in 4 chamber
(4ch) and 2 chamber (2ch) views of the left ventricle (LV) in dogs with MMVD.
Ninety‐three privately owned dogs of 32 breeds diagnosed with naturally acquired MMVD
were examined using 2D and RT3D. According to the ACVIM classification of congestive
heart failure (CHF), 23 dogs were classified with CHF (2 in class C1 and 21 in class
C2) and 70 dogs without CHF (65 dogs in class B1 and 5 dogs in class B2). Age ranged
from 1 to 15 years (median 10 years), and body weight ranged from 2.5 to 35 kg (median
10 kg). Fifty‐nine males (63%) and 34 females (37%) were included, and heart rate
ranged from 80 to 222 beats/minute (median 126 b/min).
EROA was calculated from 2D measurements of VC diameter, in the 4ch view only (assuming
a circular regurgitant orifice), and from measurements of VC diameter in both 4ch
and 2ch views (assuming an eliptical regurgitant orifice) of LV. Bland‐Altman plots
were used to compare EROA measured by RT3D with calculated EROA obtained from 2D 4ch
and 4ch/2ch LV views.
None of the 2D estimations of EROA showed good agreement with the measured RT3D EROA
when corrected for BSA, and the difference between methods increased with increasing
EROA. The difference between RT3D and 2D methods normalized to the mean EROA value
did not increase with increasing EROA, but showed a systematic underestimation of
EROA by 60% (4ch) and 40% (4ch/2ch), respectively, compared to RT3D. The beat‐to‐beat
variation of EROA assessed by RT3D (n = 56) had a coefficient of variation ranging
from 2.8% to 68% (median 30%).
In conclusion, substituting assessment of EROA with a measurement of VC in 1 or 2
dimensions might underestimate the MR severity in dogs with MMVD. In some dogs, the
beat‐to‐beat variation of the EROA was large, thereby necessitating the need for several
consecutive measurements.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐O‐4
MICRORNAS EXPRESSION IN CANINE MYXOMATOUS MITRAL VALVE DISEASE
C.C.L. Lu, D.J.A. Argyle, B.M.C. Corcoran
The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are short (19‐22 nucleotides), single‐stranded, non‐coding RNAs
that specifically anneal with complementary sequences in multiple mRNA targets, and
they silence mRNAs and suppress downstream protein translation. A miRNA can act as
a fine‐tuner of gene expression or an on/off switch. These features highlight the
potential of miRNAs as therapeutic targets. The role of miRNAs in myocardial fibrosis
and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been widely studied in human patients. However,
there is no data available for canine and human myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).
The aim of this study was to investigate miRNA transcriptomics in canine MMVD by using
global transcriptional profiling, miRNA target prediction software (DIANA Tool, TargetScan
6.2) and network analysis software (BioLayout Express3D).
Four myxomatous mitral valves (CKCS) and 4 controls valves were profiled using the
Affymetrix Canine Gene 1.0 ST Array. In total 29 out of 302 miRNAs were found to be
statistically significantly differentially expressed (down‐regulated) based on the
false discovery rate, p‐value, and fold‐change. Expression of three miRNA (cfa‐miR‐23b,
cfa‐miR‐29c, cfa‐miR‐218) were also validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction
(Q‐PCR, TaqMan), and the results were in agreement with the microarray findings. For
network analysis and visualization, Markov clustering algorithms were conducted in
BioLayout Express3D, and major clusters of miRNAs were exported and uploaded to the
DIANA‐miRPath (KEGG pathway) web‐server. The pathways identified in the main cluster
were attributed to the biological functions of focal adhesion, cytoskeleton (actin)
regulation, TGF‐β signalling, glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis, osteoclast differentiation,
NOTCH signalling and VEGF signalling.
The most significantly down‐regulated miRNA in MMVD was cfa‐miR‐218, which is an endothelial
specific miRNA shown to regulate endothelial migration and vessel patterning. The
top predicted target of cfa‐miR‐218is glucuronic acid epimerase (GLCE) which is the
main enzyme controlling heparan sulphate biosynthesis. Other interesting findings
were down‐regulation of cfa‐miR‐29 and members of the cfa‐miR‐23 family. Cfa‐miR‐29
targets multiple extracellular matrix transcripts, such as collagens, elastin, integrin,
laminin, MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) and ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase
with thrombospondin motifs), whereas cfa‐miR‐23 targets hyaluronic acid synthase 2
(Has2). Since the major pathology of MMVD is aberrant turnover of extracellular matrix
proteins, this may be linked to miRNA regulation. Dysregulation of valve miRNAs might
be potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of canine MMVD.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐O‐5
INCREASED LEFT HEART SIZE PREDICTS RISK OF CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE IN CAVALIER KING
CHARLES SPANIELS WITH MITRAL REGURGITATION CAUSED BY MYXOMATOUS VALVE DISEASE
S. Eriksson‐Palojarvi
1, K. Hansson2, H. Duelund Pedersen3, J. Haukka1, J. Häggström2
1University of Helsinki, HELSINKI, Finland2Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences,
UPPSALA, Sweden3Novo Nordisk, Denmark
Mitral regurgitation (MR) progresses slowly, but dogs living long enough often develop
congestive heart failure (CHF). However, tools to predict onset of CHF are sparse.
225 echocardiographic examinations in 78 dogs were performed in a longitudinal, multicenter
study with a surveillance time of up to 4.5 years. Client‐owned dogswere enrolled
at the University Hospitals in Finland, Sweden and Denmark (subset to the SVEP study).
Left ventricular end diastolic (LVIDd) and systolic (LVIDs) diameters, fractional
shortening (FS), left atrial (LA) and aortic root (Ao) diameters were estimated. Values
were normalized for body size (nLVIDd, nLVIDs, and nLA, respectively) and, for comparison,
ratios to aortic root were calculated (LVIDd/Ao, LVIDs/Ao and LA/Ao, respectively).
A Cox's proportional hazard analysis with a counting process approach was used. Spline
smoothed graphical models were constructed to evaluate linearity of hazards. Curves
were then used to find cut‐off values for interval hazard ratios (HRs).
The HR for nLVIDd, nLVIDs and nLA (per 0.1 unit, 95% confidence intervals), were 1.5
(1.32‐1.70, p = 0.00034), 1.3 (1.05‐1.62, p = 0.016), and 1.5 (1.28‐1.83, p = 0.0039),
respectively. The HRs for LVIDd/Ao, LVIDs/Ao and LA/Ao (0.1 unit increase) were 1.3
(1.14‐1.55, p = 0.0025), 1.1 (0.99‐1.32, p = 0.07), and 1.4 (1.24‐1.66, p = 0.0041),
respectively. The HR for FS was 1.1 (1.05‐1.19, p = 0.00037).
The relative hazard plot presented a steep increase for FS values above 31%. HRs for
intervals 31 < 36%, 36 < 40%, and ≥40% were 1.0 (0.2‐5.1, p = 0.99), 4.8 (1.2‐18.4,
p = 0.023), and 9.1 (2.4‐33.7, p = 0.00098), respectively. The HR for nLVIDd increased
linearly. HRs for intervals 1.73 < 1.86, 1.86 < 1.92, 1.92 < 2.1 and ≥2.1 were 0.7
(0.1‐6.6, p = 0.7), 6.0 (1.3‐26.7, p = 0.02), 6.8 (1.9‐25.1, p = 0.0037), and 12.5
(3.8‐40.1, p = 0.00088), respectively. In contrast, the hazard for nLVIDs remained
stable until 1.4, whereafter it increased. The HRs for nLVIDs (1 < 1.33, 1.33 < 1.68,
1.68 < 1.86 and ≥1.86) were 1.6 (0.6‐4.6, p = 0.35), 3.4 (1.0‐11.5, p = 0.048), 78
(9.6‐634, p = 0.030), and 47.6 (7.1‐316, p = 0.044), respectively. HRs for values
normalized to Ao diameter behaved in a parallel way.
We conclude that FS, left ventricular and atrial size may be used to predict CHF.
However, because the value of a HR is dependent on the unit used and, more essentially,
does not account for nonlinear change in hazard, interpretation of hazards is challenging.
In contrast, interval hazards are only dependent on the reference interval used. Therefore
they are easier to implement in every day clinical work.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐O‐6
LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF SYSTOLIC ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE IN DOGS WITH VARIOUS STAGES
OF MITRAL VALVE DISEASE
C. Koutinas, Z. Polizopoulou, A. Dasopoulou, A. Koutinas
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki,
Greece
Systemic arterial hypertension is not frequently recognized in dogs with mitral valve
degeneration (MVD), although borderline hypertension is difficult to assess, mainly
because of different measurement techniques, inter‐operator variability and, most
importantly, examination‐related stress.
The object of this study was to evaluate systolic arterial blood pressure (SBP) at
initial presentation and at regular intervals in dogs with various clinical stages
of MVD.
Fifty six dogs with MVD that had not received any heart medication prior to admission,
were included in the study. Based on the ISACHC staging system, 22 were assigned to
class I (Group A), 18 to class II (Group B) and 16 to class III. Small‐breed dogs
and miniature Poodles, in particular, were overrepresented. Co‐morbidities that could
affect SBP were ruled out prior to enrollment. SBP was measured using a commercially
available veterinary oscillometric device, by applying the proper cuff on the cephalic
artery. Dogs were left to acclimate for 10 ‐ 15 minutes and measurements were always
taken by the same investigator, before any other examination was performed, with the
dog sitting on the owner's lap. A total of 5 readings were taken, outlier values were
discarded and the mean of the 3 remaining measurements was documented. After initial
consultation, treatment was customized according to the clinical stage. SBP was then
measured every 2 months, up to 6 months after initial admission. At presentation,
all class I dogs had SBP > 140 mm Hg, with only 5/22 having SPB ≥150 mm Hg, whereas
all class II dogs had SBP < 140 mm Hg. Of class III dogs, 6 had SBP > 140 mm Hg, and
2 had SBP ≥ 150 mm Hg. A linear mixed effects model was used to assess the temporal
variability of the measured parameters between groups.
Groups were matched for gender, age and body weight. Blood pressure measurements,
for the duration of the study, were higher in Group A dogs, compared to groups B and
C (P < 0,001). At the same time, Group C had significantly higher SBP values than
Group B dogs (p < 0,001).
Asymptomatic MVD dogs seem to have higher SBP measurements, compared to those with
clinical evidence of heart failure. Whether this difference is stress‐related, a maladaptive
mechanism of sympathetic and RAAS activation to MVD or idiopathic remains to be elucidated.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐O‐7
CAN THE CALCIUM UPTAKE GENES EXPRESSED IN BLOOD REFLECT THE MYOCARDIAL DYSFUNCTION
IN CHRONIC HEART FAILURE?
J. Lee, M. Mizuno, T. Mizuno, K. Harada, T. Sawada, A. Shinoda, S. Uchida, M. Uechi
NIHON UNIVERSITY, Fujisawa, Japan
Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2 + ‐ATPase and its regulatory proteins are pivotal
determinants of myocardial active relaxation via calcium uptake against the SR‐cytoplasmic
gradient. The lowered density of the SR Ca2 + ‐ATPase has been well demonstrated in
many species during chronic hemodynamic overload. The genes linked to SR calcium uptake
were reported not only being expressed in peripheral blood but serving as potential
cardiac biomarkers in dogs with chronic mitral regurgitation, such as SR Ca2+ adenosine
triphosphatase isoform 2α (SERCA2α), phospholamban (PLN), and HS‐1 associated protein
X‐1 (HAX‐1). The aim of this study is to determine whether the target genes expressed
in the blood will be translatable to the myocardial setting as cardiac biomarkers.
The mRNA expression levels of the target genes (SERCA2α, PLN, HAX‐1) from biopsied
left ventricle (LV) and peripheral white blood cells (PWBC) in 129 surgical mitral
valve repair cases were estimated with quantitative real‐time PCR using comparative
Ct method with GAPDH. The gene expression levels in LV and PWBC were compared and
their clinical relationships were evaluated. The diagnostic power of the genetic expressions
in PWBC was analyzed by comparing to those of 33 normal dogs.
The levels of all target genes expressed in LV and PWBC were highly correlated each
other in linear regression analysis (p < 0.0001; SERCA2α, r = 0.7425, R2 = 0.5513;
PLN, r = 0.7720, R2 = 0.5959; HAX‐1, r = 0.6598, R2 = 0.4353), although LV and PWBC
showed different expression levels in a paired comparison (p < 0.0001). According
to the severity of the heart failure (ISACHC), the expression levels of all genes
were gradually and significantly reduced in both LV and PWBC (p < 0.01). Especially,
the SERCA2α and PLN expressed in PWBC could clearly discriminate all ISACHC groups
from the control (p < 0.0001). Multivariate regression adjusted by age and body weight
revealed that SERCA2α and PLN in LV were negatively associated with LV internal systolic
dimension (p = 0.0251, adjusted R2 = 0.524 and p = 0.012, adjusted R2 = 0.530, respectively).
PLN was also negatively related with LV internal diastolic dimension (p = 0.037, adjusted
R2 = 0.573). Additionally, receiver‐operating characteristic analysis using PWBC showed
high area under the curve (AUC) values for all target genes on overall ISACHC groups
(p < 0.0001; SERCA2α, AUC=0.9212; PLN, AUC=0.8936; HAX‐1, AUC=0.8797).
In conclusion, the transcriptional changes of the calcium uptake related genes in
PWBC may be able to reflect myocardial hemodynamic stress as well as to be utilized
as promising cardiac biomarkers.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐O‐8
INCREASED NORMALIZED PULMONARY TRANSIT TIMES AND PULMONARY BLOOD VOLUMES IN CARDIOMYOPATHIC
CATS WITH OR WITHOUT CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE.
P. Modler
1, A. Streitberger1, J. Häggström2
1Traunkreis Vet Clinic, Sattledt, Austria2Swedish Universityof Agricultural Sciences,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Uppsala, Sweden
The aim of this study was to estimate heart‐rate normalized pulmonary transit times
(nPTT) in cardiomyopathic cats with or without congestive heart failure (CHF), to
assess potential associations of echocardiographic variables and nPTT, and to evaluate
nPTT as a test for presence of CHF.
48 privately owned cats were included. nPTT was measured using echocardiography and
the ultrasound contrast media Sonovue® in 3 groups of cats: healthy cats (Group 1),
cats with cardiomyopathy (CM) but without CHF (Group 2), and cats with CM and CHF
(Group 3). Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were created for nPTT, left
atrial diameter (LAD) and the left atrial to aortic root ratio (LA:AO) to assess and
compare their usefulness as tests for presence of CHF. Interrelations between pulmonary
blood volume (PBV), nPTT, stroke volume (SV) and echocardiographic variables were
investigated by means of uni‐ and multivariate analysis.
nPTT values in group 1, group 2 and group 3 were 3.63 (interquartile range (IQR) 3.20‐4.22),
6.09 (IQR 5.0‐7.02), and 8.49 (IQR 7.58‐11.04), respectively. Values were significantly
different between all 3 groups. Pulmonary blood volumes in group 1, group 2, and group
3 were 27.94 ml (IQR 21.02 ml‐33.17 ml), 42.83 ml (IQR 38.46 ml‐50.36 ml) and 49.48 ml
(IQR 38.84 ml‐64.39 ml). SV, PBV and shortening fraction <30% were significant predictors
of nPTT. NPTT and LA:AO ratio, not SV were the main predictors of PBV. Analyzing ROC
for nPTT as a clinical test for CHF yielded an AUC of 0.956 which was similar for
LA:AO ratio.
nPTT may be useful test for the presence of CHF in cats with CM and as a measure of
cardiac performance. nPTT and LA:AO ratios predict CHF with equal accuracy. Increased
PBV is significantly associated with higher nPTT and LA:AO ratios. Both decreased
SV and increased PBV explain the increased nPTT in cardiomyopathic cats.
Conflicts of interest
The author received a travel scholarship from Zoetis to attend this congress.
ESVC‐O‐9
DIFFERENCE IN PERIPHERAL AND CENTRAL VENOUS BLOOD GLUCOSE CONCENTRATIONS IN ACUTE
ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM IN CATS AND DOGS
I. Aroch, E. Kelmer, G. Segev, S. Klainbart
Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
Acute arterial thromboembolism (AATE) occurs commonly in cats, and less frequently
in dogs, mostly resulting in limb paresis or paralysis. Diagnosis is based typically
on physical examination and advanced imaging. Diminished affected‐limb peripheral
blood flow induces changes in several analytes concentrations in affected limb venous
samples, compared to their peripheral venous concentration. We hypothesized that in
AATE, local, affected‐limb venous glucose concentration decreases below reference
interval, while systemic glucose concentration remains unaffected. The study included
3 groups for each species: paralytic AATE cases, non‐ambulatory controls with limb
paralysis of orthopedic or neurologic disorders, and ambulatory controls diagnosed
with various diseases. Systemic and peripheral, affected‐limb blood glucose concentrations
were measured. Group absolute (ΔGlu) and relative (%ΔGlu) differences were compared.
No procedure‐associated complications or pain were noted. Peripheral blood glucose
concentrations were decreased (P ≤ 0.006) only in cats and dogs with AATE. ΔGlu and
%ΔGlu were higher in the AATE groups in both cats and dogs compared to their respective
control groups (P < 0.0001, P < 0.001, respectively), with no differences between
the control groups. Receiver operator characteristics analysis of ΔGlu and %ΔGlu as
predictors of AATE in cats had areas under the curve of 0.96 and 1.00, respectively,
and 0.99 and 1.00, in dogs, respectively. ΔGlu cutoffs of 30 mg/dL and 16 mg/dL, in
cats and dogs, respectively, corresponded to sensitivity and specificity of 100% and
90% in cats, respectively, and 100% in dogs. ΔGlu and %ΔGlu are extremely accurate,
readily‐available, simple diagnostic markers of AATE in cats and dogs.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐O‐10
PERIPHERAL GLYCAEMIA IN DOGS WITH LIMB THROMBOSIS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY
M. Dolera, L. Malfassi, R. Vailati Facchini, S. Finesso, G. Mazza, S. Marcarini
La Cittadina Fondazione Studi e Ricerche Veterinarie, Romanengo, cr, Italy
Glycaemia determination is usually included in routine biochemisty panels. No works
are devoted to the evaluation of pheripheral glycaemia in animals suffering from arterial
thrombosis. The aim of this study was to document the pheripheral glycaemia variations
in hypoperfused limbs of patients affected by MRI‐confirmed arterial thrombosis.
Eleven dogs referred for monoparesis or paraparesis were recruited. Inclusion criteria
were a clinical examination supportive of limb hypoperfusion and availability of blood
cell count, biochemical profile and urine analyses. Before MRI examination, peripheral
glycaemia was tested. Two blood samples were obtained, one from the affected limbs
and one from a healty limb.Plasmatic glycaemia was measured using an automated glucose
analyser. All the patients underwent a total body MRI (MRI Intera 1.5T, Philips Medical
Systems) that provided the final diagnosis. The arterial thrombosis location was documented
and the entity was scored. All the eleven patients were diagnosed with a peripheral
thrombosis involving an arterial vessel and in some cases the relative branches. The
thrombus was located: in the abdominal aorta (7/11), in the subclavian artery (1/11),
in the axillary artery (1/11), in the iliac arteries (2/11). Of the total amount of
abdominal aortic thrombosis, 3/7 involved also the internal iliac arteries, 2/7 the
external ones and 2/7 both internal and external. The extent of the thrombosis was
classified as grade 1 (G1), when the greatest portion of the thrombus did not reach
half of the vessel lumen (1/11 patients); grade 2 (G2), when the greatest portion
of the thrombus was between 1/2 and 2/3 of the vessel lumen (7/11); grade 3 (G3),
when the thrombus exceded 2/3 of the lumen (3/11). A substantial decrease in pheripheral
glycaemia values was found in sampling arising from the thrombosis‐affected limbs.
Comparing thrombosis‐affected limbs values with healthy limbs measurements from the
same patient, the reduction was found from 17.65% to 34.41%. Accounting only the G3
scored patients, the percentage of reduction was found up to the 28.34% suggesting
a proportional decrease related to the grade of occlusion.
Results from this study suggest that peripheral glycaemia values are affected by limb
hypoperfusion disorders. If an arterial thrombosis is suspected, samples from the
affected limbs and the healthy ones could be used to compare glycaemia values and
to support the early stage therapy in anticipation of diagnostic imaging. Further
studies are needed to confirm the proportional relation of the decrease with thrombus
entity.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐O‐11
RIGHT PULMONARY VEIN TO PULMONARY ARTERY RATIO: A NEW ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC INDEX OF PULMONARY
HYPERTENSION IN WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIERS WITH IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS
E. Roels
1, A.C. Merveille1, E. Krafft1, F. Farnir1, S. Gomart2, C. Clercx1, K. Mc Entee2
1ULG, Liege, Belgium2ULB, Brussels, Belgium
Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease
mainly affecting West Highland white terriers (WHWT). Pulmonary hypertension (PH)
may develop secondary to hypoxic vasoconstriction and/or pulmonary parenchymal infiltration.
In the absence of measurable tricuspid regurgitation (TR), this co‐morbid condition
may be difficult to diagnose non‐invasively. The degree of cardio‐pulmonary impairment
in CIPF dogs can be evaluated through blood gas analysis (BGA) and 6 minute walking
test (6MWT). A new echocardiographic index, the right pulmonary vein to pulmonary
artery ratio (PV/PA) has been described for the detection of pulmonary venous hypertension.
The aim of this study was to investigate PV/PA in CIPF in order to determine its utility
in the detection of PH and in the assessment of cardio‐pulmonary disease severity.
This prospective clinical cohort study included 10 WHWT with CIPF (Group A), 9 healthy
WHWT (Group B) and 25 healthy dogs from other breeds (Group C). Diameters of right
PV and PA were measured, in bi‐dimensional (BD) and M‐modes (MM), in a parasternal
right long axis view, at the end of the T wave. Other echocardiographic parameters
for evaluation of PH were also measured: speed of TR, acceleration time to ejection
time ratio of the pulmonary flow (AT:ET) and pulmonary artery to aorta ratio (PA/Ao).
BGA was performed in 14 dogs (9, 1 and 4 in groups A, B and C) and 6MWT in 17 dogs
(8, 6 and 3). Values are given as mean±SD. In BD and MM mode, the PV/PA ratio was
lower in group A (MM: 0.62 ± 0.25, BD: 0.51 ± 0.20) compared to group B (MM: 0.98 ± 0.17,
BD: 0.93 ± 0.12, P ≤ 0.01) and group C (MM: 1.03 ± 0.13, BD: 1.00 ± 0.10, P ≤ 0.0001).
The changes in PV/PA were both due to an increase of PA (P ≤ 0.01) and a decrease
of PV (P ≤ 0.05). TR was found in 60% of dogs with CIPF; mean pressure gradient was
34.03 ± 16.90 mmHg. AT:ET was lower in group A (0.42 ± 0.08) compared to group C (0.50 ± 0.04,
P = 0.002) and tended to be lower compared to group B (0.48 ± 0.07, P = 0.09). PA/Ao
was not statistically different between groups. PV/PA was correlated with arterial
pO2 values (B mode: r = 0.870, P = 0.0001) and results of the 6MWT (B mode: r = 0.791,
P = 0.0003). PV/PA was also correlated with AT:ET and the speed of TR, but not with
PA/Ao. In conclusion, in WHWT affected by CIPF, PV/PA is a useful indicator of PH
and could serve in the assessment of disease severity.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐O‐12
CHARACTERIZATION AND LONG‐TERM OUTCOME OF VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECTS IN DOGS AND CATS
R. Abrantes, J. Novo Matos, N. Summerfield, T. Glaus
University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the fourth most common congenital cardiac defect
in dogs and the most common in cats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term
outcome in VSD patients. Case records of 95 animals were reviewed, 46 of these re‐evaluated
echocardiographically and 49 followed up by phone interview only. Out of 53 dogs Pug
was the most common breed (11%) followed by Border Terrier (8%). Out of 42 cats Domestic
Short Hair was most common (55%) followed by Main Coon (19%). Isolated VSDs were present
in 29 dogs and 26 cats. Complex defects (CDs) were present in 40 cases, most frequent
anomalies being sub‐aortic stenosis (9 dogs, 1 cat), pulmonic stenosis (5 dogs, 3
cats), Tetralogy of Fallot (3 dogs, 2 cats), cushion defects (5 cats) and double‐chambered
right ventricle (DCRV) (5 dogs, 4 cats; in 2/5 dogs not present initially supporting
the cause‐and‐effect theory). Eisenmenger was observed in 1 dog and 2 cats. Aortic
insufficiency, not considered a CD, was noted in 10 dogs. In 3 dogs and 6 cats (15%
of isolated VSDs and 1 cat with a DCRV) the defect closed spontaneously. Nine dogs
and 9 cats (22%) died of non‐cardiac causes with an age at death of 5 to 204 (mean
63.8) months; 7 dogs and 8 cats died due to cardiac causes with an age at death of
0.25 to 204 (mean 37.5) months. Cardiac deaths were sudden (2 dogs with CDs) or euthanasia
for left sided congestive heart (CHF) failure associated with CDs (3 dogs, 1 cat);
right sided CHF associated with CDs (2 cats); biventricular failure (1 cat with CD);
weakness (Eisenmenger, 1 dog and 1 cat; Fallot 1 dog; CD 1 cat). Two cats developed
CHF due to unrelated HCM. Only one dog with an isolated VSD was euthanized for CHF.
These results indicate that spontaneous VSD closure occurs more often than previously
thought, most patients with isolated restrictive VSDs live a normal life span without
surgical intervention, but non‐restrictive VSDs or complex defects can be associated
with significant morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography early in life is crucial
to identify the anomaly and CDs, as well as useful to prognosticate long‐term outcome
and to identify patients where a surgical intervention should be considered if available.
Follow‐up echocardiography is indicated to corroborate the prognosis, to detect complications
due to the VSD and to detect unassociated acquired cardiac diseases.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐O‐13
TISSUE DOPPLER AND STRAIN IMAGING ALTERATIONS IN AGING PTPLA‐DEFICIENT LABRADOR RETRIEVERS
WITHIN A FRENCH PEDIGREE SEGREGATING CENTRONUCLEAR MYOPATHY
V. Gouni
1, V. Chetboul1, J. Blondelle2, E. Trehiou‐Sechi1, C. Misbach1, R. Tissier3, J.L.
Pouchelon1, I. Barthelemy4, P. Aguilar4, N. Blanchard‐Gutton4, J.L. Thibaud4, H.P.
Lefebvre5, F. Pilot‐Storck2, S. Blot4, L. Tiret2
1UCA, CHUVA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris‐Est, Maisons‐alfort,
France2CNM Project, Université Paris‐Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons‐alfort,
France3INSERM, Unité Mixte de Recherche U955, Equipe 03, Créteil, France4UPR de Neurobiologie,
Université Paris‐Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons‐alfort, France5Unité
de Recherche Clinique, INP, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
Centronuclear myopathy (CNM) is the most prevalent congenital inherited disorder affecting
skeletal muscles in Labrador Retrievers. This disabling condition segregates worldwide
and a recessive loss‐of‐function founder mutation was identified in the Protein Tyrosine
Phosphatase‐Like, member A gene (PTPLA/HACD1).
The objectives of this study were 1) to describe PTPLA expression pattern in hearts
from homozygous wild type (WT), heterozygous (HET) and homozygous mutated (CNM) dogs,
2) to assess and compare the left myocardial function in aging WT, HET and CNM dogs.
For this purpose, seven WT, four HET and eleven CNM dogs were included in the study.
PTPLA mRNA levels were assessed by RT‐PCR and RT‐qPCR. All dogs were examined using
conventional echocardiography, 2D color Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) and TDI‐derived
strain imaging.
We found that the expression of the two wild type PTPLA splice isoforms increased
post‐natally in WT dogs. Their levels were halved in HET dogs and drastically reduced
in CNM dogs. In both HET and CNM dogs, a slight left ventricular hypertrophy was detected
using conventional echocardiography. TDI and strain imaging revealed that the left
ventricular myocardial function was significantly altered in both HET and CNM dogs
compared to WT dogs. Moreover, these functional defects were associated with significantly
higher values of systemic arterial blood pressure, although maintained within normal
ranges.
In conclusion, subclinical myocardial alterations were detected in both HET and CNM
aging dogs from our French pedigree, suggesting a role for PTPLA in long‐term cardiovascular
homeostasis. These findings prompt globalized confirmation in additional PTPLA”‘deficient
dogs, which may thus be considered as a new large‐size model for human left ventricular
sub‐clinical myocardial dysfunction.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐O‐14
MACROSCOPIC EVALUATION OF THE MITRAL VALVE CHORDAE TENDINEAE DURING MITRAL VALVE REPAIR
T. Mizuno
1, H. Katagiri2, M. Mizuno1, K. Harada1, M. Furukoshi1, M. Uechi1
1Japan animal specialty medical research institute, Yokohama, Japan2Nihon University,
Fujisawa, Japan
Mitral regurgitation (MR) secondary to degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) is
the most common heart disease in dogs. In dogs with MR, mitral valve prolapse caused
by degeneration of the mitral valve leaflet, chordae tendinae extension and/or rupture
and mitral annulus dilation are observed. However, limited data are available on morphological
changes in dogs with MR. Currently, there are no studies confirming the anomaly of
the mitral complex via direct observation in living dogs with mitral regurgitation.
At our institution over the last ten years, approximately 300 dogs have undergone
mitral valve repair. During surgery, the anomaly of mitral complex can be observed
macroscopically (directly visualized). To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating
the anomaly of the mitral valve leaflet and chordae tendineae in dogs undergoing mitral
valve repair.
Animals
Dogs that underwent mitral valve repair with CPB at Nihon University between February
2010 and June 2013 were included in this study.
Methods
Confirmation of chordae tendineae rupture was visually confirmed during surgery. The
sites of chordae tendineae rupture were also recorded at that time. Septal chordae
and mural chordae were divided three division depend on the site (S1, S2, S3 and M1,
M2, M3 respectively).
Results
Ninety eight dogs were included in this study. The mean age and body weight were 8.8 ± 1.8 years
and 5.15 ± 3.24 kg, respectively. Of the 98 dogs, ruptured chordae was observed in
80 dogs (81.6%). Septal leaflet chordae was ruptured in 73 dogs (74.5%) and mural
leaflet chordae was ruptured in 25 dogs (25.5%). Chordae of both leaflets were ruptured
in 18 dogs (18.4%). No chordal rupture was observed in 18 dogs (18.4%). In the dogs
with ruptured septal chordae, the chordae between S2 and S3 was most often ruptured
(n = 37, 51%).
Conclusion
In this study, rupture of the septal chordae tendineae was most commonly observed.
This is the first pilot study to visually evaluate the anomaly of the mitral valve
leaflet and chordae tendineae in dogs undergoing mitral valve repair. Future studies
comparing pathological changes and molecular biological analysis to gross findings
of mitral chordae tendineae in dogs undergoing mitral valve repair may be useful in
advancing the understanding of the disease.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐O‐15
TWO‐DIMENSIONAL AORTIC VALVE MEASUREMENTS DIFFER THROUGHOUT DIASTOLE
D.P. Dickson
1, D. Caivano2, M. Rishniw3
1HeartVets, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom2Department of Veterinary Medicine, University
of Perugia, Umbria, Italy3Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca,
ny, United States of America
Echocardiographic aortic valve (Ao) measurements are routinely obtained during cardiac
evaluation of patients. Cardiologists commonly use diastolic Ao measurements to obtain
ratiometric weight‐independent estimates of dimensions of other cardiac structures,
most commonly the left atrium (LA). However, no consensus exists about the point in
diastole at which Ao measurements should be obtained ‐ immediately after closure of
the aortic valve, when LA size is largest (AoMAX, but often with least distinct margins),
during the P‐wave of the ECG (AoP) and at the onset of ventricular electrical systole,
when LA size is smallest (AoMIN). We examined the linear and area dimensions of the
Ao (AoD and AoA) to determine if clinically significant differences exist at 3 distinct
diastolic time‐points, or if these measurements could be interchangeable.
We examined 130 patients (114 dogs and 16 cats) presented for cardiac evaluations
by 2D echocardiography. Three replicates of each time‐point linear and area measurement
(AoMAX, AoP, AoMIN) were obtained in each patient and averaged for analysis. Only
patients with aortic valve disease and those with atrial fibrillation were excluded
from analysis. Beat‐to‐beat variability of the Ao measurements was determined. Standard
and normalized limits of agreement (LoA) plots were generated for each pairwise comparison.
The frequency of each Ao measurement being the largest or smallest within‐patient
measurement was determined, and compared via repeated measures ANOVA.
All pairwise agreement plots of both AoD and AoA demonstrated heteroscedasticity;
normalized AoD plots showed 95%LoA to be 15% of the mean AoD measurement, with a bias
of approximately 6.5% for AoDMAX‐AoDMIN, 4% for AoDMAX‐AoDP, and 3% for AoDP‐AoDMIN.
Normalized AoA plots showed 95%LoA to be 20% of the mean AoA measurement, with a bias
of approximately 12% for AoAMAX‐AoAMIN, 5% for AoAMAX‐AoAP, and 7% for AoAP‐AoAMIN.
AoDMAX was the largest measurement in 93/131 (71%) patients and AoDMIN was the smallest
measurement in 90/131(69%) patients; AoAMAX was the largest measurement in 96/131
(73%) patients and AoAMIN was the smallest measurement in 95/131 (73%) patients. RMANOVA
confirmed that AoMAX>AoP>AoMIN (p < 0.0001). Median within‐patient within‐measurement
variability was 5% for AoD and 9% for AoA measurements.
Our data suggest that Ao measurements differ throughout diastole, with AoMAX>AoP>AoMIN.
The disparity is greater for area than linear estimates. The degree of disagreement
between AoMAX and AoP is small and similar to the within‐measurement variability.
Thus, using either AoMAX or AoP measurements should result in similar ratiometric
estimates of cardiac dimensions.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐O‐16
CARDIAC MITOCHONDRIAL AND CYTOSKELETAL CHANGES IN FELINE HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY:
AN ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDY
L.B. Christiansen, P. Hyttel, J. Koch
University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (fHCM) is the most common heart disease in cats.
HCM is considered an inherited disease of the sarcomere and fHCM has been linked to
mutations in one sarcomere protein i.e. MYBPC3. However, the pathophysiologic mechanisms
behind disease development and progression are largely unknown. In this study we investigate
whether mitochondrial morphological changes in the myocardium accompany mitochondrial
dysfunction and enhanced oxidative stress formation that we recently found in fHCM.
Myocardial tissue from the left ventricle (LV) was obtained immediately after euthanasia
from 7 cats diagnosed with primary HCM on echocardiography (3 Maine Coon, 2 British
Shorthair, 1 Exotic Shorthair, 1 Norwegian Forest cat) and 8 age‐matched control cats
(5 Maine Coon, 3 Norwegian Forest cats). Ultrastructural examination was performed
by the use of transmission electron microscopy.
In HCM cats, marked ultrastructural changes of the cardiomyocytes were observed. The
population of subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM) was absent in large cellular areas
in cats with moderate and severe LV hypertrophy. Flattening of the sarcolemma was
a common finding, causing disorganization of the T‐tubular system. Interfibrillar
mitochondria (IFM) were disorganized but not depleted. Additional changes in cardiomyocytes
from cats diagnosed with fHCM included remodeling of sarcomeres, disorganization of
myofibrils, convolution of gap junctions, accumulation of intracellular Z‐disc material,
perinuclear lipofuscin granula and extensive extracellular deposits of collagen.
In healthy mammalian cardiomyocytes, the T‐tubular system upholds cellular structure,
prevents mitochondrial reticulum formation and provides calcium, oxygen and substrates,
necessary for normal functioning muscle. Disorganization of the sarcolemma and T‐tubular
system may cause the depletion of SSM. Possible mechanisms are atrophy or disruption
of the mitochondria or altered fusion‐fission dynamics.
Calcium cycling and substrate supply are likely to be compromised by the observed
structural changes. We propose this to be related to mitochondrial dysfunction and
oxidative stress formation that occurs in fHCM, however a causative relationship remains
unknown.
In conclusion, morphological changes of mitochondria and extra‐sarcomeric structures
are common in fHCM, regardless of breed, genotype and phenotypic disease expression.
Moreover, mitochondrial subpopulation‐specific changes occur in fHCM with depletion
of SSM.
Ultrastructural and functional changes of cardiac muscle mitochondria are considered
important molecular mechanisms, responsible for the development and progression of
fHCM and may be relevant future treatment targets.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐O‐17
CARDIAC MECHANICS IN DOGS WITH PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS: A SHORT TERM SPECKLE‐TRACKING
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY STUDY
I. Spalla
1, C. Locatelli1, G. Riscazzi1, P. Brambilla1, C. Bussadori2
1Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy2Clinica Veterinaria Gran Sasso, Milano,
Italy
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common congenital cardiac defect
in the dog. Ductal patency is associated with pulmonary overcirculation, left ventricular
volume overload and can rapidly determine congestive heart failure if untreated. Several
devices to close the PDA have been used, with Amplatzer Canine Duct Occluder (ACDO©)
being considered the safer device with lowest complication rates.
Echocardiography represents the cornerstone of PDA diagnosis, but its role has been
recently expanded to wider field of application: device sizing and intraoperative
monitoring, as well as a tool to quantify cardiac morphology and function. Speckle‐tracking
echocardiography (STE) has been used to evaluate cardiac function in a wide variety
of diseases in human and veterinary patients, however no study has evaluated its usefulness
in dogs affected by PDA both before and after percutaneous closure of PDA.
The aim of our study was therefore to assess standard M/B‐mode derived parameter of
cardiac function and STE derived longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain and
strain rate before and after PDA closure.
Twenty‐five dogs of different breeds, age and weight were prospectively recruited
and a complete echocardiographic evaluation was performed before and 24 hours after
PDA closure. End diastolic and systolic diameters indexed for body surface area (EDVI/ESVI)
both derived by M‐mode and B‐mode views, allometric scaling derived AlloD and AlloS,
Sphericity Index (SI) and pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs) were assessed both
pre and postoperatively. STE derived parameters assessed were longitudinal, radial
and circumferential strain and strain rate. A statistically significant difference
was found in all standard parameters of cardiac function before and after PDA closure
(p < 0.002), with a general decrease in values 24 hours postoperatively. STE derived
parameters of cardiac function showed a trend toward a decrease back to normal values,
which was statistically significant (p < 0.01) for circumferential and radial strain
and strain rate, while longitudinal strain and strain rate did not reach statistically
significance.
Based on our results, no cardiac dysfunction was identified by the use of STE derived
parameters both before and after PDA closure, with an increased contractility as identified
by higher than normal STE values before PDA closure and a decrease back to normal
strain and strain rate values for both circumferential and radial immediately after
percutaneous closure. Longitudinal strain persists on higher than normal values, refusing
the hypothesis of systolic dysfunction after PDA closure and suggesting a longer reverse
remodeling process after PDA closure.
Conflicts of interest
Dr Bussadori receives royalties from ESAOTE (Florence, italy) related to an european
patent (nr 071129712) he developed for Xstrain software. The study was not funded
by a research grant.
ESVC‐O‐18
PREVALENCE AND PROGNOSIS OF CARDIAC CACHEXIA IN DOGS AFFECTED WITH CHRONIC DEGENERATIVE
MITRAL VALVE DISEASE
I.B.Y. Yu, H.P. Huang
The Institute of Veterinary Clinical Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei city,
Taiwan
Cardiac cachexia which is characterized by progressive weight loss and depletion of
lean body mass, is an independent predictor of survival in human patients with congestive
heart failure. Chronic degenerative mitral valve disease (CDMD) is one of the most
common cardiac diseases in dogs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence
and the effects of cardiac cachexia in survival of dogs with CDMD.
Medical records of 114 client‐owned dogs with CDMD were reviewed. The mean age at
entry was 11.1 ± 3.2 years; 73 were females, and 41 were males. Data obtained from
the records including breed, sex, body weight, age at diagnosis, complete blood counts,
biochemical profiles, urinalysis, systemic blood pressure, thoracic radiographs, electrocardiograms,
ultrasonography and echocardiographic examinations at initial visit and survival time.
Diagnosis of CDMD was based on echocardiographic characteristics and categorized by
modified New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification. Cardiac cachexia
was defined as presence unintentional weight loss (> 5% within 12 months after diagnosis)
together with anorexia and muscle weakness, anemia (red cell count < 5.5 106/μL, hemoglobin
< 12 g/dL, or both), hypoalbuminemia (plasma albumin < 3.0 g/dL), and azotemia (blood
urea nitrogen > 26 g/dL, creatinine > 1.6 g/dL, or both). Dogs with other cardiac
disorders and other systemic disorders those would cause anemia and hypoalbuminemia
were excluded from this study.
Prevalence of cardiac cachexia, anemia and azotemia was 32.5%, 15.8% and 45.6%, respectively.
These conditions were the most prevalent in NYHA class 4, followed by NYHA classes
3 and 2. The prevalence of hypoalbuminemia was not significantly different among classes.
The one‐year body weight change was found in the NYHA classes 2 (increased 2.7 ± 10.7%),
3 (decreased 1.3 ± 12.3%) and 4 (decreased 6.1 ± 9.5%). The difference between classes
4 and 2 was significant. Results of the Cox proportional hazard model indicated that
survival time was significantly positively associated with NYHA functional severity
at diagnosis (P < 0.001), presence of cardiac cachexia, weight loss, anemia, hypoalbuminemia
and azotemia (P < 0.001, P = 0.003, P = 0.0033, P = 0.003 and P = 0.019, respectively).
The prevalence of cardiac cachexia was common in advanced CDMD dogs, and the parameters
of cardiac cachexia, namely weight loss, anemia, hypoalbuminemia and azotemia were
strong prognostic factors associated with survival.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐O‐19
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MITRAL VALVE DISEASE IN MALTESE DOGS IN TAIWAN
T.L. Lu, T.W. Yu, C.H. Chang, Y.W. Hung
Cardiospecial veterinary hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
Mitral valve disease (MVD) is the most common cardiovascular disease in dogs. It's
characterized by myxomatous degeneration, which causes mitral valve prolapse (MVP),
mitral regurgitation (MR) and a left apical systolic murmur (LASM). MVD affects small
breed dogs with a very high prevalence in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS). The
main goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of LASM, MVP and MR in the
Maltese, the most presented breed among dogs with MVD in Taiwan. The correlation between
these 3 measurements and the influence of age, gender, reproductive state, and body
weight were also investigated. Study results were compared to other MVD prevalence
studies in Europe and North‐America. 162 client‐owned Maltese dogs (75 males and 87
females; body weight 1.35‐7.15 kg; age 2‐15 yrs) with no signs of heart failure were
recruited. The intensity (grade 1‐6) of LASM was recorded. Grade of MVP (mild/severe)
and MR severity (mild/moderate/severe) were evaluated by echocardiography. Logistic
regression was used to determine the correlation between age and presence of LASM,
MVP and MR. A Chi‐square test was used to evaluate whether sex and reproductive‐status
were related to prevalences of LASM, MVP and MR. Spearman's correlation coefficient
was used to assess the relationships between age, body weight, LASM intensity, grade
of MVP and severity of MR. The prevalence of LASM, MVP and MR were 28.4%, 34% and
41.4%, respectively. All have positive correlation with age (p = 0.000). The age at
which 50% of the dogs had LASM, MVP and MR was 7.7, 7.5, and 5.6 years, respectively.
The LASM intensity, MVP grade and MR severity were all positively correlated to age
(all p = 0.000) and had no correlation with BW and reproductive status. Females had
a significantly higher prevalence of LASM than males (36% vs. 21.8%, p = 0.046). Maltese
dogs in Taiwan have a very high prevalence and an early development of MVD as compared
to other small breed dogs, similar to MVD in CKCS in other countries. Since we only
recruited asymptomatic Dogs, this study may underestimate the prevalence of MVD in
the whole Maltese population. To our knowledge, this is the first report to document
the high prevalence of MVD in Taiwanese Maltese.The Maltese may be a new canine model
for genetic, pathology, and natural history studies in MVD.
Conflicts of interest
Boehringer‐Ingelheim sponsored the author's accommodation costs for this congress.
ESVC‐O‐20
CARDIORENAL SYNDROME IN DOGS WITH CHRONIC VALVULAR HEART DISEASE: A RETROSPECTIVE
STUDY
E. Martinelli
1, P. Scarpa2, C. Quintavalla1, C. Locatelli2, P. Brambilla2
1University of Parma, Parma, Italy2University of Milan, Milan, Italy
In human medicine, primary disorders of the heart often result in secondary dysfunction
or injury to the kidneys. The coexistence of the two problems in the same patient
is referred as cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). Just little information about CRS is available
in veterinary medicine.
The aim of this study was to define the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD)
complicating chronic valvular heart disease (CVHD) in dogs and to investigate the
relationship between class of cardiac insufficiency (ACVIM) and class of renal insufficiency
(IRIS).
Medical records of dogs presented at the Cardiology Service of the Department of Veterinary
Science and Public Health, University of Milan, between January 2003 and December
2012 were retrospectively evaluated. Dogs with a complete physical examination, thoracic
radiographs, a CVHD diagnosis based on echocardiographic examination, and a serum
biochemical panel, including assessment of serum creatinine (sCr) and serum urea (BUN),
were included in the study. Dogs with other heart disease, neoplasm or systemic diseases
were not included in the study. One hundred eighteen dogs of both genders (73 males
and 45 females), 5 to 18 years of age (11.64 ± 2.66 years), 3 to 48 kg of bodyweight
(11.38 ± 8.84 kg) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The 20% of males and the 37% of
females were neutered. The most represented breeds were mongrel (44%), miniature Poodle
(9.32%), York Shire Terrier (8.5%), Shih ‐Tzu (4.24%), Pinscher (4.24%) and Dachshund
(3.38%). Dogs were classified as follow: 0% ACVIM A, 23% ACVIM B1, 9% ACVIM B2, 59%
ACVIM C and 9% ACVIM D. While the 73% of the dogs were normoazotemic (sCr < 1,4 mg/dl),
16% were staged in IRIS 2, 11% in IRIS 3 and 0%in IRIS 4. Statistical analysis was
performed using JMP 7.0 (SAS Institute Inc.). A p value <0,05 was considered significant.
The prevalence of CKD associated with azotemia in dogs affected by CVHD was 27%. There
was a statistically significant direct correlation between ACVIM and IRIS class (Pearson
test p = 0.0114). Unexpectedly, the 58% of dogs receiving drugs for medical management
of heart failure (ACVIM class C and D) were normoazotemic. Despite a definite conclusion
about the role of CVHD on the induction and/or progression of CKD cannot be drawn
from this cross‐sectional study, these results suggest that there is a direct correlation
between the severity of CKD and CVHD.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐O‐21
BREED DIFFERENCES IN CONCENTRATIONS OF NEUROENDOCRINES AND CORTISOL IN HEALTHY DOGS
K. Höglund
1, A.S. Lequarré2, I. Ljungvall1, K. Mc Entee2, A.C. Merveille2, M. Wiberg3, V. Gouni4,
J. Lundgren Willesen5, S. Hanås6, G. Wess7, L. Mejer Sørensen5, L. Tiret4, M. Kierczak8,
S. Forsberg1, E. Seppälä3, K. Lindblad‐Toh8,9, M. Georges2, H. Lohi3, V. Chetboul4,
M. Fredholm5, G. Battaille2, J. Häggström1
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden2Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium3University of Helsinki, Helsinki,
Finland4INSERM‐INRA‐Université Paris‐Est, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons‐alfort,
France5Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen,
Denmark6Evidensia Animal Clinic Västerås, Västerås, Sweden7Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität,
Munich, Germany8Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden9Broad
Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
There is growing evidence of breed differences in concentrations of several blood
variables in dogs. The aim of the study was to investigate breed differences in plasma
concentrations of components of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS), endothelin‐1
(ET‐1) and serum cortisol concentration in healthy dogs.
535 healthy, privately‐owned dogs of nine breeds were examined at five centers as
part of the European LUPA‐project. Absence of cardiovascular or other clinically relevant
organ‐related or systemic disease was ensured by thorough clinical investigations.
Plasma concentrations of ET‐1 and aldosterone, renin activity, and serum concentration
of cortisol were measured by RIA or ELISA assays.
Overall significant breed differences were found (P < 0.0001 for all 4 variables).
Bonferroni‐corrected pair‐wise significant differences between breeds were found in
67% of comparisons for ET‐1, 22% for cortisol, 19% for renin and 11% for aldosterone.
For ET‐1, the highest median concentration was found in Newfoundlands with values
>3 times higher than most other breeds, while renin was highest in Dachshunds, >2
times higher than in Newfoundlands and Boxers, which had the lowest concentrations.
Aldosterone was especially low in Belgian Shepherds with median concentration <10
times than the other breeds. Cortisol was highest in Finnish Lapphunds, almost 3 times
higher than Boxers with the lowest concentration.
In conclusion, considerable inter‐breed variation in concentrations of ET‐1, components
of RAAS and cortisol was found in healthy dogs. These differences are likely influenced
by genetic factors and should be taken into account when designing clinical trials
and tests. Breed‐specific reference ranges might be necessary.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVCN‐O‐1
THE KINETICS OF WEIGHT LOSS IN OBESE CLIENT‐OWNED DOGS
G. Deagle1, S.L. Holden1, V. Biourge2, S.L. Serisier2, A.J. German
1
1University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom2Royal Canin Research Center, Aimargues,
France
Most studies that assess weight management in obese dogs only examine the early stages
of weight loss, and this may not properly reflect a complete weight management regime.
The aim of the current study was to examine the kinetics of a complete weight management
cycle in obese client‐owned dogs.
Dogs referred to the Royal Canin Weight Management Clinic, University of Liverpool,
for the management of obesity, were eligible for inclusion. All dogs were followed
until they had either completed (i.e. reached target weight) or the programme was
discontinued. Rate of weight loss, percentage weight lost, and energy were assessed
at different time points.
A total of 149 dogs were included, with a range of breeds, ages and sexes represented.
Rate of weight loss steadily decreased throughout the weight loss period (d28: 1.2 ± 0.67%/wk;
d56: 0.8 ± 0.6%/wk; d84: 0.7 ± 0.5%/wk; d168: 0.5 ± 0.4%/wk; d252 0.4 ± 0.3%/wk; d672:
0.1 ± 0.1%/wk; P < 0.001). The energy intake required to maintain weight loss also
progressively decreased (P < 0.001). By day 84, mean ±sd weight loss was 11 ± 4.9%,
and compliance was good, but most had not completed (1% completed, 86% ongoing, 13%
discontinued). Thereafter, more dogs completed, but the number of discontinuing also
increased (d252: 20 ± 7.7% weight loss, 32% completed, 41% ongoing, 27% discontinued;
d672: 25 ± 14.6% weight loss; 59% completed, 4% ongoing, 37% stopped).
Initial weight loss is good in obese dogs but, thereafter, steadily worsens. Thus,
studies examining only the first few months of weight loss are not fully representative
of the entire weight loss process.
Conflicts of interest
The following conflicts of interest apply: The diet used in this study is manufactured
by Royal Canin.whilst VB is employed by Royal Canin. VB and SS are employed by Royal
Canin. AJG's Readership is funded by Royal Canin.
ESVCN‐O‐2
METABOLIC AND HORMONAL RESPONSE TO A FEED‐CHALLENGE TEST IN LEAN AND OVERWEIGHT DOGS
J. Söder, R. Hagman, K. Höglund, K. Malmlöf, S. Wernersson
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
Obesity and obesity‐related metabolic dysfunctions are increasing in humans as well
as in dogs. Obese dogs become affected by chronic diseases at young age, have a decreased
quality of life and a shorter life‐span. The aim of the study was to describe the
metabolic and hormonal response to a feed‐challenge test in lean and overweight dogs.
Twenty‐eight healthy intact male Labrador retrievers aged 5.2 ± 1.5 years with varying
body condition score (BCS, scale 1‐9) were included. Twelve dogs were classified as
lean (BCS 4‐5), ten as slightly overweight (BCS 6) and six as overweight (BCS 6.5‐8).
An overnight fasting period and blood sample collection was followed by a high fat
meal. After food intake, blood samples were collected hourly for four hours. A Glucagon
ELISA was validated for use in dogs.
The assigned BCS was supported by positive association with serum leptin concentrations.
Postprandial triglyceride concentration was significantly higher in the overweight
group. A tendency to higher cholesterol concentration was seen in the overweight group
but cholesterol was not affected by food intake. Glucagon concentration rose after
food intake and resembled the response seen in humans after a mixed meal. Glucose
and insulin concentrations followed the same pattern while free fatty acids had declined
one hour after the meal.
In this study, the metabolic and hormonal response to a high fat meal was similar
between lean and slightly overweight dogs, whereas the response of overweight dogs
differed. Studies on the health significance of postprandial hypertriglyceridemia
in dogs are warranted.
Conflicts of interest
The study was financially supported by The Swedish Veterinarian Federation, The Companion
Animal Research Foundation, and The Foundation of Thure F. & Karin Forsberg.
ESVCN‐O‐3
EFFECTIVENESS OF A NEW DIETETIC WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FOOD TO ACHIEVE WEIGHT LOSS IN CLIENT‐OWNED
OBESE CATS
U. Christmann
1, I. Becvarova2, S. Werre1, H. Meyer2
1Virginia‐Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, virginia,
United States of America2Hill's Pet Nutrition ‐ Europe, Middle East & Africa, Prague,
Czech Republic
Feline weight‐loss programs are often hindered by compliance issues and sedentary
lifestyle. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a new dietetic
weight management food (NDWMF)* in achieving weight loss in overweight/obese, client‐owned
cats. The objectives were 1) to evaluate weight loss parameters in cats fed the NDWMF*
and 2) to describe the owner's perception of the cat's quality of life. Overweight/obese,
otherwise healthy, client‐owned cats (>3/5 body condition score ‐ BCS) were enrolled
in the study (n = 132). Initial veterinary evaluation comprised a physical examination,
nutritional assessment, determination of ideal body weight (IBW), and development
of weight loss feeding plan. Daily energy requirement (DER) for weight loss was calculated
as DER = 0.8 x (70 x IBWkg0.75). Initial and follow‐up evaluations (monthly for 6 months)
consisted in determination of body weight (BW), BCS, body fat index (BFI), muscle
condition score (MCS), and current feeding practices. Quality of life assessment by
owners included cat's level of energy, happiness, appetite, begging behavior, flatulence,
stool volume, and fecal score. Statistical analysis encompassed scatterplots, regression
analysis, summary statistics as appropriate for the type of analyses (continuous or
categorical variables, distribution), a mixed model ANOVA was used to assess changes
over time (statistical significance at p < 0.05). Eighty three percent of the cats
(n = 110) lost weight with an average weight loss of 11% (SEM, 1.8%) over 6 months
and an average weekly weight loss rate of 0.45% (SEM, 0.03%). A significant decrease
in BCS from week 12‐24 and in BFI from week 8‐24 compared to baseline was observed.
MCS did not change. Average duration of weight loss was 134 days (SEM, 4.8 days) with
32 days (SEM, 0.5 days) between visits. Fourteen percent of cats achieved IBW (0.14,
CI: 0.08‐0.22). Seventy nine percent of cats ate more than the recommended DER (median
fed above DER=6%), and the majority of these cats still lost weight. Owners perceived
a significant increase in energy and happiness (>week 12) compared to baseline in
the cats that lost weight without changes in appetite or begging behavior. No significant
changes were seen in scores for flatulence, stool volume, and fecal score. In conclusion,
this clinical study showed that feeding the NDWMF* to client‐owned, overweight/obese
cats resulted in weight loss. Owners reported significant improvements in cat's quality
of life without negative side effects.
*Hill's[TRADEMARK] Prescription Diet[TRADEMARK] Feline Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution,
dry (caloric distribution: protein=39%, fat=31%, carbohydrate=30%)
Conflicts of interest
Becvarova and Meyer are employees of Hill's Pet Nutrition Manufacturing s.r.o.
The study was sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition.
ESVCP‐O‐1
FELINE ACUTE INTERMITTENT PORPHYRIA IN NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA: CLINICAL TO MOLECULAR
GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION
U. Giger
1, S. Clavero2, K. Raj3, E. O'Neil4, S. Burton4, P. Hanna4, M.E. Haskins3, D.F. Bishop2,
R.J. Desnick2
1Section of Medical Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
of America2Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine,
New york, United States of America3University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United
States of America4Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island,
Charlottetown, Canada
Porphyrias are a group of inborn errors of metabolism resulting from accumulation
of porphyrins due to deficient activities of specific enzymes in heme biosynthesis.
In humans, they are clinically classified as either erythroid with cutaneous involvement
or hepatic with acute neurovisceral attacks. Here we describe the clinical, biochemical,
and molecular genetic studies in porphyric cats from New Brunswick, Canada.
From 2008 to 2014, three separately identified adult domestic shorthair cats from
the city of Saint John in New Brunswick were found to have erythrodontia (brown discolored
teeth which fluoresced pink) and pigmenturia. A mild compensated hemolytic disorder
with numerous small dark blue irregularly shaped erythrocyte inclusions was noted.
There was no evidence of acute life‐threatening neurovisceral attacks or cutaneous
lesions. Necropsy of one cat revealed massive deposition of porphyrins in all bones
and teeth. Urine and EDTA blood samples from one cat were metabolically studied, while
molecular genetic studies were performed in all cats either from EDTA blood or a formalinized
splenic tissue block.
Urinary δ‐aminolevulinic acid, porphobilinogen, uroporphyrin I, and coproporphyrin
I concentrations were increased in the cat studied, suggesting an acute intermittent
porphyria (AIP). The erythrocytic hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS) activity in
erythrocytes was approximately half normal suggesting a dominant enzymopathy, while
the erythrocyte uroporphyrinogen III‐synthase activity was normal. Sequencing the
feline HMBS gene revealed a heterozygous intronic 12 base deletion (c.772‐13_‐2del)
which results in an insertion in the mRNA and would predict a truncated protein.
In conclusion, these three domestic shorthair cats had the same HMBS mutation causing
an autosomal dominantly inherited AIP. Cats with discolored teeth and normal or mild
hemolysis may have either acute intermittent porphyria or congenital erythroid porphyria.
Interestingly, seven disease‐causing mutations have now been found by us in the HMBS
gene ‐ more than in any other gene in cats. The biochemical and molecular characterization
facilitates clinical screening of affected cats to reach a specific diagnosis.
Supported in part by NIH OD 010939.
Conflicts of interest
Urs Giger and Raj Karthik are also part of the laboratory that offers DNA testing
for this mutation.
ESVCP‐O‐2
HAEMOSTATIC FINDINGS OF PLEURAL FLUID: A CROSS‐SECTIONAL STUDY IN 33 DOGS
A. Zoia
1, M. Drigo2, C.J. Piek3, P. Simioni4, M. Caldin5
1San Marco Veterinary Clinic, Padua, Italy2Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Padua University,
Padua, Italy3Dep. of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary
Medicine, Utrecht, The Netherlands4Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic and Vascular
Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy5Laboratorio d'Analisi Veterinarie San
Marco, Padua, Italy
Fibrinogen decreases when coagulation is activated to form fibrin, while FDPs and
D‐dimers represent the products of fibrinolysis. In humans, activation of coagulation
and fibrinolysis develops in all type of ascites and it is also associated with signs
of systemic fibrinolysis.These results have lead to the suggestion that ascitic fluid
is inherently fibrinolytic. Preliminary studies showed similar results also in dogs
(JAVMA Nov. 2012, ECVIM proceedings 2013). In addition, in an old experimental study
conducted in dogs, inoculation of blood or of a solution containing fibrinogen and
thrombin into the pleural cavity resulted in the activation of the coagulation system
followed by fibrinolysis. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine
whether the activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis (i.e. low fibrinogen and elevated
FDPs and D‐dimer) occurs not only in the ascitic fluid, as alredy been demonstrated,
but also in all type of pleural effusions in dogs. Thirty‐three dogs referred to the
San Marco Veterinary Clinic with pleural effusion, but without ascites, were studied.
Fibrinogen, FDPs, and D‐dimer concentrations were measured and then compared in both
pleural fluid and venous blood via Wilcoxon signed ranks test. The dog's pleural effusions
were categorized based on pathophysiology of fluid formation into 5 dogs with transudate
(4 due to increased hydrostatic pressure and 1 due to decreased osmotic pressure),
23 with an exudate (of which 11 due to septic causes), 4 with a haemorrhagic pleural
effusion, and 4 with a chylous effusions. The fibrinogen concentration in the pleural
effusion (median: 59 mg/dL; range: 59‐59) was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) than
the plasma fibrinogen concentration (median: 419 mg/dL; range: 131‐1406). In all dogs,
the fibrinogen pleural fluid concentration was lower than the plasma concentration.
The FDP concentration in the pleural effusion (median: 151 mg/dL; range: 0.69‐151)
was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher than plasma FDPs concentrations (median: 5.55 mg/dL;
range: 0.83‐108.47). In 1 case, the FDPs pleural fluid concentration was lower than
the plasma concentration and in 32 cases the pleural fluid concentration was higher.
The D‐dimer concentrations were significantly(p < 0.0001) higher in the pleural effusion
(median: 3.84 μg/mL; range: 0.05‐9.61) than in the plasma (median: 0.07 μg/mL; range:
0.01‐7.67). In one case, the D‐dimer pleural fluid concentration was lower than the
plasma concentration and in 32 cases was higher. These findings support the hypothesis
that activation of coagulation followed by fibrinolysis occurs in all type of pleural
effusions.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVCP‐O‐3
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PLEURAL EFFUSIONS AND PRIMARY HYPERFIBRINOGENO‐LYSIS: A CASE CONTROL
STUDY IN 99 DOGS
A. Zoia
1, M. Drigo2, P. Simioni3, M. Caldin4, C.J. Piek5
1San Marco Veterinary Clinic, Padua, Italy2Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Padua University,
Padua, Italy3Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University
of Padua, Padua, Italy4Laboratorio d'Analisi Veterinarie San Marco, Padua, Italy5Dep.
of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht,
The Netherlands
During primary hyperfibrinogenolysis (PHF), FDPs production is increased but production
of D‐dimer is not. Therefore, elevated FDPs and normal D‐dimer are considered an indicator
of PHF. In humans and dogs, activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis develops in
all type of ascites and it is associated with systemic PHF, suggesting that ascitis
is inherently fibrinolytic. Preliminary data have shown that activation of coagulation
followed by fibrinolysis occurs also in all type of pleural effusions (PE). The objective
of this study was to determine if systemic PHF occurs also in dogs with PE. Thirty‐three
dogs referred to the San Marco Veterinary Clinic with PE, but without ascites, were
studied (group 1). From the electronic data‐base of the clinic dogs for inclusion
in control groups 2 (healthy dogs) and 3 (sick dogs without PE or ascites) were randomly
selected and individually matched to group 1 dogs for age, sex, and breed. Fibrinogen,
FDPs, D‐dimers, C‐reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen/CRP ratio, and prevalence of
PHF (i.e., dogs with elevated plasma FDPs and normal D‐dimer) were determined. Differences
between the 3 groups were analyzed using ANOVA (fibrinogen), Chi‐Square (FDPs and
prevalence of PHF) and Kruskal‐Wallis test (CRP, fibrinogen/CRP ratio, and D‐dimer).
Post‐test analysis were performed by Tamhane and Mann‐Whitney test. Fibrinogen concentration
in group 1 was significantly increased compared to group 2 (p < 0.0001), but not compared
to group 3 (p = 0.504). FDPs concentration in group 1 was significantly increased
compared to groups 2 (p < 0.0001), but not compared to group 3 (p = 0.148). D‐dimers
concentration in group 1 was significantly increased compared to group 2 (p < 0.0001),
but not compared to group 3 (p = 0.964). CRP was significantly increased in group
1 compared to group 2 and 3 (p < 0.0001 for both comparison). Fibrinogen/CRP ratio
was significantly decreased in group 1 compared to group 2 and 3 (p < 0.0001 for both
comparison). Prevalence of PHF was significantly higher in group 1 compared to groups
2 (p = 0.004), but not compared to group 3 (p = 0.186). These results support the
hypothesis that PHF occurs significantly more often in dogs with PE compared to healthy
dogs. Despite there was a trend of increased PHF also in dogs with PE compared to
sick dogs, this difference did not reach significance. Nevertheless, the decreased
in fibrinogen/CRP ratio in group 1 compared to group 3, in the face of a similar D‐dimer
concentration, would suggest that PHF is also more prevalent in dogs with PE compared
to sick control dogs.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVCP‐O‐4
INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES AND C‐REACTIVE PROTEIN IN CANINE SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE
SYNDROME
K. Gommeren
1, I. Desmas1, A. Garcia1, N. Bauer2, A. Moritz2, J. Roth2, D. Peeters1
1Liège University, Liège, Belgium2Justus‐Liebig‐University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) refers to clinical signs of systemic
inflammation in response to (non‐)infectious insults. Current diagnosis of SIRS is
based on clinical and basic laboratory data and is a sensitive screening to identify
patients at risk. C‐reactive protein (CRP) is a major canine acute phase protein with
concentrations related to disease severity and underlying cause. CRP rises in response
to proinflammatory cytokines, mainly interleukin (IL)‐6 and tumor necrosis factor
(TNF)‐α, which are considered the main triggers of SIRS.
We therefore evaluated CRP, IL‐6 and TNF‐α kinetics in canine emergency SIRS patients
hypothesizing that CRP is (1) increased in dogs with a clinical SIRS‐diagnosis, (2)
correlated with IL‐6 and TNF‐α concentrations, (3) influenced by the underlying etiology,
and (4) a prognostic marker.
Canine emergencies with clinically diagnosed SIRS were prospectively included. Serum
and plasma were immediately stored at ‐80°C after sampling at presentation, after
6 (T6), 12 (T12), 24 (T24) and 72 (T72) hours, and at a control visit (T1 m) over
one month after discharge. Serum CRP was measured with a canine‐specific immunoturbidimetric
CRP assay. Plasma IL‐6 and TNF‐α were measured using a bioassay measuring biologically
active cytokine concentrations. Disease categories were infection (I), neoplasia (N),
trauma (T), gastric‐dilation and volvulus (GDV), other gastrointestinal (GI), renal
(R) and miscellaneous (M) diseases. Statistical analysis was performed with SAS. Concentrations
of inflammatory cytokines were expressed logarithmically, with univariate analysis
confirming normal distribution. A correlation procedure, mixed procedure on a linear
model and a logistic procedure were performed (p‐value < 0.05).
Sixty seven dogs (I = 12, N = 13, T = 6, GDV=11, GI=4, R = 3, M = 18) were included.
Forty‐three patients survived (seven died, seventeen were euthanized). Twenty patients
had a control visit. CRP was elevated in 71.2% of dogs at presentation, and only remained
within reference range (0‐14.9 mg/L) throughout hospitalization in four dogs (6.0%).
CRP concentrations were significantly higher from T0 (92.7 ± 113.7 mg/L) to T24 (95.2 ± 90.2 mg/L)
decreasing at T72 (71.1 ± 76.6 mg/L), and returning within reference range at T1 m
(2.4 ± 4.5 mg/L) in all but one dog (18.2 mg/L). CRP was significantly correlated
with logarithmical concentrations of IL‐6 and TNF‐α, however, these did not change
significantly over time. None of the evaluated parameters was associated with disease
category, nor outcome.
CRP appears useful to diagnose SIRS in emergency patients, and tends to decrease during
hospitalization. However, CRP, neither IL‐6 nor TNF‐α concentrations appear useful
to predict the underlying disease and outcome in SIRS patients.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVCP‐O‐5
BIOLOGICAL VARIATION OF CANINE CALPROTECTIN CONCENTRATIONS IN SERUM
R.M. Heilmann
1, C.G. Ruaux2, N. Grützner1, J. S Suchodolski1, J.M. Steiner1
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College station, United States
of America2College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, United
States of America
Calprotectin (S100A8/A9 complex) belongs to the S100/calgranulin family, and is primarily
released from activated neutrophils and macrophages. Serum calprotectin concentrations
(CP) were shown to be increased in dogs with inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory
bowel disease, pancreatitis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and sepsis.
Canine CP thus appears to be a biomarker of inflammation. Considerable day‐to‐day
variation of fecal canine CP was found in both healthy dogs and dogs with chronic
gastrointestinal disease. However, the biological variation of canine CP in serum
has not been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the biological variation
of serum canine CP and its minimum critical difference (MCD).
Eleven healthy dogs were used for this study. Biological variation of serum canine
CP was evaluated over a 2.6‐months period. Tests for outliers were carried out at
3 levels (within‐run analytical variance, intra‐, and inter‐individual variation).
A nested analysis of variance (ANOVA) model was used to calculate analytical (CVA),
intra‐individual (CVI), inter‐individual (CVG), and total variation (CVT), and to
determine the index of individuality (II), index of heterogeneity (IH), and MCD.
A total of 14 serial specimens were collected from 6 dogs, 13 serial samples from
3 dogs, and 12 serial samples from 2 dogs. Four within‐subject outliers were detected
and excluded from further analysis, yielding a total of 147 serum samples and slightly
right‐skewed data. No outlying observations (Cochrane test) or outliers among mean
concentrations of subjects (Reed's criterion) were detected. CVA was calculated as
3.0%, CVI as 29.9%, and CVG as 33.2%, resulting in a CVT of 66.1%. Index of Individuality
(II) was determined to be 0.905 and IH was 4.939, yielding a one‐sided MCD of 6.4 mg/L.
The analytical goal of CVA ≤ ½×CVI was satisfied.
Although serum canine CP remained within a relatively narrow concentration range in
healthy dogs, moderate individuality was detected. Moderate changes in serum canine
CP (6.4 mg/L) between sequential measurements are needed to be considered clinically
relevant, and using a population‐based reference interval may or may not be appropriate
for serum canine CP. Using the MCD with the previously determined median canine CP
concentration (4.9 mg/L) for the reference sample group yielded a serum canine CP
concentration close to the upper limit of the previously established reference interval
(11.9 mg/L), showing that the reference interval for serum cCP (0.9‐11.9 mg/L) is
within reasonable limits.
Conflicts of interest
The assay used in the study was developed at the GI Laboratory, Texas A&M University.
Most authors also work at the GI Laboratory, Texa A&M University.
ESVCP‐O‐6
CORRELATION OF ACUTE PHASE PROTEINS WITH CLINICAL AND LABORATORY PARAMETERS, AND CLINICAL
STAGING IN 80 DOGS WITH LEISHMANIASIS CAUSED BY L. INFANTUN/CHAGASI
D. Alatza1, C. Koutinas
1, T.A. Petanides2, J.J. Ceron3, S. Martinez‐Subiela3, Z. Polizopoulou1
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki,
Greece2Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly,
Karditsa, Greece3Interlab‐UMU, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia,
Murcia, Spain
Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a multisystemic disease that is endemic in the Mediterranean
region. In the past, concentrations of acute phase proteins (APPs), and specifically
C‐reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp), ceruloplasmin (Cp), serum amyloid A (SAA)
and albumin (Alb), have been reported to change in dogs with leishmaniasis, and revert
to normal after successful treatment, highlighting the intrinsic inflammatory reaction
of the host to the parasite.
Since the spectrum of clinical and laboratory derangements is broad, it is possible
that APPs are increased specifically because of certain clinicopathological syndromes
associated with CanL.
A total of 80 dogs with CanL, diagnosed on the basis of cytological amastigote identification
and IFAT serology, were retrospectively included in the study. In all of them, CRP,
SAA, Hp and Alb were measured at Interlab‐UMU, Murcia, Spain, in aliquots of serum,
which were stored in ‐22°C for 4 ‐ 8 years (median: 4 years). Results for each of
the APPs were correlated to laboratory and clinical parameters (n:80), clinical and
parasitological scoring (n:40), Ehrlichia and Leishmania serology (n:40), and clinical
staging according to LeishVet (n:80), using an array of linear and ordinal regression
models, as well as one‐way ANOVA, t‐test and Fisher's LSD test.
CRP and Alb were by far the APPs most frequently correlated with clinical and laboratory
abnormalities such as nutritional status, lethargy and skin ulcers (P < 0,05), as
well as urinary protein to creatinine ratio (UPC), total serum protein, and urine
specific gravity (P < 0,02). There were limited associations between Hp, Cp, SAA and
clinicopathological parameters. A minor linear relationship was observed between CRP
and clinical scoring. CRP and Alb were also correlated with parasitological scoring
in bone marrow, but not lymph node cytology (P < 0.04). Dogs with Ehrlichia titers
had higher CRP, Cp and lower Alb concentrations. Finally, CRP concentrations were
higher in later compared to earlier stages of the infection, as defined by the Leishvet
criteria.
The inflammatory component to Leishmania infection doesn't seem to be exemplified
by the reaction of a particular tissue, with the possible exception of glomerulonephritis.
The magnitude of increase in CRP and decrease in albumin is correlated with clinical
staging and bone marrow parasitological scoring.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVCP‐O‐7
DEVELOPMENT OF A REMOTE PLATELET P‐SELECTIN TEST FOR DELAYED MEASUREMENT OF PLATELET
FUNCTION IN DOGS AND CATS
M. Dunning
1, J. May2, A. Struck2, S. Fox2
1University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, United Kingdom2Cardiovascular Medicine,
School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
The consequences of abnormal platelet function in dogs and cats can be devastating
and the use of anti‐thrombotic therapy to prevent thrombotic events is increasingly
common. The ability to measure platelet function and the efficacy of anti‐thrombotic
therapy is difficult due to limited availability of equipment and inability to delay
platelet function analysis.
The aim of this study was to adapt and validate test procedures and protocols previously
developed for humans for use in dogs and cats.
Residual samples of citrate anticoagulated blood were used from dogs and cats presented
to a specialist referral centre for various reasons unrelated to clotting abnormalities.
Initially the blood was stimulated using specific combinations of either arachidonic
acid/epinephrine (AA/EPI) or ADP/U46619, designed to assess the effects of the anti‐thrombotic
agents aspirin and clopidogrel respectively. After 5 minutes stimulation, the blood
samples were fixed using a patented platelet fixative solution developed for human
platelets, which allows the delayed analysis of P‐selectin an established marker of
platelet activation.
All analysis was performed by flow cytometry. In order to do this, specific antibodies
were selected for the recognition of both canine and feline platelets. CD61 was used
as a platelet identifier antibody while appropriate CD62P (P‐selectin) antibodies
for each species were chosen. Fixed samples were repeatedly analysed at time points
between 0 to 35 days following fixation to establish the stability of the fixed samples.
Thirteen dogs and three cats were analysed.
High P‐selectin expression was detected following stimulation with AA/EPI and ADP/U46619
in both dogs and cats following fixation. This was significantly different to unstimulated
blood (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in detectable P‐selectin expression
following storage of the fixed samples at any time‐point up to 35 days. This confirmed
the fixative was suitable as a preservative of canine and feline platelets.
A limited number of dogs were evaluated whilst receiving anti‐thrombotic medication.
There was a significant difference in the activation of platelets in the dogs treated
with either aspirin (p < 0.03) or clopidogrel (p < 0.004) compared with untreated
dogs following stimulation with AA/EPI (aspirin group) or ADP/U46619 (clopidogrel
group).
Our results show that fixation and delayed analysis of platelet function in dogs and
cats is possible for up to 35 days. This demonstrates an exciting opportunity to analyse
platelet function remotely and to determine the efficacy of thromboprophylaxis in
animals presenting to clinics that do not have on‐site platelet analysers.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVE‐O‐1
BEHAVIOUR IN DOGS BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT OF SPONTANEOUS HYPOTHYROIDISM WITH L‐THYROXINE
A. Hrovat Vernik
1, T. de Keuster1, H.S. Kooistra2, L. Duchateau1, S. Daminet1
1Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium2Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Several authors consider thyroid hormone supplementation as a valid initial treatment
option for dogs with aggression related problems. Indeed, mood and behaviour modulating
properties of thyroid hormones may, in part, be mediated through the interaction of
thyroid hormones with neurohormones such as serotonin and prolactin. At present, prospective
trials evaluating neurohormonal status or behaviour in hypothyroid dogs before and
after thyroid supplementation are lacking. Therefore, the aims of this study were
to assess behaviour and measure serum serotonin and prolactin concentrations in dogs
with spontaneous hypothyroidism before and after treatment.Twenty three client‐owned
dogs diagnosed with spontaneous primary hypothyroidism were prospectively included
in our study. After diagnosis all dogs were treated with levothyroxine (10 micrograms/kg
BID). Behaviour of dogs was screened at initial presentation, at 6 weeks and 6 months
after initiation of therapy. Owners had to fill in a hard copy of the standardized
Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C‐BARQ) consisting of 101
scored questions evaluating seven behavioural categories. The average score on all
questions was calculated for each dog at each of the three time periods and a paired
t‐test was used for comparison. Serum serotonin and prolactin concentrations were
evaluated at each time period using a commercially validated ELISA kit and heterologous
RIA, respectively.Results of the C‐BARQ after six weeks of thyroid hormone supplementation
when compared with the time zero demonstrated a significant increase (P < 0.05) in
excitability, activity and aggression, which most likely became unmasked owing to
improved overall activity of dogs. Conversely, at six months period when compared
with the time zero no significant changes in any of the behavioural symptoms were
observed. Serum serotonin was measured in 18/23 dogs colorimetrically at 450 nm. At
time zero, 6 weeks and 6 months serum serotonine was 0.135 (range, 0.075‐0.337), 0.141
(range, 0,071‐0.392) and 0.149 (range, 0.086‐0.378). No significant difference was
noted between 6 week and 6 month period comparing to time zero (P = 0.84 and P = 0.37).
Serum prolactin concentration measured in 22/23 dogs at time zero, 6 weeks and 6 months
was 3.35 ng/ml (range, 1.4‐6.36), 3.57 ng/ml (range, 1.87‐7.39) and 3.92 ng/ml (range,
2.01‐12.92) and did not differ significantly in either time period when compared with
time zero (P = 0.99 and P = 0.52).Altogether, results of this study failed to demonstrate
a significant role of thyroid supplementation on the majority of evaluated behavioural
symptoms as well as neurohormonal status of hypothyroid dogs during 6 months of therapy.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVE‐O‐2
OVERT OR SUBCLINICAL IATROGENIC HYPOTHYROIDISM IN CATS: CLINICAL, LABORATORY, AND
THYROID SCINTIGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN 35 CASES.
M.E. Peterson, J.N. Guterl
Animal Endocrine Clinic, New york, United States of America
Iatrogenic hypothyroidism is a recognized complication of radioiodine treatment of
hyperthyroidism in cats, but no prospective studies of the prevalence, clinical features,
routine laboratory findings, or results of thyroid function tests have been reported
in a series of hypothyroid cats. In this study, we describe the features of hypothyroidism
in 35 cats treated with radioiodine over a 15‐month period (October 2012‐March 2014).
During this same period, we treated ≈500 hyperthyroid cats with radioiodine, providing
a prevalence rate of 7%.
Hypothyroidism was diagnosed 41‐814 days (median, 120 days) after 131I treatment,
with doses ranging from 65‐1000 Mbq (median, 100 Mbq; median pretreatment T4, 142 nmol/L).
The 35 hypothyroid cats ranged in age from 9‐19 years (median, 13 years). All were
DSH/DLH; 28 (80%) were female and 7 were males (P = 0.0004). Clinical signs in these
35 cats included overweight/obesity in 6 (17%), lethargy/dullness in 6 (17%), poor
appetite in 3 (8.6%), and polyuria/polydipsia in 9 (26%). Abnormalities on physical
examination included dermatologic signs (dry coat, seborrhea, matting) in 5 (14%)
and bradycardia (<150 bpm) in 2. Twenty‐two cats (63%) had no noticeable clinical
features of hypothyroidism. Routine laboratory abnormalities included hypercholesterolemia
(>6 mmol/L) in 7 (20%) and new or worsening azotemia (>140 μmol/L) in 26 (74%) and
4 (11%) cats, respectively.
Median serum concentrations of total T4 (11.6 nmol/L; reference interval [RI], 10‐50 nmol/L),
T3 (0.6 nmol/L; RI, 0.5‐0.8 nmol/L), and FT4 (15 pmol/L; RI, 10‐50 pmol/L) were all
in the low end of the RI. Normal RI values for T4 and FT4 were maintained in 22 (63%)
and 30 (86%) of the cats, respectively. Serum cTSH values were high in all cats (median,
3.3 ng/dl; range, 0.47‐12.0 ng/dl; RI, 0.03‐0.30 ng/ml). Thyroid scintigraphy showed
less‐than‐normal amounts of residual tissue, as well as low values for thyroid‐to‐salivary
ratio and %‐uptake of pertechnetate, in 30 (86%). Of those 5 cats with normal scintiscans,
serum cTSH decreased into the RI without treatment when retested 1‐6 months later.
In conclusion, this study confirms that 131I‐induced hypothyroidism is not uncommon,
with an apparent female sex predilection. Serum T4 and FT4 remain normal in most cats,
but high serum cTSH values and thyroid scintigraphy aid in diagnosis. Unless cats
have overt, long‐standing hypothyroidism, most cats with subclinical disease are relatively
asymptomatic, other than worsening azotemia. Subclinical hypothyroidism will be transient
in some cats, with normalization of cTSH values within a few months.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVE‐O‐3
IATROGENIC FELINE HYPOTHYROIDISM: CHALLENGES AND COMPLEXITIES OF THYROID HORMONE REPLACEMENT
IN CATS
M.E. Peterson, J.N. Guterl
Animal Endocrine Clinic, New york, United States of America
Iatrogenic hypothyroidism is a recognized complication of radioiodine treatment for
hyperthyroidism in cats. At our clinic where we use a variable 131‐I dosing protocol
(based on tumor volume and severity of hyperthyroidism), the prevalence of overt or
subclinical hypothyroidism is at least 7%. During the 15‐month period from October
2012 to March 2014, we treated 19 cats with iatrogenic hypothyroidism, which had developed
41‐323 days (median, 119 days) after treatment with radioiodine (median dose, 100
Mbq). These cats ranged in age from 9‐19 years (median, 14 years); all were DSH/DLH;
14 (74%) were female and 5 were males. New or worsening azotemia (>140 μmol/L) was
documented in 16 (84%) and 2 (10.5%) cats, respectively. Diagnosis of hypothyroidism
was based on the following: 1) low to low‐normal serum concentrations of T4, FT4,
and T3; 2) high serum TSH concentration (>0.5 ng/dl); and 3) less‐than‐normal amounts
of residual tissue on thyroid scintigraphy. All cats were given thyroid hormone replacement
as a liquid L‐T4 preparation (Leventa; Merck Animal Health). Cats were monitored at
1‐3 month intervals by repeating serum T4 and TSH concentrations 3‐4 hours after the
morning L‐T4 dose.
Ten of the 19 cats were started on a once‐daily L‐T4 regimen (100 μg); of these, only
2 (20%) had suppression of high serum TSH values into the reference interval (RI).
Of the 8 cats that had persistently high TSH values, 5 were switched to twice‐daily
administration (75‐100 μg, BID), which successfully lowered high TSH concentrations
in 4 cats. The remaining 9 cats were started on twice daily L‐T4 (75 μg, BID); of
these, normalization of TSH occurred in 5 cats. Overall, L‐T4 treatment was successful
in normalizing TSH concentrations in 11 (58%) cats, 2 with once‐daily and 9 with twice‐daily
dosing. Peak serum T4 concentrations of ≥30 nmol/L were needed in most cats to normalize
TSH values. Higher serum T4 and lower TSH concentrations were achieved when L‐T4 was
administered on an empty stomach rather than given with food. A significant decrease
(P < 0.003) in serum creatinine occurred after treatment with L‐T4.
In conclusion, our results indicate that twice‐daily administration of L‐T4 is needed
in most cats with iatrogenic hypothyroidism to normalize high serum TSH concentrations.
Many cats appear to absorb L‐T4 rather poorly, which can be enhanced by giving the
drug on an empty stomach. The azotemia that commonly develops in cats with hypothyroidism
improved or stabilized with adequate L‐T4 supplementation.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVE‐O‐4
CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM WITH GOITER IN CATS DUE TO A TPO MUTATION
U. Giger
1, K. Raj1, C.V. Murrow2, A. Traas2, A.M. Erat2, M. van Hoeven2, H. Mazrier2, M.E.
Haskins2
1Section of Medical Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
of America2University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) has been reported in many species; the hereditary forms
can be divided into thyroid dysmorphogenesis and dyshormonogenesis. While thyroid
hypoplasia has been described in dogs and cats, the molecular basis remains unknown.
In contrast few breeds of dogs with goiterous CH were found to have deficient thyroid
peroxidase (TPO) activity. The purpose of our study was to characterize a family of
domestic shorthair cats with goiterous CH and disease‐causing TPO gene mutations.
Clinical features included dwarfism and dullness, known as cretinism and seen with
CH in all species, but also constipation and megacolon which are unique to cats with
CH. Pedigree analysis documented an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Affected
kittens developed a goiter and had low serum thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)
when compared to controls, but high thyroid stimulating (TSH) hormone levels indicating
thyroid dyshormonogenesis. Oral thyroid supplementation corrected the progression
of clinical signs and prevented further constipation and reversed the megacolon.
The TPO enzyme activity was extremely low in hypothyroid cats when compared to that
of normal cats. Genomic DNA and cDNA from affected, carrier, and normal cats were
extracted and sequenced based upon primers developed from the feline genome database.
A homozygous missense point mutation (c.1333G>A) in TPO, which results in an amino
acid change (p.Ala445Thr), was discovered in affected cats and the mutant allele segregated
within the family with goiterous CH.
This is the first report of a TPO deficiency in cats. Other unrelated domestic shorthair
cats with goiterous CH did not have this same TPO mutation. The prevalence of this
TPO mutation in the domestic cat population seems low, but CH is likely underreported
in cats.
Supported in part by NIH OD 010939.
Conflicts of interest
Some of the authors are members of diagnostic laboratories (PennGen). Supported in
part by the NIH OD #010939.
ESVE‐O‐5
ASSESSMENT OF A GLUCAGON‐LIKE PEPTIDE‐1 ANALOGUE (EXENATIDE EXTENDED‐RELEASE) IN CATS
WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETES MELLITUS
A.R. Riederer
1, F. Fracassi2, E. Salesov1, I. Padrutt1, T. Lutz3, T. Stöckle2, E. Zini1, C. Reusch1,
K. Macha1
1Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University Zurich,
Zurich, Switzerland2Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna,
Ozzano dell'emilia, Italy3Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University
of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1)is a gastrointestinal hormone released in response
to food intake that increases insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon secretion, slows
gastric emptying and induces satiation. It is also assumed to stimulate beta‐cell
proliferation. GLP‐1 agonists are successfully used in humans with type 2 diabetes
mellitus usually either in combination with insulin or other anti‐diabetic drugs.
In healthy cats twice daily (exenatide) as well as once weekly (exenatide extended‐release
(ER)) application of GLP‐1 agonists induced pronounced insulin secretion. Benefits
of exenatide ER are the regimen of once weekly injection and less side effects. The
objective of the study was to assess whether administration of exenatide ER in addition
to standard treatment leads to improved glycemic control and higher remission rates
in cats with newly diagnosed diabetes.
The study was designed as a prospective, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Cats were
randomly assigned to two groups receiving exenatide ER (group 1: Bydureon®, 200 mg/kg,
q7d, SC) or 0.9% saline solution (group 2: q7d, SC). Both groups additionally received
insulin glargine (Lantus®, initial dose: ≤ 4 kg: 1.0 IU, q12 h; > 4 kg 1.5‐2.0 IU,
q12 h) and diet (Purina DM®). Exenatide ER was applied over 16 weeks or, in case of
remission, for 4 additional weeks after cessation of insulin application. Cats were
rechecked 1, 3, 6, 10 and 16 weeks after starting therapy. Remission of diabetes was
defined as absence of clinical signs of diabetes and normal blood glucose and fructosamine
concentrations for at least 4 weeks after discontinuing insulin injections.
So far 17 cats have completed the study. Mild and transient side effects in group
1 (n = 9) were reduced appetite (n = 6), nausea (n = 2), vomitus (n = 4), tiredness
(n = 2) and hiding in dark spots of the house (n = 2). In group 1 remission was achieved
in 4/9 (44%) cats and good metabolic control in 4/5 (80%) non‐remission cats. In group
2 remission was achieved in 2/8 (25%) cats and good metabolic control in 4/6 (66%)
non‐remission cats. Median insulin dose given during the study period was 0.47 IU/kg/day
in group 1 and 0.56 IU/kg/day in group 2.
The preliminary results suggest that exenatide ER can be used safely in diabetic cats.
A tendency for higher remission rate, better metabolic control and lower insulin requirement
was seen when exenatide ER was added to the standard treatment regimen. Further cases
need to be evaluated to verify the potential beneficial role of exenatide ER.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVE‐O‐6
LASER MICRODISSECTION OF PANCREATIC ISLETS ALLOWS FOR QUANTITATIVE REAL‐TIME PCR DETECTION
OF ISLET‐SPECIFIC GENES IN HEALTHY AND DIABETIC CATS
M.T. Öhlund
1, P. Franzén2, G. Andersson3, B. Ström Holst1, J. Lau2
1Dept. of clinical sciences, Swedish university of agricultural sciences, Uppsala,
Sweden2Dept. of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden3Dept of
animal breeding and genetics,Swedish university of agricultural sciences, Uppsala,
Sweden
Feline diabetes mellitus shares many similarities with human type 2 diabetes mellitus
(T2DM), including clinical, physiological and pathological features of the disease.
Domestic cats spontaneously develop diabetes associated with insulin resistance in
their middle age or later, with residual but declining insulin secretion. Humans and
cats share the same environment and risk factors for diabetes, such as obesity and
physical inactivity. Moreover, amyloid formation and loss of beta cells are found
in the diabetic cat pancreas, as in humans. Subsequently, studying the molecular mechanisms
in the failing beta cells may contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology
of T2DM in both cats and humans.
The aim of the present study was to develop a method to study mRNA expression of islet‐specific
genes in healthy and diabetic cats. Previous attempts in isolating feline islets with
different collagenase‐based protocols have led to damaged islets or islets coated
with exocrine acinar cells, which either way compromise the results obtained from
gene expression studies.
By using the laser microdissection technique, we were able to sample islets that were
not contaminated with exocrine tissue, from both healthy and diabetic cats. High RNA
quality was confirmed with gel electrophoresis. By quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR),
mRNA levels of the islet‐specific genes insulin, PDX‐1, IAPP, CHGA and IA‐2 were detected
in both healthy and diabetic cats. We used actin b, GAPDH and RPS7 as internal reference
genes for normalizations of our qRT‐PCR data.
The laser microdissection technique allows studies of islets without contamination
of acinar cells, as shown in this study, and is of great advantage since it is difficult
to get pure feline islets from collagenase‐based isolation. Differences in gene expression
in healthy and diabetic cats may reveal underlying mechanisms for beta cell dysfunction
and decreased beta cell mass in human and feline type 2 diabetes.
Conflicts of interest
The study was financially supported by the Swedish Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the
Fredrik and Ingrid Thuring Foundation, the Magnus Bergvall Foundation, the Lars Hierta
Memorial Foundation, and the Foundation for Research, Agria Insurance Company.
ESVE‐O‐7
THE FELINE AIP GENE: THE KEY TO HYPERSOMATOTROPISM TUMORIGENESIS?
C. Scudder, S.J.M. Niessen, B. Catchpole, R.C. Fowkes, D.B. Church, Y. Forcada
Royal Veterinary College, North mymms, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Feline acromegaly is an increasingly recognised endocrinopathy among diabetic cats,
caused by chronic excessive growth hormone secretion by a functional somatotrophinoma
in the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary gland. The majority of human somatotrophinomas
are sporadic, however up to 20% of familial isolated pituitary adenomas are caused
by germline mutations of the aryl‐hydrocarbon‐receptor interacting protein (AIP).
Feline acromegaly has phenotypic and biochemical similarities to human familial acromegaly
with AIP mutations, such as male predominance, somatotroph macroadenoma and resistance
to octreotide therapy.
The objective of this study was to identify the feline AIP gene, identify single nucleotide
polymorphisms (SNPs) within this gene and compare any SNPs with reported human AIP
SNPs. Stored pituitary tissue from an acromegalic cat was used to create feline AIP
cDNA using feline specific AIP primers. Stored EDTA blood from 10 acromegalic cats
(diagnosis of insulin resistant diabetes mellitus, serum IGF‐1 > 1000 ng/ml and pituitary
mass >4 mm identified using pituitary computed tomography or necropsy) and 10 control
cats (no history of diabetes mellitus and greater than 15 years of age) were selected,
DNA extracted and genotyped using PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis and Sanger sequencing.
The feline AIP gene was identified, encoding a 330 amino acid protein with 98% homology
to the human AIP protein. A BLAST search revealed this gene contained 6 exons and
exon specific primers were created to enable sequencing. A single non‐conservative
SNP was identified in exon 1 (AIP:c.9G>T), encoding for an amino acid change from
aspartic acid to glutamic acid in 2/10 acromegalic patients and 0/10 control cats.
Two additional conservative SNPs were also identified (AIP:c.826T>C and AIP:c.481T>C).
Exon 1 encodes for a region of the AIP protein considered essential for AIP‐AIP receptor
interaction. Although 70 different human AIP mutations have been identified to date,
a human AIP:c9G>T mutation has not yet been identified. The AIP N‐terminal is required
for the stability of the AIP protein‐AIP‐receptor complex, and essential for the regulation
of translocation into the nucleus, where it binds to aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear
translocator leading to activation of genes thought to act as tumor suppressors. Loss
of normal AIP activity is thought to promote somatotrophinoma development. It is therefore
possible that the detected AIP:c.9G>T mutation predisposed to somatotrophinoma tumorigenesis
in the two affected patients, and a study containing a larger number of cases is indicated.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVE‐O‐8
EXPERIENCES OF A NEWLY ESTABLISHED HYPOPHYSECTOMY CLINIC FOR TREATMENT OF FELINE HYPERSOMATOTROPHISM
P.J. Kenny, C. Scudder, S.V. Keyte, J.W. Swann, R.C. Fowkes, D.B. Church, Y. Forcada,
S.J.M. Niessen
Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
Hypersomatotrophism (HS) is an important cause of feline diabetes mellitus (DM). In
humans surgical removal of the somatotrophinoma is generally recommended, though hypophysectomy
programs have suffered from significant initial morbidity and mortality given a documented
steep learning curve in newly established programs. Hypophysectomy as treatment for
feline HS has thus far only been described in a handful of cases, all having been
treated by one single experienced hypophysectomy team. This study's aim was to evaluate
the learning curve of a de novo established hypophysectomy program, through analysis
of peri‐ and post‐operative morbidity and mortality, and endocrine outcomes in the
first cohort of cats with HS treated.
From 2012 owners of diabetic cats with confirmed HS (IGF‐1 > 1000 ng/ml, pituitary
mass) presented at the Royal Veterinary College were offered hypophysectomy. All cats
undergoing surgery were operated by one neurosurgeon with previously only cadaveric
experience of the procedure, through an adapted transsphenoidal approach referencing
bony landmarks to computed tomographic scans reconstructed on neuronavigation software.
The somatotrophinoma was extirpated using fine surgical tools. All cats received intense
electrolyte and blood pressure monitoring, peri‐ and post‐operative DDAVP and intravenous
insulin and hydrocortisone infusion, transitioning to subcutaneous glargine, conjunctival
DDAVP, oral hydrocortisone and levothyroxine.
Between April 2012‐February 2014, 12 cats underwent hypophysectomy (median + range
age: 10.2 years, 5.4‐14.8; IGF‐1: 1846 ng/ml, 1138‐>2000; pituitary height 6.2 mm,
4.0‐10.6). All displayed uncontrolled DM due to HS (median fructosamine: 619 umol/l);
none displayed overt central neurological deficits.
Two cats (17%, cats 7 and 8; pituitary height (mm): 10.6 and 6.6) required mechanical
ventilation post‐operatively and both were euthanized. Post‐mortem magnetic resonance
imaging revealed brain herniation and cerebral ischaemia was suspected. One cat suffered
cardiac arrest post‐operatively at time of jugular catheter placement, though made
an uneventful recovery. Four other cats developed congestive heart failure within
5 days, which was successfully treated not necessitating ongoing therapy. Temporarily
diminished tear production was seen in 5 cats. Seven of the ten surviving cats went
into diabetic remission within a median of 19.7 days (9‐42); 3 others saw reduction
of insulin needs by 91%. Serum IGF‐1 normalised rapidly and significantly in all but
one cat (median serum IGF‐1 485 ng/ml within 9 days). Persistent neurological deficits
or palatal wound breakdown were not encountered.
Starting a hypophysectomy program to treat feline HS was associated with some risk
of mortality, though surviving cases benefited from the procedure with a high incidence
of diabetic remission.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVE‐O‐9
URINARY EXRETION OF CALCIUM AND PHOSPATE IN DOGS WITH PITUITARY DEPENDENT HYPERCORTISOLISM:
CASE CONTROL STUDY IN 167 DOGS
F. Fracassi
1, M. Caldin2
1University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'emilia, Italy2San Marco Veterinary Clinic, Padova,
Italy
Pituitary dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) in dogs is frequently associated with high
serum phosphate and parathormone concentrations. The pathogenesis of such abnormalities
remains unknown and the evaluation of the urinary fractional excretion of phosphate
and calcium in PDH dogs might be helpful in enhancing the knowledge regarding this
issue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the serum and urinary concentrations
and the urinary fractional excretion of phosphate and calcium in dogs with PDH. Medical
records from one referral center were retrospectively evaluated between 2003 and 2013.
The diagnosis of PDH was confirmed using the cortisol to creatinine ratio, the LDDS
test and/or ACTH stimulation test, the plasma ACTH concentration, ultrasonography
of the adrenal glands and computer tomography (CT) of the pituitary and the adrenal
glands in dogs with consistent clinical signs. Only newly diagnosed dogs, before treatment
for PDH, were evaluated. Two control groups were included: one healthy and one sick
control dog (without PDH) for each dog with PDH were included. Healthy control dogs
(HCD) and sick control dogs (SCD) were matched for age (±6 months), breed, sex and
sexual status. Data were analysed using non‐parametric tests and expressed as median
and ranges. Significance was set at p < 0.05. One‐hundred‐sixty‐seven dogs with PDH
were eligible for inclusion in the study. The median age at diagnosis was 10 years
(range: 3‐16) and the median body weight was 14.7 kg (range: 3.0‐65.5). There were
100 female (64 spayed) and 67 male (11 castrated).
Serum phosphate concentration (4.1 mg/dl, 1.3‐10.7) was significantly (p < 0.0001)
higher compared to HCD (3.4 mg/dl, 1.3‐5.2) and SCD (3.8 mg/dl, 1.1‐32.1). Serum calcium
concentration (10.4 mg/dl, 7.0‐14.5) was significantly higher compared to SCD (10.1 mg/dl,
5.5‐12.9) but not different compared to HCD (10.2 mg/dl, 8.9‐12.0). Urinary fractional
excretion of phosphate (15.5%, 0.5‐65.1) was significantly lower compared to HCD (20.4%,
0.4‐67.9) and SCD (16.9%, 0‐83.6). Urinary fractional excretion of calcium (0.37%,
0‐5.70) was significantly higher compared to HCD (0.22%, 0.02‐1.76) and SCD (0.24%,
0‐18.71). Urinary calcium to creatinine ratio (4.78, 0‐54.50) was significantly higher
compared to HCD (2.17 0.20‐16.80) and SCD (2.38, 0‐16.40), while urinary phosphate
to creatinine ratio were not significantly different in PDH dogs, HCD and SCD.
In conclusion PDH dogs have lower phosphaturia and higher calciuria compared to control
dogs. This findings suggest that, at least in part, the high serum phosphate concentrations
are related to the renal retention of phosphate.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVE‐O‐10
COMPARISON OF FOUR MONITORING METHODS FOR TRILOSTANE TREATMENT OF CANINE HYPERADRENOCORTICISM
L.L. Cosgrove, T. Parkin, I.K. Ramsey
University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Four cortisol‐based methods of monitoring trilostane treatment of canine hyperadrenocorticism
were compared to the results of a clinical scoring scheme based on an owner questionnaire.
Cases of canine hyperadrenocorticism that had received a consistent dose of trilostane
for more than one month were recruited from first opinion and referral practice. Each
dog was used only once. Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire that assessed
clinical control. The dogs were then categorised as being over‐controlled, well‐controlled,
moderately‐controlled and poorly‐controlled. Cortisol was measured in serum samples
taken pre‐trilostane (peak), 3 hours post‐trilostane (trough) and 1 hour post‐ACTH
injection. Dogs that had an increase in cortisol after trilostane administration were
excluded. A scoring system was developed for each of these 3 measurements. A fourth
scoring system was developed using a novel algorithm that combined the peak and trough
cortisol (peak‐trough). The results of each of the 4 scoring systems categorised the
dogs into those that would be expected to be over‐controlled, well‐controlled, moderately‐controlled
and poorly‐controlled. Weighted Kappa was calculated to assess the agreement between
the categorisation according to each of the 4 methods compared to the categorisation
using the owners score. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to assess
relationships between the various parameters.
In total 31 tests were analysed. When compared to the results of the owner's questionnaire
16, 13, 9 and 5 dogs were correctly categorised using the peak‐trough, peak alone,
post‐ACTH and trough alone respectively. Amongst the miscategorised results 12, 17,
16 and 15 dogs were incorrect by 1 category and 3, 1, 6 and 6 dogs by 2 categories
using the peak‐trough, peak alone, post‐ACTH and trough alone respectively. All methods
correctly recognised the over‐controlled dog that had been identified by the owner's
score.
The weighted kappas for post‐ACTH and trough cortisol categories compared to the owner
score categories were 0.09 and 0.11 respectively (defined as slight agreement). In
contrast the weighted kappas for the peak and peak‐trough categories were 0.36 and
0.34 respectively (defined as fair agreement). There were no significant correlations
between the absolute clinical scores and cortisol concentrations. There were significant
correlations between the 3 cortisol measurements.
The novel methods of peak‐trough and peak cortisol better reflected the level of clinical
control of hyperadrenocorticism identified by the owners’ questionnaire than either
post‐ACTH stimulation or trough cortisol. Peak‐trough and peak cortisol concentrations
should be further investigated as monitoring methods for trilostane.
Conflicts of interest
Financial support from Dechra pharmaceuticals.
ESVE‐O‐11
SURVIVAL ANALYSIS OF DOGS WITH ADRENOCORTICAL INSUFFICIENCY
J. Hanson1, K. Tengvall2, B. Bonnett3, Å. Hedhammar1
1Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden2Dept. of Medical Biochemistry
and Microbiology (IMBIM), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden3Consulting Epidemiologist,
B Bonnett Consulting, Georgian bluffs, Canada
The prognosis of canine adrenocortical insufficiency is generally regarded to be excellent.
However, there is paucity of survival analyses in the literature. The aim of the present
study was to evaluate the survival of dogs with the diagnosis adrenocortical insufficiency
based on data from a cohort of 525, 028 Swedish client‐owned dogs insured in one insurance
company (Agria Pet Insurance, Stockholm, Sweden) during the time period 1995‐2006.
Dogs were identified by search for insurance claims with the register code for adrenocortical
insufficiency. Dogs were excluded from analysis if they had a previous history of
hypercortisolism, and if they were born before begin of the study period. Kaplan‐Meier
survival analysis was performed. Dogs were regarded as censored when the registered
cause of death was other than adrenocortical insufficiency or hypercortisolism that
was registered after the first claim for adrenocortical insufficiency. Data from 297
dogs was included. One hundred twenty‐four dogs were registered to be dead. In 81
dogs the cause of death was related to the adrenocortical insufficiency. The 1‐year
estimated survival‐rate was 81% (95% CI, 76‐86%). The 3‐year estimated survival‐rate
was 69% (95% CI, 63‐76%). The 5‐year estimated survival‐rate was 59% (95% CI, 51‐68%).
Twelve dogs (4.0%) were still alive after 7 years. In conclusion, the long‐term survival
of dogs with adrenocortical insufficiency was reasonably good. However, the diseases‐related
mortality was higher than expected, and occurred mainly during the first years after
diagnosis.
Conflicts of interest
This study was supported by grants from the Swedish Research Council and the Foundation
for Research, Agria Insurance Company.
ESVE‐O‐12
MULTIPLE ENDOCRINE NEOPLASIA IN DOGS AND CATS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OVER 10 YEARS
(2004‐2014)
L. Beatrice
1, F.S. Boretti2, N. Sieber‐Ruckstuhl2, C. Müller2, C. Kümmerle‐Fraune2, M. Hilbe3,
P. Grest3, C.E. Reusch2
1University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland2Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine,
University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland3Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University
of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
The concomitant occurrence of two or more endocrine tumors and/or hyperplasias, known
as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) is a well‐known entity in humans. Multiple gene
mutations have been identified. The two major forms are MEN1 and MEN2. In MEN1, the
main affected organs are parathyroid, pancreas and pituitary gland. MEN2 occurs in
3 clinical variants: MEN2A, characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), pheochromocytoma
and primary hyperparathyroidism; MEN 2B, characterized by MTC, pheochromocytoma and
additionally abnormalities; familial medullary thyroid carcinoma. In dogs and cats
only a few cases have been reported and it is unknown whether hereditary MEN‐like
syndromes exist in these species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence
of multiple endocrine tumors in dogs and cats at our institution, to identify possible
breed and sex predispositions and to investigate similarities with the human MEN syndromes.
Autopsy reports of dogs and cats from 2004 until 2014 were reviewed. Animals with
at least two endocrine tumors/hyperplasias (ETH) were included. Autopsy reports of
951 dogs and 1155 cats were examined. 149 dogs had ETH affecting a single organ, 24
had multiple ETH; 123 cats had single ETH, 21 had multiple ETH. In dogs with multiple
ETH, the most common breeds were West Highland White Terrier (WHWT, 3/24), Poodle,
Golden Retriever, mixed‐breed dogs (each 2/24). 14/24 were male (13 intact); 10/24
were female (10 neutered). Median age was 12 years (range 7‐18). The most common combination
was multiple testicle tumors of various types (4/24). The most common affected organs
were the adrenals (18/24). Adrenal cortical adenomas/carcinomas/hyperplasias were
mainly associated with pheochromocytomas (3/24), testicle tumors (3/24) and insulinomas
(2/24). All 3 WHWTs had adrenal adenomas. Both Poodles had pheochromocytoma associated
with pituitary adenoma or adrenal hyperplasia. 2 dogs showed tumor combinations similar
to the human MEN1 syndrome: pituitary adenoma and insulinoma; pituitary adenoma and
parathyroid hyperplasia. 19/21 cats were domestic short/long hair, 2/21 were Persians.
11/21 were male (7 castrated); 10/21 were female (9 neutered). The median age was
15.5 years (range 10‐19). The most common affected organs were thyroid glands (18/21),
combined mostly with lesions of parathyroid (10/21) and adrenal glands (7/21). None
of the cats had combinations similar to the human MEN syndromes. The prevalence of
multiple ETH in dogs and cats was 2.5% and 1.8%. MEN‐like syndromes were extremely
rare in dogs and non‐existing in cats. No sex predisposition was observed. Possible
breed predispositions need further investigations.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVIM‐O‐1
DETECTION OF ANGIOSTRONGYLUS VASORUM IN THE BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE FLUID OR FAECES
OF COUGHING AND HEALTHY DOGS IN BELGIUM
M. Canonne‐Guibert
1, E. Roels1, Y. Caron1, B.L. Losson1, D. Peeters1, I. Peters2, F. Billen1, C. Clercx1
1University Teaching Hospital, Liège, Belgium2TDDS Ltd., The Innovation Centre, University
of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
Canine angiostrongylosis is an increasingly reported disease worldwilde, including
many European countries, possibly due to climatic factors, presence of foxes (acting
as reservoir) or more simply, to the availability of more accurate diagnostic methods.
Although detection of the first‐stage larvae (L1) using the Baermann technique on
faecal samples (preferably collected over three consecutive days) remains the gold
standard, recently developed serological and molecular tests (quantitative polymerase
chain reaction, qPCR) are now available. Until now, the prevalence of canine angiostrongylosis
among healthy and coughing dogs in Belgium was unknown.
The aims of the present study were (1) to describe a clinical series of recent autochtonous
cases and (2) to retrospectively assess Angiostrongylus vasorum qPCR in bronchoalveolar
lavage fluid (BALF) samples, collected over the last 7 years from a larger series
of dogs, healthy or with other respiratory conditions, in order to investigate the
past prevalence of the disease in Belgium.
Seven dogs, living in Southern or Eastern Belgium, were recently diagnosed as having
angiostrongylosis (mean age= 2.3 y, mean body weight= 15.3 kg). They all presented
with respiratory signs of variable severity. In 5 dogs, BALF was obtained and qPCR
was positive in all of them, at moderate or high level (Ct from 26,7 to 29,6) while
larvae were detected in the faeces of only 2 animals. In the remaining two dogs, no
BALF was obtained, but coproscopy was positive. All dogs responded to medical treatment,
consisting in a 3‐week course of fenbendazole and/or two spot‐on application of moxidectin
at 1‐month interval.
BALF samples were collected between 2008 and 2014 from 10 asymptomatic client‐owned
dogs and 55 dogs with various respiratory conditions, including 16 dogs with confirmed
bordetellosis, 18 dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy (EBP), 8 dogs with chronic
bronchitis and 13 dogs with bacterial bronchopneumonia, and were retrospectively assessed
with a A. vasorum qPCR assay. Amongst those 65 dogs, only one BALF, from a dog with
EBP, yielded a positive qPCR result. In this dog, faecal analysis was negative.
The present data show that, based on BALF qPCR and coproscopy, presence of angiostrongylosis
in healthy and coughing dogs was negligible in Belgium until the last 12 months. It
is now considered as an emerging condition and must be included in the differential
diagnosis in coughing dogs. The present results also support that qPCR detection of
A. vasorum in BALF, when available, is an adequate and reliable detection technique.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVIM‐O‐2
LIGNEOUS MEMBRANITIS IN A FAMILY OF SCOTTISH TERRIERS
S.L. Mason
1, C. Fisher2, N.X. Bommer3, L. Ressel4, L.M. Buckley1, P. Mcelroy5, S. Ainsworth6,
J. Dawson6, S. Carter6, T.J. Nuttall3
1SATH, University of Liverpool, School of Veterinary Science, Neston, United Kingdom2Warbreck
House Veterinary Centre, Liverpool, United Kingdom3University of Edinburgh, Royal
Dick School of Veterinary Studies, Roslin, United Kingdom4Veterinary Pathology, University
of Liverpool, School of Veterinary Science, Neston, United Kingdom5Eye Vet Referrals,
Frodsham, United Kingdom6Infection and Immunity, University of Liverpool, School of
Veterinary Science, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Ligneous membranitis is a rare chronic inflammatory disease associated with congenital
plasminogen deficiency. It has only been described in six unrelated dogs. The objective
of this study is to report the presentation, clinicopathological and post mortem findings
in three related Scottish terrier puppies with ligneous membranitis.
Ligneous membranitis is well described in humans, where it is inherited in an autosomal
recessive manner. Patients commonly present as infants. Ocular, oral and genital lesions
are most common, but other organs are occasionally involved and congenital obstructive
hydrocephalus is reported in some individuals. Numerous mutations and polymorphisms
in the plasminogen gene have been identified in affected individuals.
The affected Scottish Terriers (two male and one female) presented at 2 months of
age with severe proliferative and ulcerative conjunctivitis and gingivitis/stomatitis;
biopsy confirmed ligneous membranitis. Other clinical signs included increased upper
respiratory tract noise, nasal discharge and lymphadenopathy. One male was cryptorchid.
Clinical pathological findings included neutrophilia, proteinuria and hypoalbuinaemia.
Serum plasminogen activity was measured in two dogs, and was low in one. The dam and
sire of the affected dogs had normal serum plasminogen activity and no history or
clinical signs consistent with ligneous membranitis.
No significant clinical improvement was evident following treatment with antibiotics,
glucocorticoids, topical ciclosporin or heparin. One dog died of cardiopulmonary arrest
in the hospital and the two other dogs were euthanized due to progressive clinical
signs. Post‐mortem evaluation of the affected dogs revealed multiple abnormalities
including severe proliferative fibrinous lesions affecting the trachea, larynx and
epicardium, and multiple fibrous adhesions throughout the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
The male dog had internal hydrocephalus and lacked a cerebellar vermis.
This is the first report of ligneous membranitis in related dogs and the first report
in Scottish Terriers. Sequencing the plasminogen gene in the affected dogs, their
parents and unrelated control dogs to identify polymorphisms or mutations that may
be associated with ligneous membranitis in dogs is ongoing.
Conflicts of interest
The author received a travel scholarship from Zoetis to attend this congress.
ESVIM‐O‐3
SCREENING OF APPARENTLY HEALTHY ELDERLY DOGS
A. Willems
1, D. Paepe1, S. Marynissen1, P. Smets1, I. van de Maele1, P. Picavet2, L. Duchateau1,
S. Daminet1
1Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium2Hill's Pet Nutrition,
Belgium
Health screening of elderly dogs is often recommended, but scientific information
on clinical and laboratory abnormalities in senior and geriatric dogs is scarce. This
study was undertaken to describe blood pressure measurement, physical examination
(PE) abnormalities and routine laboratory test results in senior and geriatric dogs
that were apparently healthy for the owner.
Because life expectancy in dogs is related to body size, the inclusion of 100 dogs
was based on a human/pet analogy chart to determine whether a dog was senior (n = 41)
or geriatric (n = 59). To verify health status, owners were asked to complete an extensive
questionnaire. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured using the Doppler technique
according to the ACVIM guidelines. Subsequently a thorough PE was performed, including
body and muscle condition scoring, orthopedic examination, neurologic evaluation,
indirect fundoscopy and bilateral Schirmer tear test. Complete blood count, serum
biochemistry and urinalysis (including urinary sediment, urinary protein:creatinine
ratio (UPC) and bacterial culture) were evaluated.
In 53 of 100 dogs SBP exceeded 160 mmHg, none of the dogs had fundoscopic lesions
secondary to hypertension. Body condition score was abnormal in 41 animals, 39 were
overweight or obese. Physical examination revealed a heart murmur in 22, submandibular
lymphadenopathy in 13, moderate to severe dental plaque in 51 and one or more (sub)cutaneous
masses in 56 dogs. Twenty‐three dogs were leukopenic, 29 had a decreased phosphorus,
32 an increased serum creatinine and one dog a decreased total thyroxine (with concurrent
increased thyroid stimulating hormone). Crystalluria was commonly detected (62/96)
and mostly due to low numbers (<1/high power field) of amorphous crystals (82%). Struvite
crystals were present in 18% of the crystalluric dogs. Overt and borderline proteinuria
were detected in 13 and 18 of 98 dogs, respectively. Four dogs had a positive urinary
culture. SBP was not significantly different between the senior and geriatric group.
There was no significant effect of obesity or gender on SBP. The platelet count (p = 0.014),
total thyroxine concentration (p = 0.008) and the frequency of orthopedic problems
(p = 0.007) and cutaneous masses (p = 0.002) were significantly higher in the geriatric
compared to the senior dogs. Hematocrit (p = 0.007) and body temperature (p = 0.044)
were significantly lower in the geriatric group.
These findings indicate that physical and laboratory abnormalities are common in apparently
healthy senior and geriatric dogs. This underlines the necessity for regular health
screening in elderly dogs and the urgent need for reliable and maybe age specific
reference intervals in veterinary medicine.
Conflicts of interest
The cost of examinations reported in this study were covered by Hill's Pet Nutrition
Belgium.
ESVIM‐O‐4
ANTINUCLEAR ANTIBODY SPECIFICITY IN DOGS WITH IMMUNE‐MEDIATED RHEUMATIC DISEASE
H. Hansson‐Hamlin
The Dpt. of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, SLE, is a chronic autoimmune disorder with varying clinical
manifestations and diagnosis is based on both clinical signs and laboratory findings.
Other systemic rheumatic diseases, referred to as SLE‐related diseases or immune‐mediated
rheumatic disease (IMRD), are also described. The most common clinical signs in dogs
are stiffness and pain from varying joints. One hallmark of SLE and SLE‐related diseases
in both dogs and humans is high titres of circulating antinuclear antibodies (ANA),
which can be demonstrated by the indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) ANA test. Earlier
studies have shown that canine IIF ANA positive samples may be divided into two main
subgroups: homogenous (ANAH) and speckled (ANAS) IIF ANA fluorescence pattern. In
humans, further determination of the specificity of ANA positive sera is frequently
employed to characterize the ANA reactivity. Some of these ANA specificities have
been demonstrated in man to strongly associate with different systemic autoimmune
diseases and also with different IIF ANA staining patterns. Presence and character
of antinuclear antibodies in canine SLE‐related diseases are not well described.
The aim of this work was to further characterize the ANA specificity in dogs with
SLE‐related disease/IMRD.
Sera from 208 ANApositive dogs, including 61 different breeds, were analyzed with
ELISA and line blot techniques (ELISA and EUROLINE ANA Profile, EUROIMMUN, Germany).
The five most prevalent breeds were German shepherd dog, Nova Scotia duck tolling
retriever, cocker spaniel, cross‐breed and golden retriever. 68 sera displayed a homogenous
and 140 a speckled IIF ANA fluorescence pattern.
Several specific ANA‐reactivities earlier characterized in human patients were identified.
The majority of ANAH, n = 41, 60%, showed reactivity against nucleosomal antigens
and 9 (13%) against dsDNA when conducted on line blot. These sera also reacted against
nucleosomes and dsDNA on the ELISA. There were some additional positive with the ELISA,
so in total the ELISA identified 72% with nucleosomal and 24% with dsDNA reactivity.
In few cases, other reactivities identified were against histones, PCNA, Jo‐1 and
RNP.
In the ANAS subgroup, the Sm+RNP antigen evoked the most frequent reactivity, n = 30,
21% with both line blot and ELISA. In few cases, reactivity against dsDNA, PCNA, Jo‐1,
PMScl100kD, Scl‐70, SSA and SSB were identified. In several dogs no specific antigen
was identified.
Further studies are in progress in order to in more detail characterize and identify
subtypes of already known and unknown antigens with clinical importance in canine
autoimmunity.
Conflicts of interest
One of the authors, Erik Lattwein, is employed by EUROIMMUN where the analyses were
performed.
ESVNU‐O‐1
BIOLOGICAL VALIDATION OF FELINE CYSTATIN C: THE EFFECT OF BREED, AGE AND GENDER AND
ESTABLISHMENT OF A REFERENCE INTERVAL
L.F.E. Ghys
1, D. Paepe1, L. Duchateau1, E.R.L. Taffin1, S. Marynissen1, J. Delanghe2, S. Daminet1
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium2Faculty of Health
Medicine and Life Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a high prevalence in cats. Routine renal markers,
serum creatinine (sCr) and urea are not sensitive or specific enough to detect early
CKD. Serum Cystatin C (sCysC) has advantages over sCr for the detection of early kidney
dysfunction, both in humans and dogs. A significant higher sCysC concentration in
CKD cats has been demonstrated. The objective of this study was to determine the effect
of age, gender and breed on feline sCysC and to establish a reference interval for
feline sCysC.
In total, 132 healthy cats between one and 16 years were included. Serum CysC was
determined with a validated particle‐enhanced nephelometric immunoassay (PENIA). Serum
Cr, urea, urine specific gravity (USG), urinary protein: creatinine ratio (UPC) and
systolic blood pressure (SBP) were also measured. To test for difference between the
groups, the F‐test was used. The lower and upper value of the 95% reference interval
were obtained as the 2.5% and 97.5% quantiles of the sCysC observations.
No significant differences in sCysC concentration were observed between young, middle‐aged
and old cats; between female, female neutered, male and male neutered cats; and between
purebred and domestic short‐or longhaired cats. The 95% reference interval for feline
sCysC was determined as [0.58‐1.95 mg/L]. There was a significant difference in sCr
concentration between domestic short‐ or longhaired cats and purebred cats. The SBP
was significantly influenced by gender as well as age, while urea was influenced by
both age, gender and breed.
This study showed that the biological factors age, gender and breed have little or
no impact on feline sCysC, in contrast to sCr and serum urea, making it an interesting
marker. Therefore, further studies are warranted to evaluate the diagnostic value
of sCysC as a renal marker in cats.
Conflicts of interest
This study recieved support from the Institute for the Promotion of Innovation by
Science and technology in Flanders (IWT) through a bursary to L. Ghys.
ESVNU‐O‐2
A PILOT STUDY TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF TRANSCUTANEOUS GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE
MEASUREMENT USING FLUORESCENCE‐MARKED SINISTRIN IN DOGS AND CATS
S. Steinbach1, N. Krolop1, S. Strommer1, Z. Herrera‐Pérez2, N. Gretz2, R. Neiger1
1Small Animal Clinic (Internal Medicine), Justus‐Liebig University, Giessen, Germany2Medical
Research Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
Assessment of renal function is often needed, however existing methods including urine
and plasma clearances are invasive, cumbersome and time consuming. In this pilot study
the feasibility of a transcutaneous glomerular filtration rate measurement was investigated.
The transcutaneous disappearance rate (expressed as half‐life) of fluorescein‐isothiocyanate‐labelled
sinistrin (FITC‐S) was measured in three healthy research dogs and three healthy research
cats. Plasma clearance of sinistrin (7 data points) was performed in both species
as previously described (Res Vet Sci 1998;64:151‐6 and J Fel Med Surg 2003;5:175‐81)
and half‐life was calculated using a 2‐compartment model with a freely available pharmacokinetic
calculator (Comput Meth Prog Bio 2010;99:306‐14). Renal elimination of FITC‐S was
measured transcutaneously for 4 hours (7000‐8000 data points) using a miniaturized
device as described previously for the same purpose in rats (Kidney Int 2011 79:1254‐8).
The procedures were performed in awake, freely moving animals using escalating doses
of FITC‐S (10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg) with a wash‐out period of at least 24 h in
each animal. To find the best position for the device, multiple devices were placed
on each animal. The resulting FITC‐S disappearance curves were visually assessed to
determine the most suitable location and the appropriate dose to reach an adequate
transcutaneous peak signal for kinetic analysis. In both species 30 mg/kg were adequate
for kinetic calculation. The most suitable place for the device was the lateral thoracic
wall in dogs and the ventral abdominal wall in cats, respectively. Transcutaneous
FITC‐S clearance was then repeated using the optimal dose and location and in parallel
with the plasma sinistrin clearance. Plasma sinistrin clearances [ml/kg/min] were
5.5, 5.0 and 3.8 in the three dogs, respectively. Corresponding plasma elimination
half‐lives [min] were 26, 31 and 35, and corresponding transcutaneous elimination
half‐lives [min] were 26, 34 and 55, respectively. Plasma sinistrin clearances [ml/kg/min]
were 2.8, 2.2 and 1.9 in the three cats, respectively. Corresponding plasma elimination
half‐lives [min] were 51, 60 and 61, and corresponding transcutaneous elimination
half‐lives [min] were 75, 96 and 83, respectively. In conclusion, transcutaneous FITC‐S
clearance is a feasible method for assessment of GFR in awake dogs and cats. It is
noninvasive, well tolerated and easy to perform even in a clinical setting with results
being readily available. A dose of 30 mg/kg of FITC‐S seems adequate for kinetic assessment.
Further studies are now needed to establish reference values and evaluate transcutaneous
renal clearance in various conditions.
Conflicts of interest
ZHP and SG are supported by the EC FP7 Marie‐Curie programme: NephroTools. The device
development was supported by the FP7 activity: PLACE‐it.NG is owner of a patent covering
FITC‐sinistrin and the technology for its measurement.
ESVNU‐O‐4
INITIAL EVALUATION OF AUTOMATED URINARY ALBUMIN: CREATININE RATIO (UAC) AND URINARY
CYSTATIN C: CREATININE RATIO (UCYSC) AS SCREENING TESTS FOR THE DETECTION OF AZOTAEMIC
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN CATS
T.L. Williams, J. Archer
University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Excretion of urinary biomarkers of renal damage should occur at an early stage of
chronic kidney disease (CKD), thus facilitating earlier diagnosis of renal disease.
Albumin and cystatin C in the renal ultrafiltrate are mostly reabsorbed by the proximal
tubular cells, therefore increased urinary excretion of albumin and cystatin C (UAC
and UCysC) would be expected to correlate with the presence of renal tubular damage
and CKD. The aim of this study was to establish biological validity of two particle
enhanced turbidimetric assays (PETIAs) for the measurement of albumin and cystatin
C (previously validated for use in feline urine) by comparing the UAC and UCysC between
non‐azotaemic cats and cats with azotaemic CKD.
Blood and urine samples were obtained from cats at three UK first opinion practices
as part of a geriatric screening programme. Haematology, serum biochemistry (including
total thyroxine concentration (TT4)) and urinalysis (including urine protein:creatinine
ratio (UPC)) were performed. Dental disease score (calculus and gingivitis) and body
condition score (BCS) were recorded. Cats with TT4 > 40 nmol/L, evidence of pyuria
or bacteruria, or significant systemic disease were excluded. UAC and UCysC were determined
in non‐azotaemic cats (n = 50) and cats with azotaemic CKD (n = 10, defined as a serum
creatinine concentration >153 μmol/L and concurrent urine specific gravity <1.035).
Comparisons between the non‐azotaemic and azotaemic CKD groups were made using the
Mann Whitney U test. Correlations were assessed by Spearman's correlation coefficient.
Data are presented as median [25th, 75th percentile] and statistical significance
was defined as P < 0.05.
UAC was significantly higher in the azotaemic group than the non‐azotaemic group (31.5
[9.8, 97.6]x10‐3 vs. 11.6 [6.4, 19.0]x10‐3; P = 0.034), whereas UPC was not significantly
different between the groups (P = 0.619). Unexpectedly, UCysC tended to be lower in
azotaemic cats than non‐azotaemic cats (3.2 [1.5, 9.1]x10‐6 vs. 11.8 [4.4, 23.2]x10‐6;
P = 0.071). UAC was weakly positively correlated with serum urea concentration (rs=0.327,
P = 0.011), but was not correlated with serum creatinine concentration. UCysC was
not significantly correlated with serum concentrations of urea, creatinine or TT4.
UAC was also weakly negatively correlated with dental calculus score (rs= ‐0.307;
P = 0.019) and BCS (rs= ‐0.438; P = 0.001).
UAC appears to be a more sensitive test for azotaemic CKD than UPC, however the apparent
low specificity may limit the utility of UAC as a urinary screening test for CKD.
Increased UCysC (determined by PETIA) would not appear to be a marker of azotaemic
CKD in cats.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVNU‐O‐5
CYSTINURIA IN KROMFOHRLÄNDER DOGS
A. Sewell
1, R. Klein2, E. Müller2, M. Dick3, U. Giger4
1Bioscientia GmbH, Ingelheim am rhein, Germany2Laboklin, Bad kissingen, Germany3Biocontrol,
Ingelheim am rhein, Germany4University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
of America
Cystinuria is an inherited metabolic disorder that causes defective tubular reabsorption
of the aminoacids cystine, ornithine, lysine and arginine (COLA). The low solubility
of cystine in acidic urine promotes formation of cystine crystals and uroliths in
the urinary tract resulting in the clinical signs of stranguria, urinary obstruction
and renal failure in affected individuals. Cystinuria occurs in >70 breeds of dog
and has been classified into types IA (Newfoundland, Landseer, Labrador), IIA (Australian
Cattle dog), IB (Miniature Pinscher) and III (androgen‐dependent; e.g. Mastiff, Irish
Terrier).
The Kromfohrländer is a medium‐sized companion dog, bred initially as a cross between
a Wire Fox Terrier and a Grand Griffon Vendéen, first recognised internationally in1955.
Cystinuria has been suspected in this breed but no cases have been reported in the
literature to date.
We determined urinary COLA concentrations in 81 adult Kromfohrländer dogs aged 1‐10 years
comprising 48 intact and 6 castrated males, and 26 intact and 1 spayed females. A
total of 15 (31%) intact males aged 1.5 to 8.5 years had COLA values >700 μmol/g creatinine
and several developed cystic calculi. Furthermore, 9 intact male dogs had increased
COLA but normal cystine levels. All castrated males had normal COLA concentrations.
No females had increased COLA and cystine concentrations or formed any cystine calculi.
We conclude that cystinuria with cystine calculi occurs frequently in adult intact
male Kromfohrländer dogs but neither is seen in females. This appears to be an androgen
dependent type III cystinuria, as seen in Mastiff‐type dogs and Irish Terriers. Thus,
castration may resolve the increased urinary COLA excretion and risk for cystine calculi
formation and obstruction. The precise mode of inheritance is still unclear. All adult
intact male Kromfohrländer dogs should be screened by urinary COLA testing.
Conflicts of interest
Work carried out at the author's previous place of employment (University Children's
Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany). ACS, RK, EM, MD and UG provide a diagnostic service
for cystinuria and other inborn errors of metabolism in companion animals.
ESVNU‐O‐6
URETERAL CALCULI IN CATS: RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF SIGNALMENT, CLINICAL DATA, MEDICAL
MANAGEMENT AND SHORT‐TERM OUTCOME IN 83 CASES (2005 ‐ 2013)
A. Baril, G. Benchekroun, M. Manassero, C. Chery, A. Decambron, C. Maurey
ENVA, Maisons alfort, France
Ureteral urolithiasis is an emerging medical concern in cats. There are few reports
on epidemiology, diagnosis or medical management of ureteral calculi in cats, particularly
in Europe.
Cats diagnosed with ureteral urolithiasis in the teaching hospital of the veterinary
school of Alfort from 2005 to 2013 were included in this study. Diagnosis was confirmed
with radiographs, ultrasound scan and/or laparotomy. Signalment, clinical signs, clinicopathologic
and diagnostic imaging findings, medical treatment and outcome were recorded. Epidemiological
data were compared to a reference population of 7600 cats.
Eighty three cats were included in the study. The occurrence of ureteral urolithiasis
was significantly higher in Birman (OR 20.11 [11.77 ‐ 34.35]) and Siamese cats (OR
2.78 [1.2 ‐ 6.45]). The mean age was 7 + /‐ 3.5 years [1 ‐ 14 years]. Clinical signs
included dysorexia (54/69), lethargy (53/69), weight loss (40/69) and vomiting (38/69).
Polyuria and polydipsia were present in 24/69, 13/69 had a dysuria and 12/69 had an
abdominal pain. Renal asymmetry was detected on 38/69 cats. 76/71 were azotemic, 16/65
cats were hyperkaliemic, and 8/65 cats were hypokaliemic. 4/55 cats were hypercalcemic.
45/56 were anemic. Ureteral calculi (n = 80) were unilateral in 52/69 cats and bilateral
in 17/69 cats. Half were located in the proximal third of ureter. Thirty per cent
were located in distal ureter. Medical treatment included parenteral administration
of fluids (n = 68/68), alpha blockers (n = 56/68), amytryptillin (n = 41/68), antibiotics
(n = 52/68) and diuretics (frusemide 17/68, mannitol 27/68). Improvement of renal
function and/or hydronephrosis was observed in 33/68 cats. Among those, spontaneous
elimination of the calculi occurred in 4 cats (group A). There was no migration of
the calculi but improvement of azotemia in the others(group B). No improvement was
observed in 35/68 (Group C). Measurements of urolithiasis on radiographs were compared
within the 3 groups. Mean length was respectively 1.4 mm[1‐3], 2.5 mm[0.9‐4.1], and
2.4 mm[1‐4] in group A, B, and C. Mean width was respectively 1 mm[1‐1], 1.6 mm[0.9‐3.1]
and 1.8 mm[0.8‐3.6] in group A, B, and C.
To the author knowledge, it is the first time that a higher prevalence of ureteral
calculi in Birman cats is reported in Europe. Spontaneous elimination of calculus
is associated with a small size (<1.5 mm). If the size of calculi tends to be bigger
in cats with no improvement of renal function after medical treatment, prospective
studies are still needed to determine the best medical treatment.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVNU‐O‐7
SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE AND RENAL DISEASE IN CLINICALLY ILL CATS NATURALLY INFECTED
WITH FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS
E.R.L. Taffin, D. Paepe, L.F.E. Ghys, I. van de Maele, K. de Roover, S. Daminet
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection has been associated with kidney disease,
mainly characterised by an increased prevalence of proteinuria in FIV‐infected cats.
However, studies evaluating renal variables in FIV‐positive cats are scarce. Recently,
a higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) was reported in a small number of FIV‐infected
cats. Hypertension is an important cause of proteinuria and a frequent cause of renal
disease in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients. Therefore, our main
objective was to describe SBP in clinically ill FIV‐positive cats. Secondly we aimed
to evaluate routine renal variables in this population.
Naturally infected clinically ill FIV‐positive cats were prospectively included. The
Doppler ultrasonic technique was used to measure SBP according to ACVIM guidelines.
Serum creatinine (sCreat) and urea (sUrea) concentrations, urine specific gravity
(USG) and urinary protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) were determined.
The study included 99 cats, with a mean age of 8.0 ± 3.7 years and a mean body condition
score of 4.6 ± 1.5 on a nine‐point scale. The SBP ranged from 91 to 170 mmHg, with
a mean of 116 ± 18 mmHg. Only two cats were hypertensive (SBP > 160 mmHg). Both had
isosthenuric urine, were borderline proteinuric (UPC 0.2‐0.4) and one of them was
mildly azotemic. Mean sCreat was 101.7 ± 64.2 μmol/L (reference interval (RI) 44.2‐141.4 μmol/L)
and mean sUrea concentration 8.6 ± 5.2 mmol/L (RI 6.2‐10.8 mmol/L). Thirteen cats
showed increased sCreat levels, with decreased USG (< 1.035) in eight, proteinuria
(UPC > 0.4) in seven and increased sUrea concentrations in ten of them. Five out of
ten azotemic cats were proteinuric with a decreased USG. Mean UPC was 0.26 ± 1.06,
with a wide range from 0.05 to 9.38. Borderline proteinuria was present in 40/99 (40.4%)
and proteinuria in 28/99 (28.3%). Half of the proteinuric cats had a decreased USG.
Mean USG was 1.040 ± 0.013. One third of all cats had a decreased USG, with isosthenuria
in seven of them.
These results demonstrate that proteinuria and poorly concentrated urine are common
in naturally infected clinically ill FIV‐positive cats, confirming previous reports
in cats and humans. However, longitudinal studies of (borderline) proteinuric patients
are needed to elucidate the clinical relevance. The low number of hypertensive patients
and low mean SBP in our study indicate that hypertension is uncommon and unlikely
to be the cause of renal damage in clinically ill FIV‐infected cats.
Conflicts of interest
Aratana Therapeutics NV financially supports a clinical trial on the use of antivirals
in FIV cats at our university. Screeninng examinations repoorted in this trial were
part of the required pre‐trial investigations for that study. The presenting author
is also funded by a scholarship from Aratana Therapeutics AV.
ESVNU‐O‐8
EVALUATION OF FIRST‐LINE ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CATS
WITH AND WITHOUT DOCUMENTED COMORBIDITIES
R. Dorsch
1, C. von Vopelius‐Feldt1, R.K. Straubinger2, G. Wolf2, K. Hartmann1
1Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Munich, Germany2Institute for Infectious Diseases
and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary Science, Munich, Germany
The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of bacterial species and
the susceptibility of isolates to doxycycline, trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMS),
ampicillin, amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid (AMC), cephalothin, and enrofloxacin in cats
with urinary tract infections (UTI) with and without predisposing comorbidities.
A retrospective analysis of case records between 2000 and 2009 was performed and resulted
in inclusion 271 cats into the study: 128 cats with a systemic comorbidity, 36 cats
with indwelling urinary catheters, 40 cats with other local comorbidities, and 67
cats with no comorbidity. The most commonly isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli
(E. coli), Streptococcus species (spp.), Staphylococcus spp., and Enterococcus spp..
The proportion of Gram‐negative isolates was significantly higher in the cats with
systemic comorbidities than in cats with indwelling urinary catheters (p < 0.001)
and cats with other local abnormalities (P < 0.001), whereas Gram‐positive isolates
were significantly more commonly isolated from cats with indwelling urinary catheters
and other local comorbidities than in cats with systemic comorbidities (p < 0.001).
The proportions of isolates susceptible to AMC, enrofloxacin, and TMS and the antimicrobial
impact factors (IF) were higher than the proportions of isolates susceptible to doxycycline,
ampicillin, and cephalothin and the respective IF.
Based on these findings, AMC and TMS would be the first‐choice antimicrobial agents
for empiric treatment of bacterial UTIs in cats with systemic comorbidities. Cats
with local comorbidities have a greater risk for UTI with Streptococcus and Enterococcus
spp. isolates, and antimicrobial IF are lower for this group of cats.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVNU‐O‐9
EMERGENCE OF MULTIDRUG‐RESISTANT BACTERIA CAUSING URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN COMPANION
ANIMALS: A 14‐YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IN PORTUGAL
C. Marques, N. Couto, A. Belas, D. Saial, M. Delgado, C. Pomba
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
The increasing rates of resistance exhibited by uropathogens represent a serious problem
for the selection of an appropriate antibiotic. The aim of this study was to determine
secular trends of companion animal urinary tract infection (UTI) that involve extended‐spectrum
β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐ and carbapemenase‐ producing Gram negative bacteria (namely, Escherichia
coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Acinetobacter baumannii), methicillin‐resistant‐staphylococci
(MRS) and ampicillin and high‐level‐gentamicin‐resistance (HLGR) enterococci. Nine
hundred and twenty two uropathogenic bacteria were isolated from dogs and cats, between
January 1999 and March 2014, at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine and at veterinary private practices in the Lisbon area. Isolates
were identified using standard commercial systems. Susceptibility testing was performed
using the disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods. CLSI breakpoints were applied.
Extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases (ESBL) production was screened by double‐disk synergy
test. The ESBL, plasmid‐mediated AmpC, carbapemenases, mecA and aac(6’)‐Ie‐aph(2’’)‐Ia
genes were detected by PCR and gene enzymes were sequenced. Among Enterobacteriaceae
0.7% were DHA‐producers, 2.7% were ESBL‐producers and 3.6% were CMY‐producers. All
isolates were also multidrug‐ resistant. Cefalosporinases‐producer Enterobacteriaceae
were detected in 2000, the first being a CMY‐2‐producer E. coli. All the ESBL‐producers
were E. coli or K. pneumoniae producing CTX‐M‐group 1 enzymes. The first CTX‐M‐15‐producer
E. coli was detected in 2003 and in 2004 the pandemic O25b‐ST131 human virulent E.
coli CTX‐M‐15‐producing clone was identified. Resistance to carbapenems was detected
only in A. baumanii causing UTI in cats in 2006 (OXA‐66) and 2009 (OXA‐23). MRS represented
8.5% of all isolated staphylococci. Detection of methicillin‐resistant‐ Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA) occurred back in 2001 and methicillin‐resistant‐ Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
(MRSP) emerged only in 2007. Ampicillin‐resistance in enterococci was present throughout
the years (15,4%, n = 8). HLGR appeared in enterococci in 2003 and was confirmed by
the detection of the bifunctional enzyme that confers high level resistance to aminoglycosides
(7 out of 8 isolates). In this study we showed that in the last decade the emergence
of resistance to critically important antimicrobials among uropathogens from companion
animals is a concerning fact. The multidrug‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae may compromise
effective therapeutic options, namely third and fourth generation cephalosporins,
fluoroquinolones, trimethoprim/sulpha combinations. The emergence of MRSA/MRSP and
HLGR among uropathogens is also a therapeutic challenge. The detection of uropathogens
with antimicrobial resistance is not only an animal health issue but also a matter
of public health, since companion animals may act as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistant
bacteria or resistance genes for humans.
Conflicts of interest
The author currently receives a PhD grant funded by the Portuguese Foundation for
Science and Technology. In the past, the author received once research support and
honoraries from portuguese Merial for a project on canine vector borne diseases.
ESVNU‐O‐10
INCIDENCE‐ AND MORTALITY RATES OF KIDNEY DISEASE IN A LARGE POPULATION OF INSURED
SWEDISH DOGS
L.E. Pelander
1, I. Ljungvall1, A. Egenvall1, J. Elliott2, H.M. Syme2, J. Häggström1
1Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden2Royal Veterinary College,
London, United Kingdom
Kidney disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs. Knowledge
about the epidemiology of kidney disease in the dog population is valuable both clinically
and for planning of research investigating disease mechanisms. Large‐scale epidemiological
studies are needed.
The aim of the present study was to use insurance data to estimate morbidity and mortality
related to kidney disease in the Swedish dog population.
Insurance company data from veterinary care‐insured and life‐insured dogs during the
years 1995‐2007 were studied retrospectively. Incidence‐ and mortality rates were
calculated for the whole group of dogs as well as divided by sex and breed. For the
15 breeds with the highest incidence‐ and mortality rates, respectively, the reasons
for kidney disease were investigated by dividing the diagnoses into 10 ethiology groups.
The total number of veterinary care‐insured dogs was 665,245. The total incidence
rate of kidney disease in this group of dogs was 15.7(15.3‐16.2) cases/10,000 dog‐years
at risk. The number of dogs in the life insurance was 548,346 and in this group the
total kidney‐related mortality rate was 9.7(9.3‐10.2) deaths/10,000 dog‐years at risk.
The 2 most commonly reported ethiologies of kidney disease were “ethiology not determined”and
“infectious/inflammatory”. The 3 breeds with the highest incidence rate of kidney
disease were the Bernese mountain dog, Miniature schnauzer and Boxer. The 3 breeds
with the highest mortality caused by kidney disease were the Bernese mountain dog,
Shetland sheepdog and Flatcoated retriever.
In conclusion, the epidemiological information provided in this study concerning kidney
disease in dogs can assist clinicians in establishing diagnoses, and can assist breeders
in defining priorities for preventative measures. It can also provide valuable information
for future research.
Conflicts of interest
The senior author has received money from the insurance company we have used data
from to write our study, for another project. Jens Häggström and Ingrid Ljungvall
have received financial support for research from Sante Animale, Agria Insurance Ltd,
Sveland Insurance Ltd, Forsgren Research Foundation. Both of these authors have also
undertaken paid consulatcny work for Boehringer‐Ingelheim, Ceva Sante Animale.
ESVONC‐O‐1
APPLICABILITY OF THE ‘KIUPEL’ 2‐TIER GRADING SYSTEM ON CYTOLOGY SPECIMENS IN CANINE
CUTANEOUS MAST CELL TUMOURS
F. Hergt
1, W. von Bomhard2, M. Wergin1, J. Hirschberger1
1Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine LMU, München, Germany2Fachpraxis für Tierpathologie,
München, Germany
Mast cell tumours represent the most common cutaneous tumour in the dog. Diagnosis
of a mast cell tumour can be achieved through cytological examination of fine needle
aspirate. However the grade of the tumour is an important prognostic marker and requires
so far histologic assessment. A 2‐tier histologic grading system based on number of
mitoses, multinucleated cells, bizarre nuclei and karyomegaly was recently proposed
by Kiupel et al.
The aim of this study was to assess if the cytomorphological criteria proposed in
the 2‐tier histologic grading system are applicable on cytology specimens.
Ninety‐three mast cell tumour specimens of grade I or grade III according to Patnaik
with both histological specimens and fine needle aspirates were retrospectively taken
from a data set and histologically and cytologically re‐evaluated. According to the
Kiupel grading system thirty‐six were diagnosed histologically as high grades and
fifty‐seven were considered low‐grade mast cell tumours. The cytologic examination
of the corresponding specimens revealed thirty‐one high grade and fifty‐five low‐grade
tumours. An agreement between histologic and cytologic diagnosis based on the Kiupel
grading system was achieved in eighty‐six cases (accuracy 92.4%, specificity 93.9%,
sensitivity 91.6%). Five high‐grade tumours (13.8%) were considered as low grade on
cytology.
Cytologic grading of mast cell tumours in the dog has satisfactory accuracy, sensitivity,
and specificity. Histologic grading of canine mast cell tumours still remains the
gold standard, but cytology already gives reliable information.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVONC‐O‐2
EVALUATION OF THE JAK2‐STAT5 PATHWAY AS A THERAPEUTIC TARGET IN CANINE MASTOCYTOMAS
A. Keller
1, M. Willmann2, P. Valent3, E. Hadzijusufovic3
1Medical University of Vienna, Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Vienna, Austria2University
of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria3Medical University of Vienna, Department
of Internal Medicine I, Vienna, Austria
In canines mastocytomas are among the most frequently diagnosed neoplasms of the skin.
High grade mastocytomas (grade III, Patnaik classification) are characterized by an
uncontrolled growth of neoplastic mast cells (MC) and a poor prognosis. Recently,
the KIT‐targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitors masitinib and toceranib have been approved
for the treatment of canine MC tumors. These drugs are able to induce responses in
mastocytoma patients. However, in many patients, relapses are seen. Therefore, research
is focusing on new drug targets. Recently, the transcription factor STAT5 has been
reported to play an important role in the proliferation and survival of human neoplastic
MC. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the JAK2‐STAT5 pathway in canine
mastocytomas. To address this aim, the canine mastocytoma cell lines C2 and NI‐1 as
well as inhibitors directed against JAK2 or STAT5 were employed. As assessed by immunocytochemistry,
C2 cells and NI‐1 cells were found to express pSTAT5 in their cytoplasm and nuclei.
Intracellular expression of pSTAT5 was confirmed by flow cytometry. Interestingly,
C2 cells were found to express higher levels of pSTAT5 compared to NI‐1 cells. Next,
we treated C2 cells and NI‐1 cells with various concentrations of the STAT5 inhibitors
piceatannol and pimozide and the JAK2 inhibitors AZD1480 and TG101348. As assessed
by 3H‐thymidine uptake, all 4 compounds were found to inhibit the proliferation of
canine MC in a dose‐dependent manner. Drug effects were found to vary in different
cell lines, with the following rank‐order of potency (IC50 values): TG101348: 0.1‐0.75 μM;
pimozide: 0.1‐2.5 μM; AZD1480: 1‐2 μM; piceatannol: 5‐50 μM. To further explore the
mechanism of drug‐induced inhibition of proliferation, we examined cell cycle progression
and apoptosis in drug‐exposed cells. Whereas all 4 drugs tested induced only moderate
cell cycle arrests in the G1 phase, these drugs were found to induce substantial apoptosis
in C2 cells and NI‐1 cells as evidenced by microscopy and Annexin‐V/PI staining. Together,
our data show that JAK2‐ and STAT5‐targeting drugs exert anti‐proliferative and apoptosis‐inducing
effects in canine mastocytoma cells suggesting that this signaling pathway may be
a promising new therapeutic target in canine mastocytomas. The clinical relevance
of this observation remains to be determined.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVONC‐O‐3
RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF MASITINIB‐BASED TREATMENT OF SUBCUTANEOUS MAST CELL TUMOURS
IN 25 CHEMO NAÏVE DOGS
A.M. Krupa
1, J.P. de Vos1, G. Polton2
1De Ottenhorst, Veterinary Oncology Referral Centre, Terneuzen, The Netherlands2North
Downs Specialist Referrals, Bletchingley, surrey, United Kingdom
Subcutaneous mast cell tumours (SQMCT) in dogs are relatively uncommon compared to
their cutaneous counterparts. The veterinary literature describes these tumours as
a specific pathological entity with, in general, a low probability of aggressive progression.
Surgery is considered the main treatment modality, while medical treatment has not
been described. The purpose of this study was to determine Progression Free Survival
(PFS) for a chemo naïve cohort of dogs presented with non‐resectable and/or metastasized
SQMCT, which all underwent masitinib‐based therapy.
Data were collected for patients with SQMCT presented to participating centres in
the Netherlands and the UK from 01/12/2008 to 01/01/2014, which received masitinib‐based
therapy. Treatment protocols employed, included masitinib alone (M), masitinib and
prednisolone (MP), masitinib plus vinblastine and/or lomustine and prednisolone (MPC).
Response to therapy was measured conforming to RECIST 1.1. Adverse events were graded
using VCOG‐CTCAE 1.1. Patients were grouped according to presence or absence of metastasis,
treatment protocol used, previous surgery, and remission status achieved; simple comparisons
were made to evaluate possible significance.
Twenty‐five cases were identified. 18/25 were female. Median age of occurrence was
9 years (2‐17). Diagnosis was made by histology in 11/25; proliferation indices were
defined in only 4 dogs. Fourteen cases exhibited metastasis at initiation of therapy.
PFS for all cases ranged from 8‐1275 days. Median/mean PFS (days) according to treatment
was M:141/317d (n = 15), MP:142/389d (n = 7), MPC:49/57d (n = 3). Median/mean PFS
according to metastasis status was M0:141/324d (n = 11) and M1:103/291d (n = 14).
Dogs who underwent previous surgery (n = 10) had a median/mean PFS of 108/344d compared
to those who had no surgery 119/280d. Looking at remission status, median PFS of patients
who achieved a complete remission was not reached, with a mean PFS of 617d (n = 9).
Median/mean PFS of patients with partial remission was 86/176d (n = 11), stable disease
49/57d (n = 2), and progressive disease 12/17d (n = 3). 19/25 cases experienced suspected
adverse events. Three dogs, two of which ultimately died, had seven grade 3‐5 adverse
events (anaemia (n = 3), hepatotoxicity (n = 3), gastrointestinal toxicity (n = 1)).
Masitinib‐based treatment is effective in the management of SQMCT perceived to be
aggressive. Patients do not appear to benefit from prior surgery. Metastatic status
did not influence outcome. Adding chemotherapy negatively influenced PFS. Complete
remission is a very favourable prognostic development.
Conflicts of interest
The authors have received financial support from AB Science to help with the costs
of statistical analyses in an unrelated project
ESVONC‐O‐4
OUTCOME OF CANINE DIFFUSE LARGE B‐CELL LYMPHOMA DURING CHEMOTHERAPY WITH L‐ASPARAGINASE,
CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE, VINCRISTINE AND PREDNISOLONE (LCOP): 30 CASES (2003 ‐ 2013)
D. Sayag, F. Floch, T. Marchal, C. Fournel‐Fleury, F. Ponce
VetAgro‐Sup ‐ Campus Veterinaire de Lyon, Marcy l'etoile, France
Advances in distinction between morphological subtypes of canine non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas
(NHL) have provided a better understanding of this cancer in dogs. Diffuse large B‐cell
lymphomas (DLBCL) are the most frequent form of NHL in dogs including some distinguished
morphological subtypes (mainly centroblastic polymorphic and immunoblastic) according
to the WHO classification. Few clinical studies reported DLBCL clinical outcomes under
treatment while survival times of the centroblastic polymorphic subgroup were reported.
The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the response of DLBCL to a standardized
multi‐agent chemotherapy protocol.
Medical records from dogs with a diagnosis of DLBCL between 2003 and 2013 were retrospectively
reviewed. Inclusion criteria were the availability of complete initial and follow‐up
information and the application of a standardized multi‐agent L‐COP chemotherapy protocol
as previously described. Dogs which received corticosteroids before the initiation
of treatment and dogs which died for other reasons than their related disease before
the end of the induction period (35 d) were excluded. Response to chemotherapy was
evaluated every week during the induction of treatment, then every 3 to 5 weeks. Statistical
analysis was performed using Kaplan‐Meier analysis.
Thirty cases of DLBCL meeting all inclusion criteria were included from the initial
population. Seven dogs were in clinical stage III according to the WHO classification,
19 in stage IV and 4 in stage V. Nineteen dogs were in substage a, and 11 in substage
b. On 26 dogs which have an adequate response evaluation, 20 dogs (76.9%) achieved
a complete remission. The median and mean duration of first remission were 175d and
239d, respectively (range 68‐725 d). The median and mean durations of survival time
were respectively 311d and 319d (range 55‐818 d). One year and 2‐years survival rates
were 32% and 3% respectively. According to the statistical analysis, neither clinical
stage (p = 0.726) nor substage at presentation (p = 0.83) or morphological subtype
(immunoblastic vs centroblastic polymorphic, p = 0.216) were considered as a significant
prognostic factor regarding the duration of the first remission and the overall survival
time. A complete response was significantly associated with longer survival times
(p = 0.019).
To conclude, the DLBCL displayed a good clinical response to L‐COP protocol, with
a median survival time of 311 days. The only significant prognostic criterion identified
was a complete clinical response to the treatment. A prospective controlled study
on a larger population is warranted to confirm these results.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVONC‐O‐5
EPIRUBICIN RESCUE CHEMOTHERAPY IN CANINE HISTIOCYTIC SARCOMA
S.L. Mason, L. Blackwood
SATH, University of Liverpool, School of Veterinary Science, Neston, United Kingdom
Canine histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is an aggressive round cell neoplasm with a poor prognosis.
Both lomustine and doxorubicin have been evaluated as first line chemotherapy agents
with response rates of up to 46% and median survival times around 3‐5 months.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to epirubicin in a population of
dogs with HS pre‐treated with lomustine. Medical records of dogs with a diagnosis
of HS that were treated with lomustine and subsequently epirubicin were retrospectively
evaluated.
Fifteen dogs received lomustine followed by epirubicin. There was a measureable response
to lomustine in seven of 12 dogs with evident disease, 58% (3 CR & 4 PR). An additional
3 dogs achieved stable disease for an overall biological effective response of 83%.
Median TTP following lomustine could be assessed in 12 dogs and was 87 days (Range
34‐141).
All fifteen dogs received epirubicin as a rescue agent: nine following progressive
disease and three with stable disease on lomustine. One dog received epirubicin after
completing six doses of lomustine in complete remission and two dogs in partial remission
changed to epirubicin due to hepatotoxicity associated with lomustine.
Response rate to epirubicin was 15% and biologic effective response was 61% (1 CR,
1 PR, 6 SD, 5 PD) in 13 dogs. One dog was euthanized due to epirubicin associated
gastro‐intestinal toxicity and 1 dog stopped treatment with no assessment of response.
Median duration of response to epirubicin was 69 days (Range: 40‐347) and 1 dog is
still alive and in remission (405 days). Overall median survival time for dogs receiving
epirubicin following lomustine was 218 days (Range: 27‐500).
Single agent epirubicin is a valid rescue therapy after lomustine for canine histiocytic
sarcoma and results in modestly improved overall survival times in responding patients.
Conflicts of interest
The author received a travel scholarship from Zoetis to attend this congress.
ESVONC‐O‐6
STUDY OF THE MECHANISMS BEHIND COX‐2 EXPRESSION IN CANINE MELANOCYTIC TUMOURS
I. Pires, J. Gomes, J. Prada, H. Gregorio, F.L. Queiroga
University of Trás‐os‐Montes and Alto Douro, Vila real, Portugal
The incidence of melanocytic lesions is increasing among canine population. Canine
malignant melanoma could have an aggressive behavior, metastasize early in the course
of the disease and be resistant to most current therapeutic regimens leading to the
need of finding markers with potential as therapeutic targets. The overexpression
of COX‐2 seems to play a key role in melanocytic tumours, having being described an
association between high COX‐2 immunoexpression and the malignant behavior. In order
to contribute to the understanding of the role of COX‐2 in melanocytic tumours, three
main pathways were investigated: angiogenesis, tumour cell proliferation and inflammatory
microenvironment (T‐lymphocytes and macrophages).
Fifty one (51) melanocytic tumours [32 cutaneous (12 malignant melanomas and 20 melanocytomas)
and 19 oral malignant melanomas] were included. All the samples were submitted to
immunohistochemical staining carried out by the streptavidin‐biotin‐peroxidase method,
with a commercial detection system with or without melanin blanching, for detection
of the following markers (COX‐2, Ki‐67, Factor VIII, VEGF, CD3 and MAC387).
In melanocytic tumours (n = 51), both COX‐2 labelling extension and intensity revealed
a statistically significant association with angiogenesis by Factor VIII (p < 0,01),
VEGF (p < 0,01); Ki‐67 (p < 0,001), CD3 + T‐lymphocytes (p < 0,001) and MAC387 (p < 0,001).
Considering only malignant melanomas (n = 31 cases), COX‐2 labelling extension revealed
a statistically significant association with angiogenesis (p = 0,041) and CD3 + T‐lymphocytes
(p = 0,005). COX‐2 intensity was also positively associated with angiogenesis (p = 0,008)
and with MAC387 (p = 0,015).
Present study demonstrated a link between high COX‐2 immunoexpression and increased
angiogenesis and tumoural T‐lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration in malignant melanomas.
These findings reinforce the usefulness of using selective COX‐2 inhibitors as a valuable
therapeutic tool in malignant melanocytic tumours.
Conflicts of interest
This study received financial support from a company (Merial).
ESVONC‐O‐7
NEUTER STATUS AND RISK OF CANCER IN A DANISH DOG POPULATION
M.M.E. Larsen, B. Børresen, A.T. Kristensen
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Frederiksberg, Denmark
Neuter status and risk of malignant neoplasia is not well evaluated in the canine
population, when excluding neoplasia not normally believed to be sex‐hormone dependent.
Denmark and the Scandinavian countries have a high proportion of intact dogs compared
to populations from other parts of the world. In the present study it was hypothesized
that there would be no difference in gender and neuter status between the population
of canine patients with a non‐sex‐hormone dependent malignant neoplasia reported to
the Danish Veterinary Cancer Registry and a general population. From August 2005 to
March 2014, 3801 canine neoplasms were reported to the Danish Veterinary Cancer Registry.
The total number of malignant (1788) and benign (1953) were comparable (42% and 46%).
Malignant neoplasms totalled 1262, when tumors from areas of distribution with known
sex‐hormone dependency (reproductive organs, mammary gland, perineal), and cases with
unknown area of distribution were excluded. The overall distribution of malignant
neoplasia was 481 (38%) intact male dogs, 157 (12.5%) neutered male dogs, 404 (32%)
intact female dogs and 220 (17.5%) neutered female dogs. The distribution was even
between male and female dogs (50.5% and 49.5%). Compared to a known standard population
of dogs, there was an overall statistically significant association of malignant neoplasia
with neuter status in both sexes. For both genders this was significant for lymphoma,
mast cell tumors and osteosarcomas,. For neutered females, but not males, there was
increased risk of hemangiosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.
These findings indicate that there might be an association between neuter status and
development of malignant neoplasia but larger prospective studies are needed to evaluate
the risk of non‐sex hormone dependent cancers in neutered dogs.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVONC‐O‐8
SERUM ACUTE PHASE PROTEINS IN FELINE MALIGNANT MAMMARY TUMOURS
H. Vilhena
1, J.J. Cerón2, A.C. Figueira3, A. Tvarijonaviciute4, F. Tecles2, S. Miranda5, F.
Gärtner6, J. Pastor4, A.C. Silvestre‐Ferreira7
1Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama / Hospital Veterinário Baixo Vouga / CECAV, Portugal2Interdisciplinary
Laboratory Clinical Analysis INTERLAB‐UMU, University Murcia, Murcia, Spain3Escola
Universitária Vasco da Gama / ICBAS‐UP / IPATIMUP, Coimbra, Portugal4Departament de
Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain5Escola
Universitária Vasco da Gama / CECAV / HVBV, Coimbra, Portugal6Instituto de Ciências
Biomédicas Abel Salazar / IPATIMUP, Porto, Portugal7Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias,
UTAD / CECAV, Vila real, Portugal
Serum acute phase proteins (APPs) are considered biomarkers of the acute phase reaction,
and are being increasingly used in human and veterinary medicine in diagnosis and
monitoring of neoplastic diseases. In the cat, serum amyloid A (SAA) is considered
a positive major APP, haptoglobin (Hp) a moderate APP, and albumin and insulin‐like
growth factor‐1(IGF‐1) negative APPs.
The aim of the present study was to characterize the APPs response in cats with mammary
tumours. For that purpose, SAA, Hp, IGF‐1 and albumin serum concentrations were determined
in 20 female cats with malignant mammary tumours. Cats with history of previous tumours
or with concomitant tumours or other diseases were excluded. Information on cats age,
gender, breed, tumour type, histological grade, tumour size and location, skin ulceration,
vascular neoplastic infiltration, necrosis, metastasis to regional lymph nodes, thoracic
or abdominal organs, and survival time from diagnosis was assessed. Blood samples
were collected before surgery in all cats, and whenever possible, serial samples collected
on control visits. Owners gave informed consent.
Studied population included 20 domestic short‐haired cats with ages ranging from eight
to 17 years (11,5 + /‐ 2,7). All had carcinomas, including solid carcinomas (n = 10),
tubulopapillary carcinomas (n = 8), one cribiform carcinoma and one carcinosarcoma.
At the time of diagnosis, 70% of cats had an increase in serum concentration of Hp
and 20% of SAA, and 25% had a decrease in concentration of albumin. Mean and standard
deviation values were of 2,76 + /‐ 0,48 g/dl for albumin (reference range 2,5‐3,6 g/dl),
319,12 + /‐ 162,89 μg/dl for IGF‐1, 12,95 + /‐ 29,76 μg/ml for SAA (reference value
˂5 μg/ml), and 5,12 + /‐ 3,20 g/l for Hp (reference value ˂3 g/l).
A positive correlation (r = 0,60) was detected between increases in serum concentrations
of SAA and Hp. The increase in the size of tumour was significantly associated with
the concentration of SAA (p˂0,05). Serum Hp concentrations were significantly increased
in tubulopapillary carcinomas (p˂0,05), and IGF‐1 decreased in solid carcinomas (p˂0,05).
In the cats where serial determinations were performed, development of thoracic metastasis
was significantly associated with a decrease of serum concentration of albumin (p˂0,05),
and with an increase of SAA (p˂0,05).
This study suggests that feline mammary tumours are associated with an acute phase
response. According with the results obtained, SAA, Hp, albumin and IGF‐1 might be
important serum biomarkers in diagnosis and monitoring of the evolution of feline
malignant mammary neoplasias.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVONC‐O‐9
ESTABLISHMENT AND CHARACTERISATION OF A NOVEL CANINE HISTIOCYTIC SARCOMA CELL LINE
P.D. Martin
1, A. Gow1,2, B. Beraio2, T. Raposo2, P.M. Beard1, J. Lawrence1, D.J. Argyle1,2
1University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom2The Roslin Institute, Roslin, United
Kingdom
Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a neoplastic proliferation of interstitial dendritic cells
or tissue macrophages. Dogs with HS can present with local disease or with multifocal
(disseminated) involvement. Disseminated HS is poorly responsive to therapy and almost
always fatal. Little is established regarding the aetiopathology of histiocytic sarcoma
in dogs. The purpose of this study was to establish and characterise a HS cell line
from fresh tumour samples obtained from a dog with disseminated HS in order to further
clarify disease pathogenesis and behaviour.
With owner consent, treatment‐naïve tumour sections were collected from a dog with
disseminated HS that was euthanased. Tumour tissue was assessed with immunohistochemistry
(IHC) using antibodies against canine CD18, CD3, and PAX‐5 to support the diagnosis
of histiocytic sarcoma. Primary cell cultures (HSCs), established from the tumour
were cultured and maintained in modified Eagle's medium with 10% fetal bovine serum,
L‐glutamine, penicillin and streptomycin, in standard conditions. HSCs were characterised
by alpha naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) and lysozyme staining while PCR was used
to detect cell markers CD1a, CD11c, MHC II, CD204, CCR2, E‐cadherin, and CD4. Cell
surface markers were compared to an established canine HS cell line (DH82). Phagocytic
activity of HSC cells was assessed using cellular uptake of carboxylated fluorescent
beads and documented using flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy.
Tumour tissue was strongly CD18 positive and negative for CD3 and PAX‐5. Cultured
cells exhibited morphological characteristics consist with dendritic cells, such as
projections and pleomorphism. HSC cells stained positively for non‐specific esterase
(ANAE) and lysozyme, and PCR indicated cells were positive for CD1a, CD11c, MHC II
and CD204 and negative for CD90 and E‐cadherin. HSC cells were positive for MHC II
and CCR2 while DH82 cells were negative. Phagocytic activity was evident.
A novel HS cell line (HSC) was established and characterized from primary tumour tissue
collected from a dog with disseminated disease. HSC cells were most consistent with
interstitial dendritic cell origin based on CD1a, CD11c, and MHC II staining as well
as demonstrable phagocytic activity. HSC cells also displayed expression of CCR2,
unlike the established DH82 line, supporting a notion that HS consists of a variety
of subtypes. CCR2 has been linked to HS growth and metastasis, suggesting it may represent
a possible therapeutic target. Further studies establishing and characterising canine
HS cells may contribute to the elucidation of mechanisms of tumourigenesis.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ISCAID‐O‐1
CLINICAL AND GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION AND VIRUS NEUTRALIZATION PATTERNS OF FELINE
CALICIVIRUS ISOLATES FROM FOUR VIRULENT‐SYSTEMIC DISEASE OUTBREAKS IN CATS IN SWITZERLAND
AND LIECHTENSTEIN
B. Willi1, A.M. Spiri
2, A. Berger2, M.L. Meli3, B. Riond2, F. Graf4, K. Diserens5, I. Padrutt6, A. Samman7,
R. Hofmann‐Lehmann3
1Clinical Laboratory and Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland2Clinical
Laboratory, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland3Clinical Laboratory and Center
for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland4Tierärztliche Praxis
Dr. Felix Graf AG, Buchs, Switzerland5Cabinet Vétérinaire du Dr. Gmür, Lausanne, Switzerland6Clinic
for Small Animal Internal Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland7Medical
Research Council, University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United
Kingdom
Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a RNA virus that causes upper respiratory tract disease,
oral ulcerations and limping syndrome. Virulent‐systemic (VS)‐FCV that induce cutaneous
edema, ulcerations of the head and feet, and occasionally jaundice have been described
in the USA and Europe. Here we characterize for the first time VS‐FCV outbreaks in
cats in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
The four outbreaks occurred in three geographically separated locations: Schaan (Liechtenstein,
shelter 1), Zurich (Switzerland) and Lausanne (Switzerland, shelter 2) between November
2011 and January 2013. PCR (FCV and Feline herpesvirus‐1, FHV‐1), virus isolation
and FeLV/FIV testing were performed on saliva and blood samples collected from clinically
affected cats. Furthermore, saliva for PCR was collected from 31 additional cats in
shelter 1. Phylogenetic analyses were performed based on the capsid (VP1) gene sequence
of FCV. VS‐FCV isolates were tested for virus neutralization with sera raised against
common FCV vaccine strains.
Outbreak 1 occurred in a cattery in Liechtenstein and involved five non‐vaccinated,
3‐months old siblings with fever, edema, skin and tongue ulcerations. Outbreak 2 occurred
in a small animal clinic in Zurich. A 10‐year old cat presented with severe paw edema,
fever, tongue and skin ulcerations, progressive hypoproteinemia and hyperbilirubinemia.
Outbreaks 3 and 4 happened in a cattery in Lausanne five months apart and involved
two litters of non‐vaccinated, 2‐ to 3‐ months old kittens. The cats presented with
fever, nasal discharge, edema and skin and oral ulcerations.
All affected cats tested FCV‐positive but negative for FHV‐1, FeLV and FIV, except
for one kitten from outbreak 4 (FIV‐positive). All cats in outbreaks 1 and 3 recovered,
whereas all cats in outbreaks 2 and 4 died or were euthanized because of clinical
deterioration. Each outbreak was caused by a phylogenetically distinct VS‐FCV strain.
In shelter 1, the queen and three in contact cats remained asymptomatic although infected
with the same VS‐FCV strain. Furthermore, 7/27 other cats of shelter 1 were infected
with closely related, but distinct FCV strains. The VS‐FCV isolates from the two outbreaks
in shelter 2 were distinct but phylogenetically related. All VS‐FCV isolates from
cats from the same outbreak showed a similar virus neutralization pattern, but neutralization
differed between different outbreaks.
In conclusion, all VS‐FCV outbreaks involved multi‐cat environments. The same VS‐FCV
strains with similar virus neutralization patterns were isolated from cats from the
same outbreak. Not all cats infected with a VS‐FCV strain developed disease and mortality
varied between the outbreaks.
Conflicts of interest
The sera for virus neutralization were provided by Merial, France.
ISCAID‐O‐2
CASE CONTROL STUDY ON FELINE CALICIVIRUS TO INVESTIGATE RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS
FOR INFECTION
A. Berger1, B. Willi
2, M.L. Meli3, F.S. Boretti4, S. Hartnack5, H. Lutz1, R. Hofmann‐Lehmann3
1Clinical Laboratory, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland2Clinical Laboratory
and Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland3Clinical Laboratory
and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland4Clinic
for Small Animal Internal Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland5Section
of Epidemiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a RNA virus that occurs worldwide. Infected cats show
upper respiratory tract disease (URTD; defined herein as presence of sneezing, nasal‐
and/or ocular discharge, conjunctivitis and/or keratitis), but also oral cavity lesions,
chronic stomatitis, limping syndrome and, rarely, virulent systemic disease. The aims
of the present study were to compare cats suspected of FCV (FCV‐SC) based on clinical
symptoms and healthy controls (controls) and to investigate potential risk and protective
factors, such as co‐infection with feline herpesvirus‐1 (FHV‐1), Mycoplasma felis,
Chlamydophila felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica and feline retroviruses, vaccination,
gender, age, breed, housing and corticosteroid and antibiotic treatment. Oropharyngeal,
nasal and conjunctival swabs from 200 FCV‐SC and 100 controls were collected into
transport medium, processed within 96 hours after collection and analyzed for FCV
by virus isolation and for all tested pathogens using molecular assays. The samples
were collected by randomly selected veterinary practices in 20 different areas of
Switzerland (10 FCV‐SC and 5 controls/area). To record clinical data, retroviral status
and vaccination history of the cats, a questionnaire was filled out by the private
veterinarian. The seven tested pathogens were found in the investigated population.
The prevalence (FCV‐SC vs. controls) was: FCV 45% vs. 8%; FHV‐1 20% vs. 9%, C. felis
8% vs. 1%, B. bronchiseptica 4% vs. 2%, M. felis 48% vs. 31%, Feline leukemia virus
2% vs. 1% and Feline immunodeficiency virus 2% vs. 1%. FCV‐SC were positive for FCV
significantly more often compared with controls (OR 9.2) and shed more FCV. Co‐infections
with up to four pathogens were detected; FCV‐SC were significantly more frequently
co‐infected (40%) compared with controls (14%). Gingivostomatitis and oral ulceration
but not URTD were highly associated with FCV infection. In contrast, C. felis was
associated with URTD; FHV‐1 was associated with nasal and ocular discharge and M.
felis with conjunctivitis and ocular discharge. Risk factors for FCV infection were
housing in groups (especially ≥4 cats), an intact gender, Maine Coon breed and corticosteroid
therapy. FCV‐positive cats with gingivostomatitis were older and more commonly vaccinated
than FCV‐positive cats without gingivostomatitis. Moreover they shed more FCV than
cats with URTD. Vaccination and primary immunization defined as two vaccinations 2‐6 weeks
apart with the same vaccine brand were protective factors against FCV but not FHV‐1
infection. Vaccination was associated with a decreased incidence of URTD in FCV‐infected
cats (OR 0.3). Further analyses will investigate cross‐neutralization patterns of
the prevailing FCV isolates.
Conflicts of interest
The study was partially funded by Merial, France, and Biokema, Switzerland.
ISCAID‐O‐3
EFFICACY OF PASSIVELY TRANSFERRED ANTIBODIES IN CATS WITH ACUTE VIRAL UPPER RESPIRATORY
TRACT INFECTION
Y. Friedl
1, B. Schulz1, A. Knebl1, C. Helps2, U. Truyen3, K. Hartmann1
1Clinic for Small Animal Medicine, Munich, Germany2Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford
Veterinary Services, University of Bristol, Bristol bs40 5du, United Kingdom3Institute
of Animal Hygiene and Public Veterinary Services,University of Leipzig, 04103 leipzig,
Germany
Antibody preparations are commonly used for the treatment of feline upper respiratory
tract disease (FURTD), although their efficacy has not been proven. The aim of this
study was to evaluate efficacy of a commercial serum containing antibodies against
feline herpesvirus‐1 (FHV‐1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) in cats with acute viral
FURTD.
This prospective, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study included 42 cats
with acute (<7 days) clinical signs of FHV‐1 and/or FCV infection (confirmed by quantitative
PCR). All cats received symptomatic treatment and either hyperimmune serum (n = 22)
(≤12 weeks 2 ml, >12 weeks 4 ml, subcutaneously q24 h, topically into eyes, nostrils,
and mouth q8 h) or saline (n = 20) for three days. Clinical signs, including a ‘FURTD
score’ and general health status, were recorded daily (day 0 to 7 and on day 21).
FCV shedding was determined on day 0 and 21. Statistical analyses included one‐way
analysis of variance, Mann‐Whitney U, and Student's t‐test (improvement of clinical
signs), Fisher's exact test (FCV shedding), and Spearman analysis (correlation clinical
signs with virus load).
Clinical signs and general health status improved significantly in both groups. However,
while placebo‐treated cats had only improved significantly by day 7, cats receiving
antibodies already significantly improved in their ‘FURTD score’ (P = 0.046) and general
health status (P = 0.032) by day 3. There was no significant difference in the number
of cats shedding FCV and no correlation between viral load and clinical manifestation.
Administration of antibodies lead to faster improvement of clinical signs in cats
with acute viral FURTD, but did not influence FCV shedding.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ISCAID‐O‐4
SAMPLING SITES FOR DETECTION OF FELINE HERPESVIRUS‐1, FELINE CALICIVIRUS, AND CHLAMYDOPHILA
FELIS IN CATS WITH FELINE UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT DISEASE
B. Schulz
1, C. Schulz1, R.S. Mueller1, C. Helps2, K. Hartmann1
1Medizinische kleintierklinik, Muenchen, Germany2University of Bristol, Bristol, United
Kingdom
Different viral and bacterial pathogens can be involved in feline upper respiratory
tract disease (FURTD). Although some clinical signs have been associated with certain
pathogens, clinical signs can be variable and non‐specific. Aim of the study was to
compare detection rates of feline herpesvirus‐1 (FHV‐1), feline calicivirus (FCV),and
Chlamydophila felis (C. felis) in cats with FURTD on 4 different sampling sites, and
to correlate test results and clinical signs.
Swabs of nose, oropharynx, tongue, and conjunctiva were taken from 104 cats with signs
of FURTD. On all samples, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR)
was performed for detection of FCV, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection
of FHV‐1 and C. felis. Fisher's exact test was used for all comparisons. The level
of significance was p < 0.05.
Pathogens were detected in 89.4% of cats. Of these, 55.8% were positive for FHV‐1,
50.0% for FCV, and 35.6% for C. felis. FCV was isolated significantly more often from
oropharynx (92.3% of FCV‐positive cats) and tongue (90.4%) compared to conjunctiva
(38.5%) (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the 4 sampling sites
for detection of FHV‐1 and C. felis. In addition, there was no preferred sampling
site in cats with respective clinical signs, including oral ulceration, conjunctivitis,
and keratitis.
In cats with FURTD, the oropharynx can be recommended as the preferred sampling site
for detection of FCV, FHV‐1, and C. felis. Based upon clinical signs it cannot be
determined which sampling site should be selected for detection of the pathogens.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ISCAID‐O‐5
IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL DETECTION OF IGG AND IGM IN LUNG TISSUE OF DOGS WITH LEPTOSPIRAL
PULMONARY HAEMORRHAGE SYNDROME (LPHS)
S. Schuller
1, S. Callanan2, S. Worrall2, T. Francey1, A. Schweighauser1, J.E. Nally2
1Bern University, Bern, Switzerland2University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Leptospiral Pulmonary Haemorrhage Syndrome (LPHS) is a severe form of leptospirosis,
which has been increasingly recognised in humans and many animal species in the past
20 years. Patients with LPHS may develop rapidly progressive intra‐alveolar haemorrhage,
leading to high mortality. The pathogenic mechanisms of LPHS are poorly understood
hampering the application of effective treatment strategies. Studies in humans and
experimentally infected guinea pigs have demonstrated deposition of immunoglobulin
and complement C3 in LPHS lung tissue in the absence of significant numbers of leptospires,
suggesting that LPHS is, in part, caused by auto‐immunity. The aim of this project
was to describe the histopathologic features of LPHS in dogs and to investigate whether
IgG and IgM deposition is present in affected canine lung tissue.
Single‐step immunohistochemistry (IHC) for dog IgG, IgM and leptospiral outer membrane
vesicles was performed on lung tissues from 11 dogs with LPHS, 4 dogs with pulmonary
haemorrhage due to other causes and 4 healthy dog lungs.
Acute intra‐alveolar haemorrhage and oedema in the absence of significant inflammatory
infiltrates were present in all LPHS lung tissues. Three IHC staining patterns were
observed in LPHS lung tissue: alveolar septal wall staining with (IgG n = 8/IgM n = 6)
and without intra‐alveolar staining (IgG n = 2/IgM n = 0) and staining of intra‐alveolar
fluid only (IgG n = 1/IgM n = 5). Intra‐alveolar staining appeared to favour alveolar
surfaces in some cases (IgG n = 5/IgM n = 5). Healthy control lungs showed no staining,
whereas haemorrhagic lung showed staining of intra‐alveolar fluid (IgG/IgM n = 3))
and occasional, mild and discontinuous staining of alveolar septa (n = 1). Leptospiral
antigens were not detected in any of the tissues.
Results indicate that histopathologic features of canine LPHS are similar to what
has been described in other species. IHC demonstrated that alveolar septal deposition
of IgG/IgM is present in most dogs with naturally occurring LPHS. While these findings
support a role of the humoral immune response in the development of LPHS, our findings
do not indicate whether autoimmunity is a primary or secondary event in the pathogenesis
of LPHS.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ISCAID‐O‐6
CLINICAL, LABORATORY, RADIOLOGICAL FEATURES AND OUTCOME OF 99 DOGS WITH LEPTOSPIROSIS
(2006‐2013)
S.V. Knoepfler
1, A. Mayer‐Scholl2, E. Luge2, K. Noeckler2, R. Klopfleisch3, A. Gruber3, B. Kohn1
1Clinic of Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, FU Berlin, Berlin, Germany2Federal
Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany3Department of Veterinary Pathology,
Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Leptospirosis, a zoonotic bacterial disease with a worldwide distribution, is a re‐emerging
disease in humans and dogs. Acute renal and hepatic failure are the most frequently
reported clinical manifestations of canine leptospirosis.
The aim of this study was to describe clinical, laboratory and radiological features,
the outcome as well as the distribution of Leptospira serogroups in dogs with leptospirosis
(2006‐2013).
Medical records of dogs diagnosed with leptospirosis were evaluated retrospectively.
Diagnoses were based on microscopic agglutination testing (MAT), blood/urine PCR,
and histopathology (Levaditi staining). MAT‐titers ≥ 1:800 against non‐vaccine and
≥ 1:3200 against vaccine serovars or a 4‐fold rise of titers within 2‐3 weeks were
considered diagnostic.
99 dogs met the inclusion criteria. In 72 dogs diagnostic MAT‐titers were present
(mainly against serogroups Grippotyphosa (65%), Australis (61%), and Pomona (60%).
At initial presentation, the most common clinical signs were lethargy (96%), anorexia
(88%), vomitus (85%), a painful abdomen (39%), diarrhea (38%), oliguria (27%), tachypnea
(26%), delayed capillary refill time (18%), pale mucous membranes (17%), fever (15%),
hypothermia (15%), and icteric mucous membranes (10%). Abnormal findings of the CBC
included anemia (63%), thrombocytopenia (62%) and leukocytosis (57%). Biochemistry
abnormalities included increased creatinine concentrations (82%), increased liver
enzyme activities (80%), hyperbilirubinemia (70%), hyperphosphatemia (67%), hyponatremia
(63%), and hypoalbuminemia (55%). Urinalysis often revealed glucosuria (77%) and an
elevated urine‐protein/creatinine‐ratio (75%). Radiological pulmonary changes were
detected in 57% of the dogs initially or during the course of disease. 32 dogs died
or were euthanized, 24 of them due to “leptospiral pulmonary hemorrhage syndrome”.
In this study, non‐vaccine serogroups were the most common serogroups detected by
MAT. In the majority of patients renal (95%) and/or hepatic (93%) disease was detected.
A pulmonary form of leptospirosis was present in 57% of the dogs. Lung involvement
represented a severe complication causing increased mortality depending on the severity
of respiratory signs.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ISCAID‐O‐7
CARDIAC AND EXOCRINE PANCREATIC INVOLVEMENT IN DOGS WITH LEPTOSPIROSIS
A. Buono
1, S. Knöpfler2, A. Mayer‐Scholl3, K. Nöckler3, J.S. Suchodolski1, J.M. Steiner1,
B. Kohn2
1Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College station, United States
of America2Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität
Berlin, Berlin, Germany3Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that can affect multiple organs with renal and
hepatic involvement being considered to be the most common. The aim of this study
was to evaluate a large number of dogs with leptospirosis for cardiac and/or exocrine
pancreatic involvement.
A total of 59 dogs were diagnosed with leptospirosis based on clinical signs and either
microscopic agglutination test, blood/urine polymerase chain reaction, and/or histopathology.
At the time of admission and, in most patients, after an average of two weeks canine
pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI, as measured by Spec cPL®), ultrasensitive
cardiac Troponin I (cTnI), and C‐Reactive Protein (CRP) were analyzed. Data were analyzed
with non‐parametric statistics. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.
Upon admission, common clinical signs reported included lethargy (n = 57), vomiting
(n = 50), abdominal pain (n = 20), dyspnea (n = 16), pale mucous membranes (n = 13),
oliguria (n = 11), hypothermia (n = 11), and fever (n = 10). Anemia (n = 39), thrombocytopenia
(n = 41), leukocytosis (n = 38), were frequently reported hematology findings. Increased
concentrations of creatinine (n = 48/59), phosphorus (n = 43/57), ALT (n = 31/58),
SAP (n = 43/57) and bilirubin (n = 41/58) were also frequently recorded.
CRP (median: 48.7 mg/L; range: 0.1‐60.1 mg/L, reference interval (RI): 0.1‐7.6 mg/L),
cTnI (median: 0.137 ng/L; range: 0.005‐24.063 ng/L, RI: 0‐0.059 ng/L), and cPLI (median:
217 μg/L; range: 29‐1001 μg/L, RI: 0‐200 μg/L) concentrations were above the upper
limit of the reference intervals in 52/59 (88%), 42/59 (71%), and 30/59 (51%) dogs,
respectively and serum cPLI concentration was above the suggested cut‐off value for
a diagnosis of pancreatitis in 15/59 (25%) dogs. CRP and cTnI, but not cPLI were higher
upon admission compared to the re‐check measurement (p = 0.0001 and 0.0056, respectively).
Dogs with increased serum cPLI concentrations also showed a higher proportion of dogs
with increased serum cTnI concentrations (p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant
correlation of cPLI concentrations with a history of abdominal pain and/or vomiting.
Biochemical results were compatible with multiple organ impairment with involvement
of kidneys, liver, heart, and exocrine pancreas where at least two organs were affected
in 36/59 (61%) dogs. Forty (68%) of 59 dogs recovered, 10 (17%) died, and 9 (15%)
were euthanized. cTnI and cPLI were higher in non‐survivors, but these differences
did not reach statistical significance. However, the number of organs affected and
outcome were significantly correlated (p = 0.012).
Our data suggest that infection with Leptospira is characterized by a systemic inflammation
with variable multiple organ involvement and damage, often including the heart and
also the exocrine pancreas.
Conflicts of interest
The study was funded by Texas A&M University. The primary author and two co‐authors
work at the GI Laboratory, Texa A&M University.
ISCAID‐O‐8
MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF BARTONELLA IN DOGS WITH LEISHMANIOSIS (LEISHMANIA INFANTUM)
WITH OR WITHOUT ARTHRITIS
M. Mylonakis1, N. Soubasis1, N. Balakrishnan2, K. Theodorou1, D. Kasabalis3, M. Saridomichelakis3,
C. Koutinas1, A. Koutinas1, E. Breitschwerdt2
1School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki,
Greece2North Carolina State University (NCSU‐CVM), Raleigh, NC, USA, Greece3School
of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece, Greece
Canine bartonellosis is increasingly recognized worldwide and may be associated with
diverse clinical manifestations. Recent evidence suggests that bartonellosis also
causes lameness and polyarthritis in dogs. However, PCR amplification of Bartonella
DNA and isolation of Bartonella species from canine synovial fluid (SF) samples have
rarely been reported. Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) due to Leishmania infantum is a
multisystemic disease commonly associated with polyarthritis. Based on the hypothesis
that concurrent Bartonella infection may be a contributing factor for the development
of arthritis in dogs with CanL, the main objective of this study was to investigate
the microbiological and molecular prevalence of Bartonella spp. in dogs with naturally‐occurring
CanL, with or without cytologically documented arthritis. From a previous study, 38
dogs with CanL were retrospectively studied for Bartonella spp. infection. Diagnosis
of CanL was based on compatible clinical and clinicopathological abnormalities, positive
serology, and lymph node or bone marrow (BM) cytology. Dogs with serological evidence
of other vector‐borne infections (anaplasmosis, borelliosis, dirofilariosis and ehrlichiosis)
and dogs recently vaccinated or medicated were excluded from the study. Arthritis
defined as a neutrophil percentage in excess of 10% of nucleated cells in SF cytology
was documented in 31/38 (81.6%) of dogs. A total of 74 archived specimens from 38
dogs, including 33 EDTA‐anticoagulated blood samples, 19 BM and 22 SF aspirates were
tested for Bartonella spp. DNA using a Bartonella alpha proteobacteria growth medium
(BAPGM) diagnostic platform. Eight (21.1%) dogs were infected with one or two Bartonella
species, including Candidatus Bartonella merieuxii(n = 5), B. henselae SA2 (n = 3)
and B. rochalimae (n = 1). Bartonella spp. DNA was amplified from BM in 4 dogs and
from blood in 3 dogs but was not amplified from any SF sample. Overall, 6 (19.4%)
dogs with and 2 (28.6%) dogs without arthritis were infected with a Bartonella species.
The prevalence of Bartonella spp. DNA in the dogs with or without arthritis did not
differ (χ2 test for independence, P = 0.589). These results indicate that a subset
of dogs with CanL is co‐infected with various Bartonella species, including B. henselae,
B. rochalimae and Candidatus Bartonella merieuxii. Future studies are warranted to
determine if Bartonella spp. infections contribute to the occurrence of L. infantum‐associated
arthritis or other clinical manifestations.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ISCAID‐O‐9
RISK FACTORS OF GIARDIA INFECTION AND PATHOGENICITY IN WEANING PUPPIES
A. Grellet
1, H. Mila2, M.A. Debouchaud2, A. Feugier1, S. Chastant‐Maillard2
1Royal Canin, Aimargues, France2Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Toulouse,
France
The prevalence of Giardia in dogs ranges between 5.4% and 55.2%, with a higher prevalence
in puppies. However, the risk factors for Giardia infection around weaning have been
poorly described. The aim of the study was to evaluate risk factors for Giardia infection
in puppies during the first weeks of life and to determine an impact of this parasite
on feces quality.
192 puppies from 58 litters living in a breeding kennel were followed between 4 and
9 weeks of age. Each puppy was treated with fenbendazole (Panacur ®, MSD, France,
50 mg/kg, per os, q 24 h) for 3 consecutive days at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age. For
each puppy, fecal consistency was evaluated using a 13‐point scale. Excretion of enteropathogens
was evaluated by qPCR for canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV2), qRT‐PCR for canine coronavirus
(CCV), coproantigens quantification for Giardia (ProSpecT‐Giardia, Remel), and McMaster
flotation technique for any eggs and oocysts. A generalized linear mixed model (proc
GLIMMIX) with Giardia infection as a binary outcome was used to assess the following
effects: breed size, age, and CPV2, CCV and Isospora ohioensis infections. A linear
mixed model (proc MIXED) with fecal score as outcome was used to determine the following
effects: breed size, age, and Giardia, CPV2, CCV and I. ohioensis infections.
A total of 277 fecal samples were collected; CPV2, Giardia, I. ohioensis and CCVwere
detected in respectively 13.4%, 17%, 30.3% and 67.9% of the samples. The risk of Giardia
infection increased with age (Odd Ratio= 1.5; 95%CI=1.1‐2.1; p = 0.015). Neither breed,
nor CPV2, CCV and I. ohioensis infections influenced risk of Giardia infection (p = 0.299;
p = 0.213; p = 0.892; p = 0.282 respectively). Giardia infection did not impact feces
quality (p = 0.11), whereas a significant influence of CPV2 (p < 0.001), CCV infection
(p = 0.030) and breed size (p < 0.001) was evidenced.
This study underlines that even with an adapted deworming program the eradication
of Giardia is difficult to obtain in large dog packs. The higher prevalence of Giardia
in puppies of 7 weeks and older could be linked with the immunity gap during this
period. Giardia was not associated in our study with an increased risk of diarrhea.
The lack of pathogenicity of the parasite per se could be hypothesized, but also an
efficacy of the treatment for the prevention of the clinical signs or a local and
systemic immunity limiting clinical signs.
Conflicts of interest
Financial support from Royal canin.
SCH‐O‐1
MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY (MRS) IN CANINE HEPATIC ENECEPHALOPATHY DIAGNOSIS
AND MONITORING
M. Dolera, L. Malfassi, S. Marcarini
La Cittadina Fondazione Studi e Ricerche Veterinarie, Romanengo, cr, Italy
Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) can occur in dogs as a complication of primary liver disease
or as consequence of congenital portosystemic shunts (PSS). The aim of this study
was to assess Magnetic Resonace Spectroscopy (MRS) usefulness in HE diagnosis.
Twenty dogs with a presumptive diagnosis of HE were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were:
a clinical examination, a blood cell count and biochemical panel, at least one plasmatic
ammonia determination higher than 100 μmol/L, optional hystopatology of the liver,
requirement of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) investigation by the clinician. Even
though MRS represents a non‐invasive procedure, informed consent was obtained from
dogs'owners. HE diagnosis was confirmed in 20/20: 16/20 had a PSS, 3/20 showed hepatic
microvascular dysplasia and 1/20 had hepatic cirrhosis histologically confirmed. The
control‐group was made of 23 patients retrieved from our database that underwent MRI
without showing any abnormalities on brain scans. The MR protocol included T2‐weighted
fast spin‐echo, T1‐weighted sequences, Proton Density, and Radio‐frequency pulses
Gradient‐Echo. On MRI examination cerebral atrophy was evident in all the patients
(20/20), ranged from mild to severe. In 17/20 patients symmetrical bilateral hyperintensities
in the globus pallidus on T1‐weighted images were evident. MRS was performed using
a short TE (30 ms) and it was defined a volume of interest in the parieto‐occipital
region by 10‐mm side cube (1 cc of volume). Glutamine‐glutamate (Gln), N‐acetylaspartate
and N‐acetyl aspartyl glutamate (NAA), Choline derivatives (Cho), and Myo‐Inositol
(Ins) were analyzed.
Comparing spectra from the HE affected dogs with those from the control‐group decreased
values of Ins, Cho, NAA as well as increased values of Gln were found in the HE dogs.
Mean values and connected standard deviations are reported: Gln/Cr 0,40 std. 013;
Cho/Cr 1,14 std. 0,34; Ins/Cr 0,15 std. 0,08; NAA/Cr 1,02 std. 0,35. From the cohort
of 20 dogs with confirmed HE, 15 patients that underwent medical therapy for HE had
a complete MRI and MRS follow‐up examination 3 months later. At the follow‐up MRS,
the Gln peak was found decreased in 15/15 patients and values of Ins and Cho increased
in 14/15.
High field MRI combined with brain MRS provide accurate and non‐invasive diagnosis
of canine HE. In accordance with human medicine publications, it could be state that
MRS has a role in HE diagnosis and follow‐up with particular mention monitoring.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
SCH‐O‐2
DIAGNOSTIC COMPARISON OF NEEDLE AND WEDGE LAPAROSCOPIC BIOPSIES IN DOGS: 22 CASES
A. Lecoindre
1, J.L. Cadoré1, M. Chevallier2, P. Lecoindre3
1Vet Agro Sup, Marcy l’ etoile, France2Biomnis, Lyon, France3CVC veterinary clinic,
Lyon, France
Diagnosis of hepatobiliary diseases often requires hepatic tissue sampling for histologic
evaluation. The laparoscopic technique is a safe method and allows acquisition of
tissue by wedge and needle biopsies from different liver lobes in a minimally invasive
way.Specimens obtained with an 18‐gauge biopsy needle must be interpreted with caution
due to considerable variability in tissue involvement with certain disease processes.
We hypothesized that needle biopsy specimens would produce findings divergent from
those produced by wedge biopsy specimens.
The goal of the study was to compare histological findings from two laparoscopic biopsy
methods (wedge and needle) and assess which sampling technic can represent the overall
disease process.
Procedure
All dogs included in this prospective study study were suspected diffuse hepatic disease
and underwent laparoscopic hepatic biopsy (wedge and needle 14‐16G) between 2012 and
2014. All biopsy specimens were examined on the basis of morphologic criteria and
a comparison was made between the two types of biopsies procedures according to WSAVA
Liver Standardization Group morphologic criteria.
Results
Twenty‐two dogs were included. No complications were reported during the laparoscopic
procedure. The median number of portal triads per needle biopsy specimen was 6 (range,
4 to 8) compared to 20 (range 14;25) with wedge biopsy specimen. The median length
of needle biopsy specimens was 10 mm; (range, 6 to 16 mm) and 6 mm for all wedge biopsies.
On the basis of biopsy interpretation, the diagnosis was overall similar with the
two methods: 8 dogs had vacuolar hepatopathy, 4 acute cholangitis, non‐specific acute
form in 3 dogs. Chronic hepatitis with cirrhosis was found in 2 cases, 3 dogs had
diffuse neoplasia and 2 miscellaneous hepatic disorders. The fibrosis was considered
to be severe in 3 dogs, moderate in 3 dogs and mild in 11 dogs. No quantitative and
qualitative difference was observed between the two types of biopsies specimen.
This study demonstrates that the biopsies with a needle length of at least 10 mm brings
satisfactory information for the evaluation of most of the inflammatory, vacuolar
hepatopathies, fibrosis and diffuse tumoral infiltrations. Wedge biopsies allow to
examine the largest number of portal triad, more contributory for certain forms of
cholangitis affecting larger canals and for a single case, images of peri‐hepatitis
were counted at the level of the capsule. Fibrosis does not seem to be more important
in the sub‐capsular zone contrary to what is observed in human pathology.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
SCH‐O‐3
A PILOT STUDY TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF TRANSCUTANEOUS INDOCYANINE GREEN CLEARANCE
AS LIVER FUNCTION TEST IN CATS AND DOGS
S. Strommer1, S. Steinbach1, N. Krolop1, Z. Herrera‐Pérez2, N. Gretz2, R. Neiger1
1Small Animal Clinic (Internal Medicine), Justus‐Liebig University, Giessen, Germany2Medical
Research Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
Indocyanine green (ICG), a fluorescence dye, is excreted solely by the liver without
enterohepatic re‐circulation. Hence it has been used for decades as an ideal albeit
invasive marker of hepatic function and blood flow in cats and dogs. Here we evaluated
the feasibility of a minimally invasive transcutaneous ICG clearance to assess hepatic
function instantaneously.
Transcutaneous ICG clearance was performed in 3 healthy research cats and 3 healthy
research dogs with normal liver function (bile acid stimulation test, ammonia tolerance
test) using a modified device (Kidney Int 2011 79:1254‐8) with an excitation wave
length of 760 nm and an emission wave length of 820 nm. The devices were placed on
different locations (lateral thoracic wall, ventrolateral abdomen, metatarsus and
antebrachium) and fixed with a light bandage. To find a suitable dose to reach adequate
transcutaneous peak concentrations escalating doses of ICG (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg/kg)
were injected intravenously with a wash out period of at least 24 h in‐between. Measurement
was continued for 1 hour after injection in awake animals moving freely. The resulting
ICG disappearance curves were visually inspected to find best location (minimal artifacts,
acceptable background noise) and dose.
In all animals a dose of 0.2 mg/kg was deemed ideal and the thoracic and abdominal
wall gave consistent results. Half‐life of ICG clearance was calculated using a one‐compartment
model. Half‐lives in cats were 4.99, 5.23 and 7.19 minutes, respectively; in dogs:
9.66, 12.51 and 15.58 minutes, respectively.
In conclusion, the transcutaneous assessment of ICG clearance is feasible in a clinical
setting. Results are obtained within one hour and can be assessed instantaneously.
The procedures are minimally invasive and well tolerated by the animals. Given that
most patients with a presumed liver problem undergo abdominal ultrasound no further
clipping of hair is necessary as the device might be placed in this area. Further
studies are necessary to obtain reference values in healthy pets and those with various
conditions leading to impaired hepatic function.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
SCH‐O‐4
EVALUATION OF PREPRANDIAL AND POSTPRANDIAL GALLBLADDER VOLUME USING THREE‐DIMENSIONAL
ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN HEALTHY DOGS
V. Rahmani
1, S. Jamshidi1, M. Molazem1, Y. Vali1, M. Hanifeh2
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran2Faculty of Veterinary
Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Gallbladder diseases like gallbladder mucocele and cholecystitis can reduce gallbladder
motility and may lead to cholestasis. Since impaired gallbladder emptying contributes
to sludge and gallstone formation, the evaluation of gallbladder motility requires
accurate and appropriate methodology. Three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasonography has been
shown to be accurate and appropriate tool for measurement of gallbladder volume in
humans. Therefore, we applied this novel technique for the first time to study preprandial
and postprandial gallbladder volume in 10 healthy mixed‐breed dogs and compared the
results to two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasonography. The dogs were placed in dorsal recumbency
to obtain ultrasonographic measurements of the gallbladder. Measurements by both 2D
and 3D ultrasonography were recorded in preprandial state and after ingestion of full‐fat
milk. The preprandial and postprandial gallbladder volumes determined by 3D ultrasonography
were significantly higher than corresponding volumes by 2D ultrasonography (1.11 ± 0.07
vs 0.77 ± 0.06 and 0.81 vs 0.61 ml/kg, respectively, P < 0.05). In 2D ultrasonography,
most dogs (8/10 [80%]) had a preprandial gallbladder volume ≤ 1.00 ml/kg. However,
in 3D ultrasonography, 6/10 (60%) of dogs had a preprandial gallbladder volume ≥ 1.00 ml/kg.
Gallbladder contraction index was higher in 3D ultrasonography than 2D ultrasonography,
however, it did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.25).
In conclusion, 3D ultrasonography showed larger gallbladder volumes than 2D ultrasonography
in healthy dogs. It seems that 3D ultrasonography is appropriate adjunct device to
2D ultrasonography to estimate gallbladder volume when 2D ultrasonography could not
detect whole gallbladder volume. More research is needed to determine clinical value
of 3D ultrasonography in canine gallbladder imaging.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
VBPS‐O‐1
COMPARISON OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS IN CONSCIOUS BEAGLES
F. Manczur
1, N. Kubik1, I. Novák2
1SZIE, Faculty of Vet Science, Budapest, Hungary2ATRC Aurigon Toxi‐Coop Ltd., Budapest,
Hungary
The aim of our study was to compare high‐definition oscillometry (HDO) and Doppler
ultrasonographic measurements with direct blood pressure measurements in conscious
dogs.
The Doppler study was performed by three investigators and by using 3 different sphygmomanometers
with 3 different sized cuffs. Devices and measurement sites were changed randomly
among the investigators. Cuffs were wrapped around the antebrachium in the forelimb
or around the mid‐metatarsus in the hind limb. In addition to the limb sites, cuffs
were also placed around the base of the tail in case of the HDO method. Cuff sizes
were 45‐78% of the measured limb circumferences during the Doppler measurement. For
the HDO method all measurements were performed by the same investigator and the cuffs
provided by the manufacturer were used: the smallest cuff was used for the hind limb
and tail, and the medium cuff was used for the forelimb measurements. Dogs were gently
held in lateral recumbent position, measurement were performed on the nondependent
limbs. Radio‐telemetry transducers were implanted to the right femoral artery some
months to a year preceding the blood pressure measurements for reasons unrelated to
our study. Direct blood pressures varied 110‐214 mmHg and 139‐192 mmHg during the
Doppler and HDO measurements, respectively.
Two‐hundred paired simultaneous Doppler and direct measurements from 11 dogs and 100
paired simultaneous HDO and direct telemetric measurements from 7 dogs were obtained.
At least 3 successful consecutive measurements could be obtained by the same investigator
at the same site during the Doppler or HDO measurement in 53 and 22 cases, respectively.
Thus, the mean of these measurements could be calculated similarly to the established
everyday clinical practice.
Bias (mean difference), precision (standard deviation) and limits of agreements were
calculated both from the individual paired measurements and from the means of the
consecutive measurements using Bland‐Altman spot analysis.
Systolic measurement performed on the tail with the HDO‐method yielded the smallest
bias and deviation and the best limits of agreement during this study. Both Doppler
and HDO‐measurements performed on the forelimb overestimated, while hind limb measurement
underestimated the direct telemetric pressures. Results of all three measurement sites
by HDO performed better than forelimb or hind limb Doppler‐measurements, however HDO‐measurements
were more difficult to obtain and more often resulted with measurement failure compared
to the Doppler technique. Cuff size above 55% of the measured limb circumference showed
better results than smaller cuff sizes during the Doppler measurements.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
VBPS‐O‐2
SYSTOLIC ARTERIAL PRESSURE MEASURED SIMULTANEOUSLY BY DOPPLER TECHNIQUE, USING FORELIMB
AND HINDLIMB, IN DOGS
S. Crosara
1, A. Borrelli2, F. Riondato2, C. Quintavalla1, G. Faranda2, A. Tarducci2, R. Zanatta2
1Dep. Veterinary Science, Parma, Italy2Dep. Veterinary Science, University of Turin,
Italy
The Doppler technique is considered the most repeatable indirect method to measure
systolic arterial pressure (SAP) in dogs. However, recent studies emphasized the effect
of body position and used limb on SAP measurement. The aim of this study was to determine
whether a difference existed in SAP measured simultaneously in dogs using different
limbs, with two Doppler units by two different operators. Sixty client‐owned dogs,
admitted to the veterinary hospital for different reason, were enrolled. They were
divided in 3 groups based on body size: 20 small breed dogs (<15 kg); 20 medium breed
(15‐30 kg); 20 large breed (> 30 kg). For each dog the anxiety status was recorded.
SAP was measured via Doppler technique when dogs were in right lateral recumbency
in a quite environment. Right and left forelimb SAP and left forelimb and left hindlimb
SAP were recorded simultaneously, with two identical Doppler units equipped with headphones,
by two operators. Measurement was performed based on the ACVIM guidelines. Five measurements
were recorded, the higher and lower values were discarded from the analysis. The relationship
of mean SAP for each limb with body weight, sex, anxiety status and SAP value was
evaluated. Mean ± SD SAP was significantly higher for the right forelimb (175.81 ± 37.15)
compare to the left forelimb (165.14 ± 33.35) on overall population. The difference
was significant for large breed dogs, males and dogs with SAP ³ 180 mmHg. SAP was
higher for the left forelimb (163.67 ± 32.11) compare to the left hindlimb (151.34 ± 34.31)
on overall population. The difference was significant for medium and large breed dogs,
females, calm animals and dogs with SAP ³ 180 mmHg. The mean SAP from the left forelimb
recorded by two different operators at two different moments, were compared and no
difference was evident. In conclusion, SAP measurement from different limbs, in dogs
in right lateral recumbency, is poorly correlated. Measurement of SAP from the left
forelimb is more repeatable during time and between different operators. SAP trend
monitoring should be done using the same measurement site for any animal.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
VBPS‐O‐3
EFFICACY AND CLINICAL SAFETY OF A NEW PALATABLE FORMULATION OF AMLODIPINE IN THE TREATMENT
OF HYPERTENSIVE CATS
M. Huhtinen1, G. Derré2, H.J. Renoldi3, M. Rinkinen4, K. Adler5, J. Aspegren1, J.
Elliott
6
1Orion Corporation, Orion Pharma, Turku, Finland2Clinique Vétérinaire de la Plage,
Marseille, France3Tierartzpraxis Renoldi, Neuwied, Germany4MEVET Eläinlääkäriasema,
Helsinki, Finland5Klifovet AG, Munich, Germany6The Royal Veterinary College, London,
United Kingdom
Amlodipine has been considered the treatmenf of choice for hypertension in cats for
more than a decade. There is, however, an unmet need for a cat‐specific formulation.
The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of chewable amlodipine tablets in
reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) in cats diagnosed with hypertension.
Seventy‐seven client‐owned cats were included in the study (mean age 14 years). The
study was randomised, double‐blind, placebo controlled, and consisted of two phases.
In the blinded phase, 42 cats received 0.125 mg/kg amlodipine once daily for 14 days.
If they responded the dose remained the same to day 28. For non‐responders, the dose
was increased to 0.25 mg/kg. Thirty‐five cats received placebo following the same
protocol. Arterial blood pressure was measured using a high definition oscillometry
method. At day 28 a responder was defined as a cat showing a decrease of SBP to ≤
150 mmHg or a decrease from baseline of at least 15%. After 28 days all cats continued
with amlodipine for 2‐3 months in an open phase with the placebo cats repeating the
same dose escalation protocol as in the blinded phase.
The responder rate was 63% in the amlodipine group and 18% in the placebo group following
the dose escalation from day 14 being applied to 54% and 80% of cats receiving amlodipine
and placebo respectively. Cats receiving amlodipine were 7.9 (95% CI 2.6 to 24.1)
times more likely to be classified as responders when compared to those receiving
placebo (logistic regression model, p = 0.0003). From a baseline value of 181.6 ± 12.5
and 179.3 ± 10.8 mmHg the mean SBP decreased to 153.6 ± 16.9 mmHg with amlodipine
and to 167.7 ± 20.5 mmHg with placebo (repeated measures analysis of covariance model,
p < 0.001) by day 28. The responder rate was not influenced by factors other than
amlodipine treatment (e.g. baseline blood pressure, concomitant ACE inhibitor therapy,
renal disease). There were no differences between the amlodipine and placebo groups
in the frequency of adverse events reported during the 28‐day blinded phase. Likewise,
there were very few changes in the laboratory values over time in either group.
The present study is the first large clinical trial to show that amlodipine is clearly
superior to placebo in the treatment of cats with hypertension. The chewable amlodipine
formulation effectively reduced SBP, had a good palatability and was well tolerated.
It can be used concomitantly with ACE inhibitors and in cats with renal disease.
Conflicts of interest
M. Huhtinen and J. Aspegrén are employees of the sponsor
J. Elliott has the following information to disclose: Consultancy: Pfizer Animal Health
/ Zoetis, CEVA Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim, Vetoquinol Ltd, Orion Corp., Elanco
Ltd, Idexx Ltd, Niche Generics Ltd., Triveristas Ltd., Virbac Ltd. Advisory board
membership: International Renal Interest Society (supported by Novartis), European
Emesis Council (sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health ‐ now Zoetis), Cardiorenal Board
‐ Vetoquinol Ltd., Idexx Renal Advisory Board. Research Grants or contracts: Vetoquinol
Ltd, Novartis Ltd, Pfizer Animal Health Ltd (now Zoetis), Royal Canin Ltd, Boeringher
Ingelheim Ltd, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, CEVA Animal Health, Orion Corp.
VBPS‐O‐4
PHARMACODYNAMIC AND PHARMACOKINETIC MODELLING OF AMLODIPINE IN FELINE HYPERTENSIVE
PATIENTS
J. Elliott
1, L. Pelligand1, M. Huhtinen2
1Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom2Orion Corporation, Orion Pharma,
Turku, Finland
Amlodipine is the treatment of choice for feline hypertension. Limited published data
exist on serum concentrations achieved in hypertensive cats. The aim of the study
was to assess serum amlodipine concentrations in cats treated with a new formulation
of amlodipine and relate these to the blood pressure reduction achieved.
Seventy‐seven client‐owned hypertensive cats were enrolled into a randomized, double‐blind
and placebo controlled study consisting of two phases. In phase one, 42 cats (Group
A) received 0.125 mg/kg amlodipine once daily for 14 days. If they were deemed to
have responded (see below) the dose remained the same to day 28. For non‐responders,
the dose was increased to 0.25 mg/kg. Thirty‐five cats (Group B) received placebo
following the same protocol. Blood pressure was measured using high definition oscillometry.
A responder was defined as a cat showing a decrease of systolic blood pressure (SBP)
to ≤150 mmHg or a decrease from baseline of ≥15%. Following day 28 (phase 2), Group
A continued on amlodipine and Group B switched to amlodipine and the dose was adjusted
as per phase 1. Both groups were followed for 90 days on amlodipine. Blood was collected
at days 28 (Group A) and 90 (both Groups) and serum [amlodipine] measured by liquid
chromatography mass spectrometry. The SBP measured on treatment was calculated as
percentage of the baseline SBP and plotted against serum [amlodipine] using a sigmoidal
Emax model (WinNonLin software). Data are expressed as mean ± SE.
The serum concentrations of Group A cats that remained on 0.125 mg/kg were 29.8 ± 2.5 ng/ml
whereas those switched to 0.25 mg/kg were 51.2 ± 7.8 ng/ml. When data from groups
A and B were pooled, a sigmoidal relationship between percentage baseline SBP and
serum [amlodipine] was found. Estimated values of lowest percentage baseline blood
pressure on treatment (Emax) was 83.1 ± 1.7%, with an EC50 value of 10.4 ± 2.6 ng/ml
and a slope function of 2.5 ± 1.2. The serum concentration required to reduce blood
pressure by 15% was estimated to be 20 ng/ml.
The present study related blood pressure reduction to serum [amlodipine] in feline
clinical hypertension. The limitations of this study were the limited number of blood
samples collected and lack of information relating to the exact timing of blood sampling
relative to dosing in some cats. However, these data could be used to define appropriate
therapeutic serum [amlodipine] in hypertensive cats.
Conflicts of interest
M Huhtinen is an employee of the sponsor; J. Elliott has the following information
to disclose: Consultancy: Pfizer Animal Health / Zoetis, CEVA Animal Health, Boehringer
Ingelheim, Vetoquinol Ltd, Orion Ltd., Elanco Ltd, Idexx Ltd, Niche Generics Ltd.
Triveristas Ltd., Virbac Ltd., Advisory board membership: International Renal Interest
Society (supported by Novartis) European Emesis Council (sponsored by Pfizer Animal
Health ‐ now Zoetis) Cardiorenal Board ‐ Vetoquinol Ltd. Idexx Renal Advisory Board
Research Grants or contracts: Vetoquinol Ltd, Novartis Ltd, Pfizer Animal Health Ltd
(now Zoetis), Royal Canin Ltd, Boeringher Ingelheim Ltd, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition,
CEVA Animal Health Orion Ltd.; L Pelligand has the following information to disclose:
In receipt of research grant / contract funding from Orion Ltd., Novartis Animal Health,
Transpharmation Ltd, DeltaDOT Ltd; Acted as a consultant for: Triveritas Ltd. and
Novartis Animal Health.
POSTERS
ESCG‐P‐1
ANALYTICAL COMPARISON OF NEWLY INTRODUCED COMMERCIAL ASSAYS FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF
CANINE AND FELINE PANCREATIC LIPASE IMMUNOREACTIVITY (CPLI AND FPLI) TO ESTABLISHED
ASSAYS
E. Höfel1, T. Rieker1, J.S. Suchodolski2, J.M. Steiner
2
1Klinik am Hochberg, Ravensburg, Germany2Texas A&M University, College station, United
States of America
Commercial assays for the measurement of canine and feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity
(Spec cPL® and Spec fPL®, respectively; Idexx Laboratories, Westbrook, ME, USA) have
been available for a few years and have previously been analytically and clinically
validated. Recently, new commercial assays for the measurement of these parameters
have become available, though neither one of these assays have been analytically or
clinically validated in the literature. Thus, the goal of this study was to compare
these newly available assays to the established assays.
Leftover serum samples from diagnostic submissions to the GI Laboratory were collected
based on certain parameters (e.g., results throughout the working range of the assay,
good quality sample or hemolytic, lipemic, or icteric sample) and were assigned random
sample ID numbers. The samples were evaluated by Spec cPL® or Spec fPL®, sent on dry
ice to the Klinik am Hochberg, and one aliquot of each sample was blindly submitted
to Laboklin for measurement of cPLI and fPLI by their newly released in‐house assay
and also to the GI Lab at Texas A&M University for repeated analysis by Spec cPL®
and Spec fPL® to exclude any effect of shipping.
There was no significant difference between serum cPLI or fPLI concentrations before
or after shipping at the GI Lab (p‐values for Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed rank tests:
0.593 and 0.672, respectively). In contrast, there was a significant difference between
serum cPLI or fPLI concentrations between the newly released assays and the previously
established assays (p‐values < 0.0001 and 0.0241, respectively). While there was a
significant correlation between the newly released and the previously released assays
(Spearman r: 0.775 and 0.7386, respectively), this correlation was very poor for assays
that supposedly measure the same analyte. Also, the interpretation for serum cPLI
and fPLI results between the previously developed assays and the new assays did not
agree for many of the samples. Finally, both newly developed assays showed some erratic
results.
In conclusion, the newly released assays for the measurement of cPLI and fPLI do not
agree with previously established and validated assays, provide different interpretations,
and show erratic results. Thus, further research is needed before these newly released
assays could be recommended for clinical use.
Conflicts of interest
Dr. Steiner serves as Director and Dr. Suchodolski serves as Associate Director of
the Gastrointestinal Laboratory at texas A&M University. Dr. Steiner also serves as
a paid consultant to Idexx Laboratories, Westbrook, ME, USA. Both the Gastrointestinal
Laboratory and Idexx Laboratories offer cPLI and fPLI testing on a fee‐for‐service
basis.
ESCG‐P‐2
EFFECT OF AGE, BREED SIZE AND ENTEROPATHOGEN INFECTION ON FECAL IMMUNOGLOBULIN A CONCENTRATIONS
IN WEANING PUPPIES
A. Grellet
1, H. Mila2, A. Feugier1, R. Lopes3, N. Gruetzner3, J.S. Suchodolski3, J.M. Steiner3,
S. Chastant‐Maillard2
1Royal Canin, Aimargues, France2Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Toulouse,
France3Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College station, United
States of America
Digestive health is a main concern for growth, morbidity and mortality in weaning
puppies. Fecal immunoglobulin A (IgA) has been suggested as a useful noninvasive biomarker
for mucosal immunity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of infection
with enteropathogens on fecal IgA concentrations in puppies and that of physiological
factors such as age and breed size.
282 puppies from 33 breeding kennels were included in the study. Puppies were between
5 and 14 weeks of age (mean±Standard Deviation (SD): 7.8 ± 1.5 weeks). Depending on
the mean adult body weight of their respective breed, the puppies were divided into
small (if mean adult body weight < 25 kg) or large (>25 kg) breed puppies. For each
puppy, fecal consistency was evaluated using a 13‐point scale and feces were collected
for the evaluation of presence of fecal enteropathogens and fecal IgA concentrations.
The presence of enteropathogens in fecal samples was evaluated by qPCR for canine
parvovirus type 2 (CPV2), qRT‐PCR for canine coronavirus (CCV), coproantigen quantification
for Giardia (ProSpecT‐Giardia, Remel), and McMaster flotation technique for other
parasite eggs and oocysts. Fecal IgA concentrations were measured by an ELISA test.
Statistical analyses were performed using SAS software. A linear mixed model (proc
MIXED) with fecal IgA concentration as outcome was used to determine the following
effects: enteropathogen infection, breed size, age, and fecal score. The respective
influence of litter and breeding kennel as random effects was also determined. Data
is presented as mean ± SD.
Small breed dogs represented 27.3% (77/282) of the total number of dogs included.
At least one enteropathogen was identified in 76.2% of puppies (214/281). Fecal IgA
concentration was significantly influenced by fecal enteropathogens (p = 0.037). Puppies
infected with at least one enteropathogen had significantly lower fecal IgA concentrations
than puppies without any enteropathogens (5.0 ± 4.4 μg/g vs. 6.9 ± 5.5 μg/g). Breed
(p = 0.029), but not age (p = 0.082), influenced IgA concentration. Small breed puppies
had significantly higher fecal IgA concentrations than large breed puppies (6.8 ± 4.8 μg/g
vs. 5.0 ± 4.7 μg/g). No significant relationship between fecal IgA concentration and
feces quality was evidenced (p = 0.165).
This study suggests that fecal IgA concentration is a promising marker for subclinical
infection by at least one enteropathogen and confirms that digestive physiology varies
with the breed size. A link between lower digestive immunity and higher susceptibility
to enteropathogen infection needs further investigation.
Conflicts of interest
Financial support of Royal Canin.
ESCG‐P‐3
A VERY LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT POULTRY FEATHER HYDROLYZED‐BASED EXTRUDED DIET ALLOWS
IDIOPATHIC CANINE IBD CLINICAL MANAGEMENT WITHOUT IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE TREATMENT: A 13
CASE PROSPECTIVE PILOT STUDY
V. Freiche1, A. Leclerc2, O. Dossin3, J. Dahan3, O. Toulza4, I. Mougeot
5, V. Biourge6
1Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons alfort, France2Hôpital Vétérinaire
Daubigny, Québec, Canada3Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France4Clinique
Aquivet, Eysines, France5Royal Canin Canada, Guelph, Canada6Royal Canin SAS, Aimargues,
France
Canine chronic enteropathies (CCE) include diet‐responsive, antibiotic‐responsive,
and immunosuppressive‐responsive enteropathies (IRE). This prospective study was designed
to evaluate a commercial hypoallergenic dry diet a containing oligopeptides as the
only protein source for the management of dogs with IRE and as an alternative to immunosuppressive
therapy over a 10 week period.
Nineteen dogs across France and Quebec entered the study. Dogs with food or antibiotic‐responsive
chronic enteropathy, hypoproteinemia, or treated with immunomodulating drugs were
excluded from the study. Dogs were included in the study after complete clinical,
ultrasonographic, endoscopic evaluation and histopathological evaluation of intestinal
biopsies showing signs of intestinal inflammation. The owners were instructed to feed
exclusively the study dieta.
Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index (CIBDAI) scores, fecal scores as
observed by the dog‐owners, and body weight were evaluated at baseline, 2, 5 and 10 weeks
after inclusion. Dietary treatment was regarded successful if the CIBDAI score was
reduced by at least 75%. The protocol has been reviewed and accepted by Royal Canin
ethics committee and owners completed an informed consent. Results are presented as
mean±SD (range). Statistical comparisons were performed with a Wilcoxon test.
Thirteen dogs (7 intact males, 4 neutered and 2 intact females) completed the trial.
Seven dogs were excluded (2 diagnosed with Giardia, 4 s with no histological evidence
of inflammation, 1 with hypoadrenocorticism). Mean age was 4.4 years ± 3.01 (1.1 ‐
11.2), mean body weight 16.2 kg ± 13.36 (2.5 ‐ 43.0). CIBDAI score was 9.4 ± 3.43
(4‐16) at inclusion, was 2.7 ± 1.84 (0‐6) after 5 weeks and was 1.5 ± 1.31(0‐3) after
10 weeks (p = 0.0015 and p = 0.0022 vs inclusion, respectively). Fecal scores after
5 [4.0 ± 0.58 (3‐5)] and 10 weeks [4.0 ± 0.60 (3‐5) ] were improved compared to inclusion
scores 1.9 ± 1.12 (1‐4) (p = 0.0033 and p = 0.0051, respectively).
The low molecular weight poultry feather hydrolyzed protein‐based dry extruded dieta
appears to be effective in the management of idiopathic IBD without any concurrent
immunosuppressive drug over the 10 week period of this pilot study. These preliminary
findings should be confirmed by a prospective, randomized double blind study.
a ANALLERGENIC[TRADEMARK] Canine Formula, Royal Canin Veterinary Diets[TRADEMARK],
Aimargues, France
Conflicts of interest
Drs I.Mougeot and V.Biourge are Royal Canin SAS associates.
ESCG‐P‐4
ESTABLISHMENT OF SEVERITY SCORING SYSTEM FOR OUTCOME PREDICTION IN CATS WITH PANCREATITIS
S.Y. Wang, Y.J. Lee, B.L. Su
Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
Feline pancreatitis is the most common exocrine pancreatic disorder with varied mortality.
However, there is no available and reliable method to evaluate the severity and prognosis
of the disease. Ninety‐two cats diagnosed as pancreatitis with acute onset of compatible
clinical signs and a positive SNAP® fPL™ Test between October 2011 and September 2013
were enrolled in this study. All Cats were divided into survival (n = 48) and non‐survival
(n = 44) groups. Fifty‐two parameters including signalments, clinical signs, physical
examinations, clinicopathological examinations, diagnostic images, complications and
concurrent diseases were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Parameters
with P ≤ 0.05 were considered for further analyses. The mortality in this study was
47.8%. Hematocrit, albumin, BUN, creatinine, total bilirubin, calcium, phosphorous,
body temperature, systolic blood pressure, the body cavity fluids, complications,
e.g. systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and acute renal failure (ARF)
were found to be significantly associated with disease severity and prognosis, and
were selected for constructing the scores. Continuous variables outside the reference
interval were separated into quartiles to yield quartile‐specific odds ratios (ORs)
for survival. Based on the integer value of the OR, the scoring system was then developed
by incorporating weighting factors assigned to each quartile. A predictive total score
was calculated for each cat by summing all weighting factors. The total scores of
each cat ranged from 12 to 83. The severity scores in this study achieved an area
under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of 0.88. The optimal cut‐off point
for discriminating outcome was 32.5 with the sensitivity of 89.6% and specificity
of 77.3%, respectively. The mortality was 87.2% with a score ≥ 33, whereas 18.9% with
a score ≤ 32. There was significant difference (P < 0.001) between the two groups
of the cut‐off point. Furthermore, the mortality reached to 100% when the score more
than 56. The severity scoring system of this study provides a reliable and clinical
applicable method to predict clinical outcome in cats with pancreatitis.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESCG‐P‐5
GENOTYPING OF CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS ISOLATES FROM EIGHT DOGS WITH ACUTE HAEMORRAGHIC
DIARRHOEA SYNDROME
S. Unterer
1, K. Busch1, J. Verspohl2, G. Wolf3, R.K. Straubinger3, K. Hartmann1
1LMU, Munich, Germany2Institute for Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases,
Hannover, Germany3Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Munich, Germany
Convincing evidence for the role of Clostridium (C.) perfringens as a primary pathogen
in acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome (AHDS) in dogs was recently found. It is
suspected that clostridial toxins, especially C. perfringens enterotoxin, play a relevant
role in the disease process. However, to date enterotoxigenic C. perfringens strains
have only been described in single case reports. Thus, the aim of this study was to
indentify the specific C. perfringens genotype involved in ADHS.
Small intestinal biopsies were collected with a sterile single‐use biopsy forceps
from ten dogs with AHDS and immediately cultured. In 8/10 dogs, clostridial strains
were isolated and identified as C. perfringens by mass spectrometry using MALDI‐TOF
MS. C. perfringens colonies from each dog were submitted for specific detection of
the four major toxin genes (alpha, beta, epsilon, and iota), the enterotoxin gene,
and the beta2 toxin by multiplex PCR.
Every clostridial isolate was typed as C. perfringens type A based on the detection
of the alpha toxin encoding gene. In 5/8 isolates, additionally the beta2 toxin gene
was identified, however, none of clostridial strains encoded for the C. perfringens
enterotoxin gene.
The results of this study suggest that C. perfringens type A is the most important
C. perfingens genotype involved in the disease process of dogs with AHDS. Although
C. perfringens enterotoxinhas been associated with intestinal diseases in humans,
dogs, horses, pigs, and other animal species, this enterotoxin is most likely not
responsible for the intestinal lesions in dogs with AHDS.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESCG‐P‐6
CHRONIC DIARRHEA IN DOGS: A COMPARISON OF DOGS WITH INTESTINAL LYMPHOMA AND INFLAMMATORY
ENTEROPATHIES
M. Volkmann
1,5, G.T. Fosgate2, J.M. Steiner3, J. Zentek4, S. Hartmann5, B. Kohn1
1Clinic for Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin,
Germany2Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University
of Pretoria, South Africa3Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College
Station, United States of America4Institute of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary
Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Germany5Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary
Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Germany
Chronic diarrhea occurs frequently in dogs and common causes include intestinal lymphoma
(IL) or inflammatory enteropathies, including food‐responsive (FRE), antibiotic‐responsive
(ARE), or steroid‐responsive enteropathy (SRE). The objective of this study was to
compare characteristics and blood parameters of dogs with these conditions. Medical
records of 102 dogs with chronic diarrhea and a diagnosis of FRE (64), ARE (11), SRE
(22), or IL (5) were retrospectively reviewed (Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universitaet
Berlin, 2009 to 2011). P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant
and were based on Kruskal Wallis tests for continuous variables and Pearson chi‐square
or Fisher exact tests for categorical data.
Dogs with IL and SRE were older (median [range in years]: IL: 9.0 [7.0‐13.0], SRE:
8.0 [1.0‐12.5], FRE: 5.3 [0.5‐13.5], ARE: 4.0 [1.0‐12.0]) and large breed dogs were
overrepresented in the IL and SRE groups (IL: 4/5, SRE: 14/22, FRE: 24/64, ARE: 6/11),
but there were no significant differences in age and breed size (p = 0.076 and p = 0.061,
respectively). Underweight to thin body condition was significantly associated with
IL (IL: 5/5, SRE: 17/22, FRE: 33/64, ARE: 7/11; p = 0.044). The canine inflammatory
bowel disease activity index was significantly increased in dogs with IL or SRE (median
[range in points]: IL: 11 [5‐15], SRE: 11 [4‐16]; FRE: 7 [2‐14], ARE: 7 [4‐13]; p < 0.000).
Lack of treatment response was significantly associated with IL (IL: 3/4, SRE: 6/20,
FRE: 0/63, ARE: 0/11; p < 0.000). Anemia, thrombocytopenia, and increased plasma urea
were significantly associated with IL (anemia: IL: 4/5, SRE: 13/22, FRE: 11/64, ARE:
5/11, p < 0.000; thrombocytopenia: IL: 3/5, SRE: 0/22, FRE: 4/64, ARE: 0/11, p = 0.004;
increased urea: IL: 3/5, SRE: 1/22, FRE: 2/62, ARE: 1/11, p = 0.003). Hypoalbuminemia
(<20 g/L) and hypocobalaminemia (<200 pg/mL) occurred significantly more frequently
in dogs with SRE (hypoalbuminemia: IL: 0/5, SRE: 10/22, FRE: 1/62, ARE: 1/11, p < 0.000;
hypocobalaminemia: IL: 0/3, SRE: 9/20, FRE: 8/63, ARE: 1/11, p = 0.015).
Results of this study show that elderly and large breed dogs were more frequently
affected with IL and SRE compared to other etiologies and both IL and SRE were associated
with greater disease severity and/or a negative outcome. In comparison, anemia, thrombocytopenia,
and increased plasma urea were most frequently detected in IL whereas severe hypoalbuminemia
and hypocobalaminemia were significantly associated with SRE.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESCG‐P‐7
EFFECT OF HYDROCORTISONE ON SERUM ALPHA1‐PROTEINASE INHIBITOR CONCENTRATIONS IN HEALTHY
DOGS
N. Grützner
1, R.M. Heilmann1, S. Schellenberg2, J.S. Suchodolski1, J.M. Steiner1
1Gastrointestinal Laboratory, College station, United States of America2Tierklinik
Aarau West, Aarau, Switzerland
Alpha1‐proteinase inhibitor (α1‐PI) is a proteinase‐resistent protein that can be
quantified in fecal, urine, and serum samples from dogs. Recently, increased fecal
and urinary canine α1‐PI (cα1‐PI) concentrations have been described in dogs with
gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], but also in dogs
with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency) and in dogs with chronic hepatitis or chronic
kidney disease, respectively. Decreased serum cα1‐PI concentrations have been reported
in dogs with IBD, protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE), and hypocobalaminemia. Treatment
protocols for dogs with IBD and/or PLE commonly include corticosteroids, but the effect
of corticosteroid therapy on serum cα1‐PI concentrations have not yet been reported.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydro‐cortisone on serum cα1‐PI
concentrations in healthy dogs.
Twelve healthy Beagle dogs were randomly allocated to a placebo‐group (n = 6) and
to a treatment group (n = 6; hydrocortisone‐group). The placebo‐group received an
empty gelatin capsule PO q12 h, whereas the hydrocortisone‐group was treated with
hydrocortisone at a dose of 8.5 mg/kg PO q12 h. Serum samples were obtained at baseline
and on day 1, 5, 28, 56, and 84 during treatment as well as day 1, 5, 28, 56, and
84 post‐treatment for all dogs. Serum cα1‐PI concentrations were measured at all time
points using an in‐house radioimmunoassay. A Mann‐Whitney U test was used to compare
the baseline measurements of both groups. The effect of hydrocortisone‐treatment on
serum cα1‐PI concentrations was evaluated by comparing cα1‐PI at baseline and during
treatment and between baseline and post‐treatment period using a MANOVA.
Baseline serum cα1‐PI concentrations did not differ between the hydrocortisone‐ and
the placebo‐group (p > 0.05). Serum cα1‐PI concentrations increased significantly
(p = 0.0004) during the treatment period in the hydrocortisone‐group (baseline [median
in mg/L: 1,583], day 1 [1,886], 5 [2,254], 28 [3,101], 56 [3,169], and 84 [3,004]),
but not in the placebo‐group (baseline [1,511], day 1 [1,688], 5 [1,838], 28 [1,976],
56 [1,834], and 84 [1,796]). In contrast, no difference was observed between both
groups when comparing serum cα1‐PI concentrations at baseline and during the post‐treatment
period (p > 0.05).
This study showed that hydrocortisone‐treatment over 12 weeks did affect serum cα1‐PI
concentrations in healthy dogs. Whether corticosteroid therapy has any effects on
fecal or urine cα1‐PI concentrations in healthy dogs remains to be determined.
Conflicts of interest
The author works at Texas A&M University, whose GI Lab currently offer a commercial
assay for faecal Alpha1‐Proteinase Inhibitor.
ESCG‐P‐8
SERUM CITRULLINE AS A NOVEL MARKER OF CHRONIC ENTEROPATHY IN DOGS
M. Gerou‐Ferriani
1, R. Allen2, P.J.M. Noble2, A.J. German2, M. Caldin3, D.J. Batchelor2
1Clinica Veterinaria Malpensa, Samarate, Italy2University of Liverpool, Liverpool,
United Kingdom3Clinica Veterinaria San Marco, Padova, Italy
Canine chronic enteropathy (CE) is a common, but poorly understood syndrome, with
variable response to therapy and prognosis. There is a need for novel biomarkers that
are specific for intestinal disease and that provide objective measures of disease
severity, progression, and prognosis. Serum citrulline is a useful biomarker in human
intestinal disease as it is specific to the small intestine and indicates globally
reduced enterocyte mass and absorptive function in various disease states. It is used
to determine, quantitatively, intestinal integrity at the enterocyte level and is
not influenced by nutritional or inflammatory status. The aim of this study was to
determine whether serum citrulline can be used as a biomarker for CE in dogs.
In this retrospective study, computer records from the University of Liverpool Small
Animal Teaching Hospital were used to identify dogs with CE. Disease severity was
quantified by CIBDAI. Controls were age‐ and breed‐matched dogs without gastrointestinal
disease. Serum citrulline was measured by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography
with tandem mass spectrometry. In dogs with CE, serum citrulline concentration was
measured at presentation and at various time points after starting treatment.
Serum citrulline was measured in 49 dogs with CE and 69 controls. 17 dogs responded
to dietary manipulation (food‐responsive enteropathy, FRE) and 3 responded to antibacterials
(antibiotic‐responsive diarrhoea, ARD), with a further 2 having invasive mucosal bacteria,
of which one responded to antibacterials and one was refractory. 27 dogs were diagnosed
with idiopathic IBD (on the basis of exclusion of known causes and failure to respond
to therapeutic dietary and antibiotic trials), of which 12 responded to immunosuppressive
therapy, 13 were refractory, and 2 were lost to follow‐up. Serum citrulline concentration
did not differ between dogs with CE (median 8.5 μg/mL, range 1.4‐20.6) and controls
(median 8.2 μg/mL, range, 1.2‐34.9, P = 0.96). There was also no difference in serum
citrulline concentration amongst dogs with FRE, ARD, IBD, and controls (P = 0.48).
Serum citrulline did not differ between dogs that responded well, or were refractory
to treatment (P = 0.39), between 23 dogs with and 26 without protein‐losing enteropathy
(P = 0.67), or between 35 dogs that survived and 8 that were euthanased because of
CE (P = 0.65). Serum citrulline did not correlate with CIBDAI (r2 = 0.10).
These findings do not support the use of serum citrulline as a biomarker in determining
diagnosis, prognosis, or quantifying severity in dogs with CE.
Conflicts of interest
One of the co‐authors (Marco Caldin) has a diagnostic laboratory offering citrulline
assays.
ESCG‐P‐9
DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSION OF CALPROTECTIN AND CD163 IN CANINE INTESTINE
J. Dandrieux1, B. Bacci2, C.S. Mansfield1
1Translational Research and Animal Clinical Trial Study (TRACTS) Group, Melbourne,
Victoria, Australia2Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne,
Victoria, Australia
Chronic enteropathy (CE) is a multi‐factorial disease, which involves aberrant immune
responses to commensal bacteria or dietary antigens. Macrophages have an important
role in human disease but little information is available in canine intestine. Data
to date have relied solely on macrophage identification using MAC387, an antibody
directed against calprotectin, which recognizes both macrophages and neutrophils.
In this study an alternative antibody for macrophages, AM‐3K, directed against a scavenger
receptor (CD163) was used and distribution of both markers was compared. This antigen
is of interest as positive cells accumulate in intestine of humans with CE.
Endoscopic duodenal biopsies were obtained from seven crossbreed dogs. Serial histologic
sections were stained with MAC387 or AM‐3K. Positively‐stained cells were counted
from 5 random areas from both villous and crypt regions. Stained cell localisation
was subjectively evaluated and the percentage of positively stained cells from the
total nucleated cells per 10,000 μm2 in the villus or crypt was compared between both
antibodies using a Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.
MAC387 and AM‐3K did not co‐localize on serial sections. There were significantly
more AM‐3K positive cells than MAC387 in the crypts (3.6% [0‐7.0] versus 0.8% [0‐7.5],
P = 0.005). In contrast there was no difference in expression of either markers in
the villi (3.2% [0‐8.16] versus 1.8% [0‐11.2], P = 0.27).
This study reports for the first time the existence of two populations of macrophages
in canine intestine. These results in normal dogs will be used to explore further
the distribution and function of macrophages in dogs with CE.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESCG‐P‐10
FINAL DIAGNOSES IN 155 DOGS WITH CHRONIC VOMITING AND/OR DIARRHEA
K. Baumgart
1, M. Volkmann1, J.M. Steiner2, B. Kohn1
1Clinic for Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitaet, Berlin,
Germany2Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College station, United
States of America
Chronic diarrhea and vomiting are common clinical signs in dogs. Primary (e.g., inflammatory,
infectious, neoplastic, mechanical, or other) and secondary gastrointestinal diseases
(e.g., exocrine pancreatic, hepatic, renal, or endocrine disease) are possible underlying
causes.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the final diagnoses in dogs with chronic diarrhea
and/or vomiting and to determine the prevalence of various primary and secondary gastrointestinal
diseases in dogs with these gastrointestinal signs.
Medical records of 209 dogs presented between July 2011 and August 2013 with chronic
diarrhea (D), vomiting (V) or both (diarrhea and vomiting [VD]) were retrospectively
reviewed. Dogs were included if a minimum work‐up (hematology, plasma biochemistry
profile, and fecal parasitology) had been performed and if a final diagnosis was recorded
(155/209).
A primary gastrointestinal disease was recorded in 83% of the cases (129/155) and
included inflammatory diseases (90/129: food responsive enteropathy [55], antibiotic
responsive enteropathy [18], idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease [10], steroid responsive
enteropathy [4], protein‐losing enteropathy of unknown etiology [3]), infectious diseases
(23/129: giardiasis [18], leishmaniosis [2], ascariasis [2], protothecosis [1]), neoplastic
diseases (13/129: intestinal lymphoma [8], adenocarcinoma [3], leiomyoma [1], histiocytic
sarcoma [1]) and, in one dog each, drug related enteropathy, mechanical obstruction,
and diaphragmatic rupture. A secondary gastrointestinal disease was less frequently
diagnosed (17%, 26/155: chronic pancreatitis [12], portosystemic shunt [5], hepatopathy
[2], exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, hypoadrenocorticism, polyendocrinopathy, dilated
cardiomyopathy, and leukemia in one dog each). In total, 44% of the dogs were presented
with D (69/155) followed by 33% with VD (51/155), and 23% with V (35/155). D and VD
were significantly more frequent in dogs with primary gastrointestinal disease (D:
61/129, VD: 46/129), compared to dogs with secondary gastrointestinal disease (D:
8/26; VD: 5/26; p = 0.001, Chi square test). V was significantly more common in dogs
with secondary gastrointestinal disease (13/26) as compared to dogs with primary gastrointestinal
disease (22/129; p = 0.001).
In this study, food responsive enteropathy (36%) was the most commonly diagnosed cause
of chronic gastrointestinal signs. Chronic pancreatitis was the most frequent cause
of secondary gastrointestinal disease (46%). Diarrhea was significantly associated
with primary and vomiting with secondary gastrointestinal disease.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESCG‐P‐11
CHARACTERIZATION OF MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE‐2 AND ‐9 IN INTESTINAL MUCOSA OF CLINICALLY
HEALTHY DOGS
M. Hanifeh
1,3, M.M. Rajamäki1, L. Mäkitalo2, P. Syrjä1, S. Sankari1, S. Kilpinen1, T. Spillmann1
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland2Helsinki
University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland3Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 are zinc‐dependent endopeptidases that contribute
to the control of breakdown and reconstitution of extracellular matrix under both
normal and pathological conditions. Intestinal mucosal levels of MMP‐2 and ‐9 have
been shown to be increased in animal models and human IBD. To our knowledge, the presense
of MMP‐2 and ‐9 has not been studied in the intestinal mucosal samples of healthy
dogs as well as in canine spontaneous IBD. Thus, the main aim of this study was to
identify the presence of MMP‐2 and ‐9 in the mucosa of the small and large intestines
of clinically healthy beagle dogs using gelatin zymography technique. For the study,
historical intestinal tissue samples from four different parts of the intestine (duodenum,
jejunum, ileum and colon) were used. The samples were taken and snap frozen in liquid
nitrogen during necropsy from 12 healthy laboratory beagle dogs after being euthanized
when finishing unrelated long‐term trials studying canine intestinal microbiota.
Based on WSAVA histology standards, recorded findings of all samples were considered
insignificant. Pro‐MMP‐2 and ‐9 activities were found in 17/48 (35%) and 25/48 (52%)
of the samples, respectively. Among four different parts of the intestine of 12 dogs,
the ileum had the highest positivity rates of 7/12 (58.3%) and 8/12 (66.7%) for pro‐MMP‐2
and ‐9 activities, respectively. However, statistical analysis showed no significant
difference of pro‐MMP‐2 and ‐9 activities between the separate parts of the intestine
(P > 0.05). The enzyme activities ranged for pro‐MMP‐2 between 0.015 and 6.449 arbitrary
units (AU) and for pro‐MMP‐9 between 0.018 and 5.680 AU. None of the intestinal samples
showed gelatinolytic activity corresponding to the control bands of active MMP‐2 and
MMP‐9.
This study showed that pro‐MMP‐2 and ‐9 could be detected in the intestinal mucosa
of healthy dogs using zymography, which seems to be a useful tool to evaluate the
role of MMP‐2 and ‐9 in the pathogenesis of canine chronic enteropathies, including
inflammatory bowel diseases.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESCG‐P‐12
SPONTANEOUS GASTROINTESTINAL PERFORATION IN 13 CATS
F. Bernardin, L. Martinez Rivera, J.H. Hernandez
CHV Frégis, Arcueil, France
Digestive perforation is called spontaneous when it arises in the absence of foreign
body ingestion, gastric dilatation and volvulus, external trauma, or previous digestive
surgery. In dogs many predisposing factors have been identified, including anti‐inflammatory
administration, severe hepatic or renal disease, stress, shock, gastric hyperacidity,
neoplasia and idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease. Spontaneous digestive perforation
has been uncommonly reported in cats.
The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical characteristics of spontaneous
digestive perforation in cats, and to compare the frequency of malignant versus non‐malignant
causes for these perforations.
To be included in this study, the perforation had to be spontaneous and confirmed
by exploratory surgery.
The medical records of 13 cats diagnosed as having spontaneous digestive perforation
between 2010 and 2013 were reviewed. The mean age of cats was 7.6 years (9 months
to 17 years). Five cats had concurrent illnesses including viral upper respiratory
tract disease, pancreatitis and chronic kidney disease. The most frequently reported
signs included anorexia (85%), vomiting (61%), and lethargy (54%). Histological examination
was performed in 11 cats and diagnosed alimentary lymphoma in 54% and inflammatory
lesions in the other 46% of them. Six cats had received anti‐inflammatory within the
previous 3 months. Half of them were finally diagnosed with lymphoma. Five cats with
lymphoma received chemotherapy.Three cats died early in the postoperative recovery
period, 5 cats were euthanized 12 to 146 days after surgery, and 2 cats were still
alive at the end of this study.
In the absence of pneumoperitoneum, clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities
are not specific enough to allow differentiation between cats with gastrointestinal
ulceration and those with perforation. In most cases, there is no diagnostic test
that individually determine whether perforation has occurred or is impending, and
clinicians should use of multimodality diagnostic procedures such as radiography,
ultrasonography, endoscopy, and abdominal fluid cytopathology to avoid delay in diagnosis
of digestive perforation. Histological examination of ulceration is essential as lymphoma
should be suspected in all cats presented with spontaneous perforation. The link between
anti‐inflammatory administration and spontaneous perforation in cats is not established.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESCG‐P‐13
WHOLE‐GENOME ANALYSES OF CAMPYLOBACTER UPSALIENSIS AND C. HELVETICUS ISOLATED FROM
DOGS AND CATS AND IN SILICO INVESTIGATION OF THEIR PATHOGENIC POTENTIALS
K. Bojanic, A.C. Midwinter, P.J. Biggs, N.P. French, E. Acke
Massey University, Palmerston north, New Zealand
Campylobacter species are commonly isolated from faeces of dogs and cats with C. upsaliensis
(CU) and C. helveticus (CH) being the most frequently isolated. These two species
are usually not considered pathogenic in dogs and cats and are closely related to
each other and to C. jejuni, the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in
humans in the developed world. Interestingly, despite their close genetic relationship,
in humans CU is considered a pathogen while CH is not. This study aimed to describe
whole genomes of CU and CH isolated from dogs and cats and to in silico investigate
their pathogenic potential with comparison to several published genomes of C. jejuni
and C. coli.
Genomic DNA was extracted from three isolates of each of CU and CH recovered from
the faeces of healthy dogs and cats. Sequencing was performed using an Illumina MiSeq
to generate 250 base paired reads. Reads were trimmed for both length and quality.
Contigs were assembled using the Velvet assembler. The concatenated contigs generated
for each assembly were quality ranked (by number, size, maximum length and N50) and
the three top ranked assemblies were annotated using the Prokka annotation tool. Ribosomal
MLST nucleotide sequences were used as a proxy for the core genome to compare the
phylogeny of CU and CH with other species in the Campylobacter genus and visualised
as a NeighborNet using SplitsTree. Annotated draft genomes were clustered using OrthoMCL
and pathogenic traits were investigated in silico using PathogenFinder and VirulentPred
software.
The CU and CH draft genomes were ˜1.732 Mb and ˜1.844 Mb in size, and comprised on
average 110 and 151 contigs, and on average 1782 and 1942 predicted genes, respectively.
Of these CU had on average 497 and CH 622 hypothetical proteins. Using OrthoMCL, a
core genome of 1459 and 1751 genes resulted for CU and CH, respectively. NeighborNet
trees based on ribosomal MLST nucleotide sequences and the core genome confirmed the
close phylogenetic relationship of CH and CU within the Campylobacter genus. PathogenFinder
predicted all isolates as human pathogens with probabilities of 88.3‐91.5%. Both PathogenFinder
and VirulentPred identified many pathogenic proteins in CU and CH of different functions
(e.g. chemotaxis, transporter and motility systems) but considerably fewer than in
C. jejuni and C. coli.
This study provides many insights into the pathogenic potential of pet‐associated
emerging Campylobacter pathogens and is to our knowledge, the first to report a draft
genome of CH.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESCG‐P‐14
DETERMINATION OF S100A12 AND MYELOPEROXIDASE LEVELS WITHIN INTESTINAL MUCOSA OF CLINICALLY
HEALTHY BEAGLE DOGS
M. Hanifeh
1, R.M. Heilmann2, S. Sankari1, M.M. Rajamäki1, L. Mäkitalo3, P. Syrjä1, S. Kilpinen1,
J.S. Suchodolski2, J.M. Steiner2, T. Spillmann1
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland2Gastrointestinal
Laboratory, Texas A&M University, COLLEGE STATION, United States of America3Helsinki
University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
There are only few laboratory markers being evaluated for diagnosing and/or monitoring
canine chronic enteropathies, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). S100A12
belongs to the S100/calgranulin‐protein family and has been proposed to play a central
role in both innate and acquired immune responses. It has been reported to be increased
in stool samples, serum and/or intestinal mucosa in human patients with IBD. Myeloperoxidase
(MPO) is an enzyme found mostly in granulocytes. Intestinal mucosal levels of MPO
have been shown to be increased in animal models and human IBD. To date, S100A12 and
MPO levels in intestinal mucosal samples have been reported neither from healthy dogs
nor from dogs suffering from IBD. To start investigating this aspect in dogs, the
objective of this study was to evaluate mucosal S100A12 and MPO levels in the small
and large intestines by using enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA) and spectrophotometric
methods, respectively. For the study, historical intestinal tissue samples from four
different parts of the intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon) were used. The
samples were taken and snap frozen in liquid nitrogen during necropsy from 12 healthy
laboratory beagle dogs after being euthanized when finishing unrelated long‐term trials
studying canine intestinal microbiota.
Based on WSAVA standards the histologic findings of all samples were considered insignificant.
S100A12 concentrations were from the highest to the lowest: ileum, 71.5 (38.9‐141.9)
μg/L; colon, 23.2 (6.7‐75.6) μg/L; duodenum, 11.4 (6.9‐28.5) μg/L; and jejunum, 8.5
(5.1‐19.3) μg/L. The concentration in the ileum was significantly higher than in all
other segments (P < 0.05), and the colonic mucosal concentration was higher than the
jejunal (P < 0.05). The highest MPO activity was found in the ileum (0.49 [0.19‐1.05]
ΔA/min), followed by jejunum (0.36 [0.28‐1.70] ΔA/min), duodenum (0.26 [0.09‐0.59]
ΔA/min), and colon (0.09 [0.04‐0.14] ΔA/min). MPO activity was significantly higher
in ileal and duodenal than in colonic mucosal samples (P < 0.05). The jejunal MPO
activity was higher than the colonic and duodenal activity (P < 0.05).
This study showed that using ELISA and spectrophotometry allow the detection of canine
intestinal mucosal S100A12 and MPO, respectively. The levels on S100A12 and MPO seem
to differ between certain parts of the intestinal mucosa of healthy dogs. Both assays
appear to be useful to further evaluate the role of S100A12 and MPO in the pathogenesis
of canine chronic enteropathies, including IBD.
Conflicts of interest
Dr. Heilmann, Dr. Suchodolski, and Dr. Steiner have a patent pending that includes
the canine S100A12 assay used in this study. The authors declare that they have no
further conflicts of interest.
ESVC‐P‐1
PUPPIES WITH AN INNOCENT CARDIAC MURMUR HAVE LOWER HEMATOCRIT
V. Szatmári, M.W. van Leeuwen, E. Teske
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
The aim of the present study was to establish the incidence of innocent cardiac murmurs
in a fairly large number of clinically healthy puppies. A second aim was to evaluate
a possible correlation between the presence of an innocent cardiac murmur and a lower
hematocrit value.
Puppies of certain breeds are routinely screened for the presence of congenital porto‐systemic
shunts in the Netherlands. Breeders bring their nests to our clinic for individual
measurement of blood ammonia concentration.
In one year time (from February 2013 until January 2014) 389 dogs of 11 different
breeds were examined, with 295 of them being cairn terriers. The age of the dogs varied
from 20 to 108 days (mean 53 days). While the breeders were waiting for the blood
results, the cardiac auscultation was performed by a single board‐certified cardiologist
(VSz). Hematocrit was measured with an automatized hematology analyzer system from
the surplus blood sample.
Cardiac murmur was found in 59 dogs (15%). In all cases this was a soft (1‐2 out of
6) systolic murmur, most of the time with a musical character and with the point of
maximal intensity on the left hemithorax, compatible with the description of an innocent
cardiac murmur. No murmurs were found that could be compatible with a congenital cardiac
anomaly. The hematocrit was significantly (P = 0.003) lower in the group of dogs with
a murmur (mean 30.9%, standard deviation 2.8%) compared to the group without a murmur
(mean 32.2%, standard deviation 3.1%). Multivariate analysis shows that the presence
of murmur is correlated with the hematocrit, but not with the age of the dogs.
Physiologic anemia has been long suspected to be one of the possible causes of innocent
cardiac murmurs in young animals and children. However, according to the authors knowledge,
no published reports exist that looked for a possible correlation. Which other factors
contribute to the presence of an innocent murmur is largely unknown.
Because of a large overlap between the hematocrit values of dogs with and without
a cardiac murmur, measuring hematocrit in a particular pup would not help a less experienced
first line veterinary practitioner to decide whether a murmur is innocent or the result
of a congenital cardiac anomaly.
Limitation of this study is that no echocardiography was performed to rule out congenital
cardiac anomalies as the cause of the murmurs. Neither were the dogs re‐checked for
spontaneously disappearance of the murmur.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐P‐2
CARDIAC MURMURS IN NORMAL SIBERIAN HUSKY DOGS
C. Kvart
University of Agrcultural Science, Uppsala, Sweden
Low intensity systolic murmurs, with point of maximal intensity over the outflow tract
on the left side of thorax, are not uncommonly heard during cardiac auscultation of
apparently healthy Siberian husky dogs, often with excellent exercise tolerance. The
origin of these murmurs in athletic dogs such as huskies is unlikely to be due to
heart disease but more likely due to turbulent blood flow in the outflow tract caused
by a large stroke volume and forceful cardiac contractility in early systole. The
differentiation of these murmurs from “pathological”significant murmurs can however
be problematic in general practice. The aim of the present study was to investigate
the prevalence of murmurs in a sample of successfully racing Siberian husky dogs and
furthermore to study the phonocardiographic characteristics of these murmurs.
Phonocardiograms and ECGs were recorded in 37 actively racing Siberian husky dogs,
with normal or excellent exercise tolerance. Normal stamina was confirmed by successful
racing. Phonocardiograms were easy and rapid to record on a PC laptop connected to
the Meditron stethoscope in ambulant “field”practice. Systole was measured as the
duration measured from the onset of the first heart sound to the onset of the second
heart sound and the murmur duration from the onset the first heart sound to the end
of the murmur. The duration of the first heart sound plus the murmur was measured
and calculated as a percentage of the duration of systole.
Cardiac murmurs of grade 1‐2 were heard in 22% of dogs examined. Phonocardiogram from
these dogs revealed early systolic crescendo‐decrescendo or decrescendo murmurs with
a duration of maximally 75% into systole. All dogs with murmurs had a silent pause
at the end of systole. ECG was normal in all dogs.
Murmurs in adult athletic dogs should not be regarded as a definite sign of heart
disease. Physiological flow murmurs of up to 75% of systole is a common finding in
active Siberian husky dogs (prevalence 22% in the examined sample). Phonocardiography
is a rapid and practical method for differential diagnoses between pathological murmurs
and physiological flow murmurs.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐P‐3
INVESTIGATION OF NT‐PROBNP POINT‐OF‐CARE ELISA ASSAY IN CLINICALLY NORMAL FELINE PATIENTS
A. Harris1, A.H. Estrada1, B. Mincey1, K.E. Lamb2, M. Bohannon1, M. Powell1, S. Swift
1, A. Gallagher1, K. Cooke1, J. Hanscom3, C. Mainville3
1Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States
of America2Lamb Consulting, West Saint Paul, United States of America3IDEXX Laboratories
Inc, Westbrook, United States of America
NT‐proBNP has a degree of overlap with clinically normal animals, particularly those
with mild or subclinical heart disease. Prior studies have evaluated the sensitivity
and specificity of a point‐of‐care second generation ELISA that utilizes SNAP technology.
The SNAP Feline proBNP Test uses the same biological reagents as the Cardiopet proBNP
Test but provides results in 10 minutes. We sought to prospectively validate the assay
in a population of clinically normal cats. Cats were recruited based upon the absence
of a heart murmur, gallop, and/or arrhythmia. All cats received physical examination,
non‐invasive blood pressure measurement, complete biochemical analysis including a
T4, urinalysis and echocardiogram. Only cats considered free of underlying cardiac
or systemic disease were enrolled. Sixteen adult cats were enrolled and blood samples
were obtained for NT‐proBNP concentrations at 0, 2 hr, 4 hr, 6 hr, 8 hr, 10 hr. Samples
were placed in EDTA tubes and centrifuged within one hour and split into two tubes
for duplicate samples at each time point and stored at ‐80°C. Once all samples were
collected, they were shipped on dry ice overnight and run in one batch (IDEXX Laboratories)
for measurement of NT‐proBNP concentrations. SNAP tests were visually evaluated by
one blinded reader. Comparison of SNAP assay vs. quantitative ELISA revealed a 1.0
(AUC) degree of correlation between assays, and that a positive SNAP test result was
associated with a NT‐proBNP concentration of 126.4pmol/L or greater. The average BNP
concentration of abnormal cats (191.1 ± 5.8) determined by the SNAP assay was significantly
greater than the normal (26.4 ± 1.2).
Conflicts of interest
This study was funded through IDEXX and the University of Florida College of veterinary
medicine resident grant competition.
ESVC‐P‐4
LEFT ATRIAL FUNCTION DETERMINED BY 2‐DIMENSIONAL SPECKLE TRACKING ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
IDENTIFIES DOGS WITH CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE SECONDARY TO MITRAL VALVE DISEASE
D. Caivano
1, V. Patata1, F. Birettoni1, M.E. Giorgi1, M. Rishniw2, F. Porciello1
1University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy2Veterinary Information Network, Davis, United
States of America
Left atrial (LA) function (consisting of 3 phases: reservoir, conduit and booster
pump) can be evaluated by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) which measures myofiber
deformation during these phases. Recent studies in humans have evaluated the utility
of STE in assessing left atrial deformation/function. We evaluated the deformation
of the LA by STE in healthy dogs and in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease
(MMVD).
We acquired 2D echocardiographic cineloops from the left apical 4‐chamber view optimized
for the LA, and analyzed atrial longitudinal strain (St) and strain rate (SR) in 27
dogs (10 healthy dogs and 17 dogs with MMVD ‐ 5 ACVIM Stage B1, 5 Stage B2 and 7 Stage
C). Endocardial LA STE curves were obtained and peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS),
peak atrial contraction strain (PACS), conduit atrial longitudinal strain (CALS);
PALS‐PACS) and contraction strain index (CSI ‐ PACS/PALS*100) were calculated. LA
SR curves were similarly obtained to determine the peak positive strain rate (SRs)
during left ventricle systole, the first negative peak strain rate (SRe) during early
diastole and the second negative peak strain rate (SRa) during atrial contraction.
For all variables, a mean of 3 measures was used for the statistical analysis. We
compared each of these variables between each ACVIM stage by Kruskal‐Wallis tests
and post‐hoc pairwise comparisons, with comparison‐wise α=0.05.
Normal dogs had higher PALS and CALS than dogs with MMVD (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0005);
Stage C dogs had lower PALS, PACS and CALS than all other dogs (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0022
and p = 0.0005), but CSI did not differ between groups (p = 0.1). Stage C dogs had
lower SRs (p = 0.0005), higher SRe (p = 0.0029) and SRa (p = 0.0004) than other dogs.
Normal dogs had lower SRe and SRa than dogs with MMVD (p < 0.001).
Our data suggest that STE might be useful in assessing LA function in dogs with MMVD,
and might potentially differentiate dogs with severe subclinical disease from dogs
with congestive heart failure.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐P‐5
BREED‐SPECIFIC REFERENCE RANGES FOR ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN SALUKIS
S.M. Lehtinen
1, M.E. Wiberg1, J. Häggström2, H. Lohi3
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland2Swedish
University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden3Molecular Neurology, University
of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Sighthounds are athletic dogs and they have been claimed to have larger hearts compared
to similar sized breeds. The left ventricle (LV) may enlarge in response to cardiac
disease, but also in response to training, so called athlete's heart syndrome, which
is a benign condition. To distinguish abnormal echocardiographic measurements from
normal, breed‐specific reference values are needed. The aim of this study is to establish
normal reference ranges for echocardiographic measurements in the Saluki breed.
The study comprised 78 clinically healthy Salukis (41 males and 37 females), mean
age 72 months (± SD 28 months), bodyweight (BW) 24,7 kg (± 3,7 kg). Case history was
ascertained and dogs underwent physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry
profile, thyroid profile, blood pressure measurement and 3‐min ECG. Standard M‐mode
and 2D echocardiographic measurements were obtained. Dogs with systolic murmur 1/6,
and dogs with mitral valve regurgitation (MR) <15% (MR color flow jet area/left atrium
areax100% in apical view) were considered normal. Linear regression models were used
to establish reference ranges.
Heart rate (HR) varied from 44 to 120 bpm (81 ± 17 bpm). BW was a significant predictor
for LV dimensions, i.e. M‐mode LV diameter and 2D volume in diastole (LVIDD and LVEDV)
and systole (LVIDS and LVESV), and mitral valve end point septal separation (EPSS).
HR was a significant predictor for FS% (fractional shortening). Predicted values (95%
prediction intervals) were calculated from regression models where mean BW (24,7 kg)
and age (72 months), and median HR (80 bpm) were used. Normal reference ranges were:
LVIDD 46,0 mm (40,0‐52,0), LVIDS 33,4 mm (27,3‐39,5), LVEDV 86,3 ml (64,6‐108,0),
LVESV 44,2 ml (29,2‐59,2), FS%: 27,5% (20,3‐34,6), ejection fraction EF%: 48,9% (38,6‐59,1),
EPSS 7,3 mm (4,4‐10,2), sphericity index 1,6 (1,4‐1,9), interventricular septum in
diastole 10,9 mm (8,6‐13,3) and systole 13,8 mm (10,5‐17,1), LV free wall in diastole
10,4 mm (8,3‐12,4) and systole 13,1 mm (10,0‐16,1), left atrial (LA) diameter 28,5 mm
(23,8‐33,3), aortic (Ao) diameter 23,9 mm (20,1‐27,8), LA/Ao 1,2 (1,0‐1,4), and aortic
and pulmonic flow velocity 1,4 m/s (0,9‐1,9) and 1,2 m/s (0,8‐1,6), respectively.
This study provides echocardiographic values for normal Salukis which can be used
as a reference values.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐P‐6
ANALYSIS OF THE P WAVE DURATION IN ATRIAL REMODELING VS. AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
DYSFUNCTION IN DOGS
D. Mocanu
1, I. Necluae2, G. Solcan1, M. Musteata1
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Iasi, Iasi, Romania2Small Animals Private Practice,
Romania
In mitral valve disease, atrial remodeling is an indicator of evolution and prognosis,
the duration of the P wave being considered suggestive of the dilatation of the left
atrium. In humans’ studies, neurological conditions have a significant impact on cardiac
electrophysiology by altering the electrical impulse conductibility.
The aim of this study is to examine the duration of the P wave in dogs suffering from
mitral valve disease in comparison to dogs diagnosed with different neuropathies without
cardiac abnormalities.
We analyzed standard electrocardiograms (5 min of ECG, on 6 peripheral leads) performed
on three polymorphic groups of dogs (different age, weight and breed): group 1 (n = 14)
healthy dogs, group 2 (n = 30) dogs diagnosed with mitral valve disease and group
3 (n = 27) dogs suffering from different neuropathies (without any associated or previously
diagnosed cardiovascular disease). The duration of the P wave was measured for all
dogs (five consecutive P waves without anomalies or artifacts) and reported to the
degree of atrial remodeling, assessed by left atrium/ aorta ratio on echocardiography.
The interpretation of the ECG and echocardiography was made by the same examiner (MD).
The results were statistically evaluated in a specialized program (IBM SPSS vs. 21).
The P wave recorded average values was 0.061 ± 0.028 seconds for the MVD group with
significant differences between the stages of heart failure (p = 0.008). No correlations
were found between its increase and the dilation of the left atrium (R2 = 0.012).
There was no statistically significant difference regarding P wave duration when compared
dogs of the neuropathy group and those of the mitral valve disease group (the P wave
recorded average values = 0.068 ± 0.018 sec.).
Both, atrial tissue lesions (as in mitral valve disease) and autonomic nervous system
anomalies (secondary to a neurological condition), may change the conductibility of
the electrical impulse in the left atrium. The conductibility of the electrical impulse
at this level does not seem to be influenced by its actual dilation, but by the impairment
of the intra‐atrial and inter‐atrial conduction pathways. Caution must be given when
P wave is analyzed in dogs with concurrent cardiologic and neurologic condition.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐P‐7
TRANSTHORACIC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN CLINICALLY HEALTHY ADULT NEWFOUNDLAND DOGS: REFERENCE
VALUES FOR THE BREED
C. Quintavalla, E. Martinelli, S. Crosara
University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Specific echocardiographic reference ranges have been published for several canine
breeds. In 1996, one paper stated M‐mode values for Newfoundland dogs. The aim of
this study was to report reference M‐mode, 2D and Doppler echocardiographic values
for Newfoundland dogs and to compare M‐mode measurements with allometric scaling reference
values according to Cornell and colleagues.
Newfoundland dogs were prospectively recruited among those undergoing screening for
congenital and acquired heart disease. Screening includes patient history, physical
examination, and systemic arterial pressure measurement by Doppler flow meter and
transthoracic echocardiography (M‐mode, 2D and echo‐Doppler). Screening is performed
on conscious dogs of at least 1 year of age. Dogs without historical, clinical, electrocardiographic
and echocardiographic signs of cardiovascular disease were included in the study.
Unpaired, two‐tailed Student's t‐test and linear regression were performed to evaluate
the influence of gender, age and body weight (BW) on echocardiographic parameters.
Echocardiographic measurements were compared to previously reported reference values.
The reference limits of echocardiographic parameters in the Newfoundland dogs were
calculated. Forty‐six healthy adult Newfoundland dogs of both genders (20 males and
26 females), 1 to 6 years of age (mean 2.6 ± 1.6 years), 40 to 72 kg (mean 54.7 ± 8.84 kg)
fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Significant but weak correlations were detected
between aortic diameter (Ao) and age (p = 0.012, r2 = 0.186), left atrial to aortic
ratio (LA/Ao) and age (p = 0.047, r2 = 0.192), E‐point to septum separation (EPSS)
and BW (p = 0.038, r2 = 0.117), M‐mode left ventricular internal diameter (LVID) in
diastole (d) and systole (s) and BW (respectively p = 0.002, r2 = 0.201 and p = 0.006,
r2 = 0.158), and between Ao and BW (p = 0.008, r2 = 0.203). None of the echocardiographic
measurements was statistically different between males and females.
Left ventricular internal diameter in diastole, LVIDs, Ao, EPSS increased with BW,
as expected. The aorta appears to become wider with advancing age. A proportion of
the studied population had M‐mode parameters below the allometric scaling reference
range, suggesting that this method can over‐estimates M‐mode parameters in this breed.
These findings stress the importance to report Newfoundland breed specific normal
ranges for echocardiographic parameters.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐P‐8
CORRELATION BETWEEN THORACIC CT‐SCAN ANGIOGRAPHY FINDINGS AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC RIGHT
PULMONARY VEIN TO PULMONARY ARTERY RATIO IN WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIERS WITH IDIOPATHIC
PULMONARY FIBROSIS
E. Roels
1, A.C. Merveille1, T. Couvreur1, G. Bolen1, E. Krafft1, C. Clercx1, K. Mc Entee2
1ULG, Liege, Belgium2ULB, Brussels, Belgium
Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease
usually diagnosed by thoracic CT‐scan that mainly affects West Highland white terriers
(WHWT). Pulmonary hypertension (PH), a severe co‐morbid condition with a challenging
diagnosis, may develop in CIPF dogs. The ratio between the right pulmonary vein and
pulmonary artery (PV/PA) has been described as an echocardiographic indicator of PH
in CIPFdogs. This study was intended to investigate whether CT‐scan angiography cardiac
findings are 1) altered in dogs with cIPF compared to healthy control dogs and 2)
correlated with PV/PA measured by echocardiography (PV/PAUS). Thoracic CTA images
from 6 WHWT with CIPF (Group A) and 9 healthy controls from various breeds (Group
B) were retrospectively reviewed by one observer. All measurements were obtained in
transverse post‐contrast images displayed in a soft tissue window. PV and PA were
measured dorsal to the right atrium, perpendicular to the long axis of these vessels.
In addition, pulmonary trunk (PT) was assessed just ventral to the division of pulmonary
arteries, perpendicular to its long axis. Ascending aorta (Ao) was also measured perpendicular
to its long axis. Transverse reformatted images were obtained to have a view equivalent
to the standard 4 chambers‐echocardiographic view where right ventricle (RV) and left
ventricle (LV) were measured. Three ratios were calculated PV/PACT, PT/Ao and RV/LV,
compared between groups and correlated with PV/PAUS in both bi‐dimensional (BD) and
M‐modes (MM). Statistical analyses were performed with XLStat® software. Values are
given as mean ± sd. Statistical significance was set at a P ≤ 0.05. PV/PACT was lower
in group A (0.64 ± 0.18) in comparison to group B (1.00 ± 0.23, P = 0.008) and correlated
with PV/PAUS (BD: r = 0.796, P = 0.001; MM: r = 0.730, P = 0.003). PT/Ao was higher
in group A (1.18 ± 0.08) compared to group B (0.92 ± 0.14, P = 0.001) and correlated
only with PV/PAUS measured in BD mode (r = ‐0.623, P = 0.02). The RV/LV ratio was
increased in group A (0.91 ± 0.11) in comparison to group B (0.70 ± 0.08, P = 0.001)
and a correlation between RV/LV and PV/PAUS was found (BD: r = ‐0.726, P = 0.005;
MM: r = ‐0.657, P = 0.01). In conclusion, in WHWT with CIPF, PV/PACT, PT/Ao and RV/LV
ratios measured on thoracic CTA images are correlated with PV/PAUS and may serve in
the assessment of PH.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVC‐P‐9
EFFECT OF A BASIC TRAINING PROGRAM ON EMERGENCY CLINICIAN ACCURACY TO SEMI‐QUANTITATIVELY
ASSESS THORACIC AND CARDIAC STRUCTURES USING FOCUSED CARDIAC ULTRASOUND (FOCUS)
L. Wiley
1, M.A. Oyama1, C. Ostroski1, E. Reineke1, E.A. Rozanski2, J.E. Rush2
1University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America2Tufts University
School of Veterinary Medicine, North grafton, United States of America
Companion animals presenting to the emergency room in distress need to be assessed
rapidly and accurately to implement life‐saving therapies. Focused cardiac ultrasound
(FOCUS) can be a useful adjunct to the physical examination in assessing dyspneic
animals in the emergency room. Rapid bedside ultrasound evaluations performed by EC
are commonly used in human medicine, however feasibility and utility of FOCUS by EC
in veterinary medicine has not been fully evaluated. The purpose of this study is
to determine the baseline accuracy of FOCUS performed by EC and whether or not a basic
training session could improve accuracy compared to evaluation by a cardiology specialist.
Fifteen EC including 6 boarded emergency‐critical care specialists and 9 emergency
residents performed FOCUS on four animals; a normal cat and dog, and a cat and dog
with severe valvular and myocardial heart disease, respectively. EC semi‐quantitatively
assessed 6 thoracic and echocardiographic parameters including left atrial dimension,
left ventricular systolic function and wall thickness, right heart dimension, and
presence or absence of pleural or pericardial effusion before and after a structured
didactic lecture and hands‐on practical session. Primary outcome was the level of
agreement with examination performed by a cardiologist. Level of agreement regarding
EC assessment of all parameters improved from 0.70 to 0.78 after training (P < 0.01).
Level of agreement concerning left atrial diameter improved from 0.52 to 0.75 (P < 0.01).
EC confidence in their overall FOCUS evaluation and findings improved from 51% to
70% (P < 0.0001). In summary, EC accuracy and confidence in semi‐quantitatively assessing
basic cardiac parameters using FOCUS were improved following a simple structured training
session. FOCUS might be a valuable tool to rapidly assess simple thoracic and cardiac
parameters in the emergency setting.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVCN‐P‐1
EFFECTIVENESS OF A NEW DIETETIC WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FOOD TO ACHIEVE WEIGHT LOSS IN CLIENT‐OWNED
OBESE DOGS
U. Christmann
1, I. Becvarova2, S. Werre1, H. Meyer2
1Virginia‐Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, virginia,
United States of America2Hill's Pet Nutrition ‐ Europe, Middle East & Africa, Prague,
Czech Republic
Obesity is an increasing health problem in dogs. Success of weight‐loss programs is
often limited by compliance issues. The purpose of this study was to determine the
effectiveness of a new dietetic weight management food (NDWMF)* in achieving weight
loss in overweight/obese, client‐owned dogs, under typical household conditions. The
objectives were 1) to evaluate weight loss parameters in dogs fed a NDWMF* and 2)
to assess the owner's perception of the dog's quality of life. Overweight/obese, otherwise
healthy, client‐owned dogs (>3/5 body condition score ‐ BCS) were enrolled in the
study (n = 162). Initial veterinary evaluation included physical examination, nutritional
assessment, determination of ideal body weight (IBW), and development of weight‐loss
feeding guidelines. Daily energy requirement (DER) for weight loss was calculated
as DER = 70 x IBWkg0.75. Initial and follow‐up evaluations (monthly for 6 months)
encompassed determination of body weight, BCS, body fat index (BFI), muscle condition
score (MCS), and feeding practices. Quality of life assessment by owners included
dog's level of energy, happiness, appetite, begging behavior, flatulence, stool volume,
and fecal score. Statistical analysis comprised scatterplots, regression analysis,
summary statistics as appropriate for the type of analyses performed (continuous or
categorical variables, distribution), and a mixed model ANOVA to assess changes over
time (with statistical significance at p < 0.05). Ninety four percent of the dogs
lost weight (n = 153) with an average weight loss of 14.5% (SEM, 1.1%) over 6 months
and an average weekly weight‐loss rate of 0.73% (SEM, 0.04%). The mean duration of
weight loss was 127 days (SEM, 4.3 days) with an average of 33 days (SEM, 0.7 days)
between rechecks. Thirty nine percent of dogs achieved IBW (0.39, CI: 0.31‐0.48).
Fifty five percent of dogs ate more calories from NDWMF* than the recommended DER
for weight loss (median fed above DER=8%) and 94% of these dogs (0.94, CI: 0.87‐0.98)
still lost weight. Thirty six percent of dogs received treats. BCS and BFI decreased
significantly over time compared to baseline. Owners perceived a significant increase
in energy and happiness in the dogs that lost weight without changes in appetite or
begging behavior. In conclusion, this clinical study confirmed the effectiveness of
the NDWMF* in achieving weight loss in overweight/obese client‐owned dogs in spite
of higher than recommended caloric intake. Owners reported significant improvements
in dog's quality of life without negative side effects.
* Hill's[TRADEMARK] Prescription Diet[TRADEMARK] Canine Metabolic Advanced Weight
Solution, dry (caloric distribution: protein=29%, fat=30%, carbohydrate=41%)
Conflicts of interest
Becvarova and Meyer are employees of Hill's Pet Nutrition Manufacturing s.r.o.
The study was sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition.
ESVCP‐P‐1
VALIDATION OF A NEW SANDWICH‐ELISA TO MEASURE FELINE HAPTOGLOBIN
J. Stiller
1, A.K. Jasensky2, M. Hennies3, C. Wienen3, R. Einspanier2, B. Kohn1
1Clinic of Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie universität berlin,
berlin, Germany2Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,
Freie universität berlin, berlin, Germany3TECOmedical Group, Rheinbach, Germany
Haptoglobin is a moderate acute phase protein in cats. As a part of the innate immune
system its concentration rises within 24‐48 hours after tissue damage.
Aim of the study was to validate an ELISA which was recently developed for the measurement
of feline haptoglobin and to compare it with a commonly used spectrophotometric assay.
The concentration of haptoglobin was measured in 38 healthy and sick cats using a
sandwich‐ELISA (TECOmedical Group, Rheinbach, Germany). The validation included the
detection of intra‐assay and inter‐assay variation, dilution linearity, spike recovery
and lower detection limit. A spectrophotometric assay (Tridelta Development Ltd, Maynooth,
Ireland) was used as a reference method. All samples were measured in duplicate. Statistical
analysis was performed using IBM® SPSS® Statistics 20 (IBM Corporation®) and included
descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation (rs) and coefficients of variation (CV).
The coefficients of variation were 2.3%, 2.9% and 4.6% for intra‐assay variability
and 5.1%, 8.8% and 11.2% for inter‐assay variability. The ratio of observed to expected
dilutional parallelism of 4 serum samples diluted 3 times ranged from 108 to 118%.
The ratio of observed to expected spike recovery of 4 serum samples ranged from 91%
to 94%. The lower detection limit was 0.19 mg/ml. The correlation between the 2 assays
was significantly strong (rs = 0.94, P < 0.001).
The recently available sandwich‐ELISA provides a high accuracy and precision and can
therefore be used for the measurement of feline haptoglobin.
Conflicts of interest
The 3rd and 4th author (M. Hennies and C. Wienen) work for the company TECOmedical
Group that developed the ELISA which was evaluated in the study. They provided the
kits and they helped with performing the tests, but they did not have any influence
on the results and the interpretation of the data.
ESVCP‐P‐2
VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR: A BLOOD BIOMARKER IN CANINE IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY
FIBROSIS?
E. Roels
1, E. Krafft1, H.P. Laurila2, M.M. Rajamäki2, C. Clercx1
1ULG, Liege, Belgium2University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease
that mainly occurs in the West Highland white terrier (WHWT) breed. The CIPF diagnosis
commonly relies on thoracic high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings and
ultimately on histopathology. As those tests are not easily performed in practice,
identification of measurable markers of fibrosis, that might help to diagnose and/or
monitor the course of CIPF, is helpful. VEGF is an angiogenic regulator involved in
a variety of physiological and pathological processes. In human IPF, serum VEGF concentration
has been shown to be higher in IPF patients compared to healthy volunteers and may
reflect the severity of the lung disease. The aims of the present study were (1) to
investigate the potential role of VEGF as a peripheral blood biomarker in CIPF; and
(2) to investigate possible breed‐related differences in basal VEGF concentration,
that might explain the high predisposition of the WHWT breed for CIPF.Therefore, VEGF
was determined by ELISA (Canine VEGF Quantikine ELISA Kit, R&D systems) in the serum
of 14 WHWT with CIPF confirmed by HRCT and/or histopathology (median age 11 years,
range 5‐14), 18 healthy WHWT (9, 3‐17), and 85 healthy dogs of other breeds, including:
14 Scottish terrier (ST) (5, 1‐10), 16 Jack Russell terrier (JRT) (7, 1‐12), 15 Maltese
(6, 1‐13), 14 King Charles Spaniel (KCS) (6, 1‐10), 12 Labrador Retriever (LR) (6,
2‐12) and 14 Malinois Belgian Shepherd (6, 2‐8). Health status was based on clinical
examination, serum biochemistry and haematology in all healthy dogs and a thoracic
HRCT was performed in 9/18 healthy WHWT. The Khi² test with the threshold 5% was used
for the statistical analysis (XLStat® software). Eight CIPF WHWT (57%) have serum
VEGF concentrations above the kit detection limit (39.1 pg/ml) compared to 1 WHWT
(0.05%) in the group of healthy dogs (P = 0.001). Concerning inter‐breed differences
in healthy dogs, most values obtained were below the kit detection limit with only
3 KCS (21%), 3 JRT (19%), 3 LR (25%) and 1 ST (7%) having VEGF serum levels above
39.1 pg/ml (P = 0.147). Results of the present study show that (1) VEGF might be an
interesting blood biomarker for CIPF; (2) canine VEGF Quantikine Elisa kit is not
appropriate for measurement of serum VEGF levels in healthy canine populations.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVCP‐P‐3
COMPARISON OF TOTAL PROTEIN CONCENTRATIONS IN PLEURAL AND ABDOMINAL FLUID IN DOGS
ANALYSED WITH A REFRACTOMETER AND USING PENTRA 400®
A. Rose
1, D. Funk2, R. Neiger1
1Justus‐Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany2Kleintierklinik, Ludwigsburg‐ossweil,
Germany
The total protein (TP) concentration and cell count of pleural and abdominal fluid
is used to differentiate a transudate from an exudate. TP can be measured by automated
wet chemistry analyser or more easily using a refractometer. The aim of this study
was to assess if refractometer values of TP are useful for this purpose. Retrospectively
samples from canine pleural and abdominal effusions in which TP concentration was
measured both with a refractometer as well using Pentra 400 (ABX Horiba, Montpellier)
were included. Samples were collected into heparinized tubes and analysed within 12 hours.
Bland‐Altman diagrams were created and correlation between both measurements was calculated
by Spearman′s nonparametric correlation.
Over a 48‐months period, 93 pleural and 147 abdominal effusion samples were analysed
with both techniques. Median (range) TP concentrations in pleural effusion measured
by refractormeter or by Pentra was 33 (2‐57) g/l and 29 (7‐68) g/l, respectively.
Median (range) TP concentrations in abdominal effusions measured by refractometer
or Pentra was 42 (2‐70) g/l and 34 (2‐57) g/l, respectively. TP measurement between
refractometer and Pentra values were significantly correlated in pleural (r = 0.919,
P < 0.0001) and abdominal (r = 0.907, P < 0.0001) effusion. The Bland‐Altman graph
showed a bias in the thorax and abdomen of 2.8 and 5.7.
The refractometer is an acceptable, rapid and efficient method for determination of
total protein concentration in pleural and abdominal effusions in dogs to differentiate
transudates from exudates.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVCP‐P‐4
WELSH SPRINGER SPANIELS WITH COAGULATION FACTOR VII DEFICIENCY FROM FINLAND
U. Giger
1, J. Donner2, K. Raj3, H. Lohi4
1Section of Medical Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
of America2Genoscoper Laboratories, Helsinki, Finland3University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, United States of America4Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Research
Programs Unit, Helsinki, Finland
Coagulation factor VII (FVII) deficiency has been reported in Beagles since the 1960's.
Deficient dogs show a mild hemorrhagic tendency, but often remain asymptomatic and
are incidentally discovered by an isolated prolonged prothrombin time due to <10%
plasma FVII activity. Factor VII deficiency occurs commonly in Beagles, Alaskan Klee
Kais and Scottish Deerhounds. In these 3 breeds it is caused by a single missense
mutation (c.407G>A, p.Gly136Glu) in the second epidermal growth factor‐like domain
of FVII, which drastically reduces the secretion and activation of FVII. Research
beagles were also commonly affected which may have pharmaco‐toxicologically affected
studies but specific DNA screening programs have been established.
We report here on the discovery of FVII deficiency in Welsh Springer Spaniels (WSS)
in Finland based upon a novel screening panel for ˜100 known mutations underlying
inherited disorders in different canine breeds (www.mydogdna.com). Among 31 WSS initially
tested, 12 were heterozygously (39%), and 1 homozygously affected for the same FVII
mutation, which was confirmed by sequencing in all dogs. In order to determine whether
the mutation causes FVII deficiency also in this breed, we recruited 6 littermates
and their mother. None of these WSS had shown an increased hemorrhagic tendency, but
affecteds bled excessively following blood collection. We found that the 3 homozygous
affected dogs of the litter exhibited markedly prolonged prothrombin time but normal
partial thromboplastin time. They also had drastically reduced FVII activities but
normal to high FVIII and FIX activities compared to their littermate controls. The
3 heterozygous carriers tested did not show any prolongations in their prothrombin
time, but had half normal FVII activity.
In conclusion, we document here the presence of FVII deficiency in WSS based upon
DNA and coagulation activity testing. The common Gly136Glu mutation must have arisen
prior to the separation of the very different FVII deficient breeds. There is no knowledge
of an advantage of the heterozygote state. While there is only a mild hemorrhagic
tendency, bleeding dogs could be treated with fresh frozen or cryo‐poor plasma or
human recombinant FVIIa. This preliminary study indicates a high carrier frequency
in WSS. Screening by new platform DNA methods for this and other ancestral defects
is helpful to detect additional hereditary diseases and genetic predispositions in
different breeds, while other mutations are new and restricted to one or related breeds.
Conflicts of interest
Authors are affiliated with genetic disease screening test laboratory.
ESVCP‐P‐5
BREED‐SPECIFIC HAEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PHENOTYPES IN THE DOMESTIC DOG
R. Chang1, J. Lawrence1, E.B. Erin1, L.J. Davison2, B. Szladovits1, O.A. Garden
1
1Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom2University of Oxford, Oxford, United
Kingdom
Remarkably little has been published on haematological and serum biochemical phenotypes
of the domestic dog. Information on the signalment and complete blood cell count of
all dogs with normal red and white blood cell parameters judged by existing reference
intervals was extracted from a veterinary database; similar information was collected
from all dogs with normal serum biochemical profiles, considering all parameters other
than glucose as inclusion criteria. Normal haematological profiles were available
for 6046 dogs, 5447 of which also had machine platelet concentrations within the reference
interval; normal serum biochemical profiles were available from 3045 dogs, 1495 of
which also had accompanying normal serum glucose concentrations. For the haematological
data, 75 pure breeds plus a mixed breed control group were represented by 10 or more
dogs, while for the serum biochemical data, 60 pure breeds plus a mixed breed control
group were represented by 10 or more individuals. All measured haematological parameters
except mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and all serum biochemical
analytes except sodium, chloride and glucose, varied with age. Concentrations of white
blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils and platelets,
but not red blood cell parameters, all varied with sex, as did total protein, globulin,
potassium, chloride, creatinine, cholesterol, total bilirubin, and activities of alanine
aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), amylase and lipase. Neutering status
had an impact on haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), MCHC,
and concentrations of WBCs, neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes and platelets, as
well as all serum biochemical analytes except albumin, sodium, calcium, urea and glucose.
Principal component analysis (PCA) of haematological data revealed 37 pure breeds
with distinctive phenotypes, while PCA of serum biochemical data revealed over 50
pure breeds with distinctive phenotypes. Furthermore, all haematological parameters
except MCHC and all serum biochemical analytes except urea and glucose showed significant
differences between specific individual breeds and the mixed breed group. Twenty‐nine
breeds had distinctive haematological phenotypes and 21 breeds had distinctive serum
biochemical phenotypes when assessed in this way. Tentative breed‐specific reference
intervals were generated for breeds with a distinctive phenotype identified by comparative
analysis. This study represents the first large‐scale analysis of haematological and
serum biochemical phenotypes in the dog and underlines the important potential of
this species in the elucidation of genetic determinants of haematological and biochemical
traits, triangulating phenotype, breed and genetic predisposition, as well as the
urgent need for breed‐specific reference intervals in clinical practice.
Conflicts of interest
The author has received funding from BBSRC, Petplan Charitable Trust, and CRUK), but
none of thesegrants were for this study.
ESVE‐P‐1
PREVALENCE OF HYPERTHYROIDISM IN PORTUGUESE CATS
R. Dias Neves, L.J.I. Horspool
MSD Animal Health, Paço de arcos, Portugal
Hyperthyroidism is a common feline endocrinopathy. Anecdotal reports suggest this
disorder is rare within the Portuguese feline population. A descriptive, cross‐sectional
study was set‐up to describe the point prevalence of hyperthyroidism in Portugal from
mid‐March 2013 to the end of May 2014.
For each cat aged 10 years or older, irrespective of their suspected thyroid status,
presented to eight veterinary practices in Portugal, the veterinarian and the pet
owner had to complete a questionnaire and the veterinarian had to take a venous blood
sample (into a plain tube) from the cat, after obtaining signed owner consent. The
veterinary questionnaire included history, attitude, activity, heart rate and thyroid
palpation. Cats aged <10 years and those diagnosed previously with hyperthyroidism
were excluded. Blood samples were centrifuged and the serum harvested and stored frozen
until collection by the laboratory within 2 days of sampling. Total T4 was measured
using a chemiluminescent method (Immulite 1000, Siemens). Cats were classified as
hyperthyroid, equivocal or euthyroid based on a total T4 concentration of >51 nmol/L,
30‐51 nmol/L or <30 nmol/L, respectively. Repeat measurement of total T4 after 4‐6 weeks
was recommended for all equivocal cases. The individual cat was the statistical unit.
Descriptive statistics was used to summarise the data and associations between different
clinical signs analysed using Chi‐square, Fisher's exact test or the Mann‐Whitney
U test. The level of significance was set at 0.05.
Thirty cats were excluded from the prevalence analysis because they were aged <10 years
(between 4 and 9 years, n = 11) or their age was not stated (n = 19, four of these
cats were hyperthyroid). By the end of February 2014, samples had been submitted from
197 cats that met the inclusion criteria. Based on the thyroid hormone analysis, there
were 14/197 (9%) hyperthyroid, 28 (14%) equivocal and 152 (77%) euthyroid cats. Very
few follow‐up blood samples were taken.
Hyperthyroidism appears to be not uncommon in Portuguese cats. Getting owners to return
for follow‐up blood sampling appears to be problematic. Under‐reporting of hyperthyroidism
appears to be a significant problem in Portugal, as has been reported for some other
countries. Thyroid palpation should form part of routine physical examinations, especially
of middle aged and older cats. Older cats in Portugal should be screened for hyperthyroidism
even in the absence of a detectable thyroid nodule.
Conflicts of interest
Both authors are employees of MSD Animal Health. MSD Animal Health funded the study.
MSD Animal Health has an approved veterinary medicinal product for the treatment of
feline hyperthyroidism. This product is available commercially in some EU markets
but not in Portugal.
ESVE‐P‐2
ESTABLISHMENT OF A PROTOCOL FOR THE ISOLATION OF PURE PANCREATIC ISLETS OF LANGERHANS
IN CATS
I. Rito Brandao
1, L. Whiting1, E. Zini2, C.E. Reusch2, T. Lutz1, M. Osto1
1Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland2Clinic
for Small Animal Internal Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most commonly encountered endocrinopathies in cats
and its prevalence has increased in the past. Similar to human Type 2 Diabetes, feline
Diabetes is associated with comparable lesions occurring in the pancreatic islets,
namely islet amyloidosis and beta‐cell loss. Studying the pathophysiology of feline
diabetes and the molecular mechanisms through which glucose metabolism is disturbed
is largely hampered by the lack of a method for the isolation of pure pancreatic islets.
The aim of this project was to improve a previously established method for the isolation
of pancreatic islets; in particular enhancing the purity of isolated islets in this
species.
Cats that died or were euthanized due to severe illness other than pancreatitis or
other pancreatic disease were enrolled. Pancreata were perfused post‐mortem with 50 ml
Collagenase Type IV (0.5 mg/ml) through the pancreatic duct. The perfused organ was
then digested for 30’, 40’ and 60’ at 37 °C in a water‐bath and purified using a filtration
method. Islet cell viability and purity were determined by Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium
Bromide (MTT assay) and dithizone staining, respectively.
Perfusing the pancreas through the pancreatic duct allowed collagenase to access the
islets using anatomical structures and to improve islet yield compared to previously
established protocols in this species. The digestion time of 60’ provided the best
islet yield. After digestion, feline pancreatic islets remained satisfactorily viable
for 5 days in the culture system following regular media changes.
The current study has successfully optimized the isolation, purification and culture
maintenance of feline islets. The successful yield and viability of islets isolated
through the suggested protocol may provide promising potential as a source of islets
for diabetes research in cats.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVE‐P‐3
NESIDIOBLASTOSIS IN A CAT
L.E. Hambrook
1, A.A. Ciavarella1, J.S. Nimmo2, J. Wayne2
1Advanced Vetcare, Melbourne, Australia2Australian Specialised Animal Pathology Laboratory,
Melbourne, Australia
Nesidioblastosis describes a syndrome of acquired hyperinsulinaemia and associated
hypoglycaemia secondary to focal or diffuse (non‐neoplastic) beta cell hyperplasia
within the pancreas. Beta cell dysregulation is thought to occur secondary to pancreatic
injury. This syndrome has been reported in humans with increasing frequency, but it
has not previously been described in domestic pets.
A six year old, de‐sexed female British Shorthair cat presented with acute onset weakness
and mental dullness. Upon initial presentation the cat was mildly hyperglycaemic (9.9 mmol/L;
3.3‐6.7 mmol/L). Over the following 12 hours the cat developed central blindness,
tremors, intermittent seizures and opisthotonus. Repeat blood sampling revealed a
marked hypoglycaemia (0.8 mmol/L). An insulin level (performed on serum obtained while
the cat was hypoglycaemic) was inappropriately elevated (10938 pmol/L; reference range
72 ‐ 583 pmol/L). An intravenous bolus of 5% glucose resulted in rapid resolution
of all clinical signs and mild transient hyperglycaemia (12.5 mmol/L). Despite frequent
feeding, the hypoglycaemia (2.0 mmol/L) recurred, so an intravenous glucose continuous
rate infusion was commenced. An abdominal ultrasound was unremarkable, although three
cranial mesenteric lymph nodes were noted to be prominent (3 mm in width). An exploratory
laparotomy revealed a firm and erythematous left limb of the pancreas. The body and
right limb of the pancreas appeared grossly normal. Following surgical resection of
the left limb of the pancreas, the cat returned to a euglycaemic state after a brief
rebound hyperglycaemia. Histopathology revealed pancreatic fibrosis with marked multifocal
micronodular hyperplasia of exocrine and endocrine cells, mild lymphoplasmacytic inflammation
and ductular ectasia. Synaptophysin immunohistochemistry confirmed nodular beta cell
hyperplasia. Mild granulomatous lymphadenitis and hydropic change within hepatocytes
was also noted. The cat recovered uneventfully without any further intervention. It
gained weight and remained euglycaemic over the following six months.
While beta cell hyperplasia has been reported as an incidental histopathological finding
in euglycaemic young Beagles, this is the first reported case of clinically significant
hypoglycaemia secondary to nesidioblastosis in a domestic pet. While this condition
is rare, nesidioblastosis is being increasingly recognised in the human field and
it is an important differential to consider when investigating hypoglycaemia as it
cannot be differentiated from insulinoma without histopathological evaluation. Age
of onset may provide a clue to this non‐neoplastic disease, as this cat was much younger
than all previously reported cases of feline insulinoma (all > 12 years of age at
diagnosis). While recurrence has been reported in humans, a favourable outcome is
anticipated following partial pancreatectomy.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVE‐P‐4
FELINE HYPERTHYROIDISM IN PORTUGAL
H. Vilhena
1, A. Martins2, P. Almeida2, P. Ferreira3, I. Fonseca4, T. Lima5, A. Ribeiro5, N.
Carolino6, A.C. Silvestre‐Ferreira7
1Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama / Hospital Veterinário Baixo Vouga / CECAV, Portugal2Faculdade
Medicina Veterinária Universidade Lusófona Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisboa, Portugal3Laboratório
Segalab, Leça do balio, Portugal4Hospital Veterinário do Baixo Vouga, Águeda, Portugal5Policlínica
Veterinária de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal6Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária
e Veterinária, Santarém, Portugal7Departamento Ciências Veterinárias Universidade
de Trás‐os‐Montes e Alto Douro, Vila real, Portugal
Hyperthyroidism is the most common feline endocrinopathy of geriatric cats worldwide.
Nonetheless, data concerning the accurate prevalence of feline hyperthyroidism (FH)
is scarce; and apparently exhibit geographical variation, which can be an important
instrument in investigating risk factors through the analysis of exposure to different
factors in areas of high and low prevalence. In Europe, FH is considered more frequent
in the northern than in the southern countries.
The aims of this study were to determine the occurrence of FH in a region of Portugal,
to characterize clinical presentation and potential risk factors.
During an 18‐month period, 120 geriatric cats ≥ eight years from Aveiro (Central region
of Portugal) were selected. Cats were excluded if presented in shock or moribund,
or in treatment with drugs that might affect total T4 (TT4) serum concentration. The
TT4 concentration was determined through chemiluminescence (Immulite®, Siemens), and
diagnosis of FH established if TT4 serum concentration ≥ 4.0 μg/dl (reference values
0.8–3.9 μg/dl) associated with compatible clinical signs.
Information on age, gender, breed, weight, housing conditions (indoor vs outdoor),
use of external parasiticides, food (dry vs canned food and flavor), use of litter
box, environment, clinical signs and laboratory data was collected. All owners gave
informed consent.
Population studied included 49 males (40.8%) and 71 females (59.2%), mainly domestic
short‐haired cats (88.3%). Ages ranged from eight to 21 years old (11.8 + /‐ 3.0).
Eight (6.7%) cats were diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. If only cats ≥ 10 years of
age were considered (n = 89), prevalence raised to 9.0%. Hyperthyroid population comprised
four males and four females, ranging from 13 to 21 years old (15.6 + /‐ 2.7). Increasing
age (p = 0.001), polyphagia (p˂0.001), weight loss associated with increased (p˂0.001)
or normal appetite (p˂0.001), presence of thyroid uni or bilateral nodules (p˂0.001),
vomiting (p = 0.04) and hyperactivity (p = 0.006) were significantly associated with
hyperthyroidism in the geriatric population studied. Environment was also significantly
associated with development of FH (p˂0.001), with cats from urban or semi‐rural areas
at higher risk of developing the disease than cats living in a rural environment.
No other significant associations were found between hyperthyroidism and other factors
analyzed.
In our knowledge, no epidemiologic studies on FH have been performed in Portugal,
a country where the occurrence is believed to be low, but in which the population
of pet cats, the feline geriatric population and the clinical cases diagnosed have
been increasing.
Conflicts of interest
The study was partially supported by Laboratório Segalab S.A. and Dechra Veterinary
Products.
ESVE‐P‐5
EVIDENCE OF AUTOIMMUNITY IN A POPULATION OF DIABETIC DOGS FROM THE CANARY ISLANDS
Y. Brito‐Casillas
1, C. Melían1, J.C. Wiebe1, L. López‐Ríos1, O. Quesada2, A. Holder3, B. Catchpole3,
A.M. Wägner1
1Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias, Las palmas de
gran canaria, Spain2Comparative Pathology Dept., Veterinary Faculty, ULPGC, Arucas,
Spain3Pathology & Infectious Diseases Dept., Royal Veterinary College, Univ. of London,
London, United Kingdom
Canine diabetes mellitus (cDM) has been proposed to be a spontaneous animal model
of human autoimmune diabetes, and comparative research can be undertaken to investigate
the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Most epidemiological studies
of cDM have been performed in northern European and North American populations.
Our aim was to evaluate the epidemiology and clinical features of the diabetic dog
population from the Canary Islands, with special focus on immune‐mediated disease.
Dogs attending our Veterinary Teaching Hospital were included from January 2009 to
January 2012. Previously diagnosed and new cases were considered. Prevalence was calculated
as number of cDM/total number of dogs attending the hospital and incidence as newly
diagnosed cases divided by the same value per year. Anti‐insulin antibodies were assessed
by ELISA. Genotyping for dog leukocyte antigen (DLA) and measurement of canine anti‐GAD65
and anti‐IA2 antibodies by radio‐immunoprecipitation assay were performed in dogs
with suspected immune‐mediated diabetes.
Twenty‐nine dogs with cDM were identified from a mean population of 4302 (3741‐4581)
dogs per year (mean prevalence 0.23% and mean incidence cases per year 16 per 10,000).
Age at diagnosis was 9.45 years (range: 3.5‐14y). Most dogs were not neutered (87%
females; 83% males). Nine breeds were represented, including Poodle (21%) and Andalusian
wine‐cellar rat‐hunting dog (7%). Seasonality was observed in the diagnosis with peaks
in December and March‐April. Diabetes was classified as dioestrus diabetes (55%),
idiopathic/immune‐mediated (21%), iatrogenic (7%) and secondary to pancreatitis (14%)
or other endocrine disorders (3%).
Insulin‐treated dogs were negative for anti‐insulin antibodies (n = 19). From the
suspected immune‐mediated cases (n = 5), autoantibody reactivity was shown in two
cases (anti‐GAD65, n = 1; anti‐IA2, n = 1). No previously described, diabetes‐risk
DLA‐types were identified.
Although age, prevalence and incidence did not differ from previous studies, the high
proportion of entire females likely explained the high frequency of dioestrus diabetes.
The Andalusian wine‐cellar rat‐hunting dog was identified as a high‐risk breed for
cDM. Most of the DLA‐types seen have not been previously described, but at least two
have been associated with increased risk of autoimmunity in dogs. Further population‐based
studies are needed in different regions, to assess the heterogeneous nature of this
disease.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVE‐P‐6
COMPARISON OF THE PLASMA CORTISOL‐DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE‐RATIO IN HEALTHY DOGS AND
DOGS WITH HYPERADRENOCORTICISM
S. Hoffrogge, R. Mischke, M. Piechotta
University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
The cortisol‐dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)‐ratio is widely used in human medicine
as a marker for stress however it is not clear whether it could also help in distinguishing
hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) from other diseases which might have a negative impact
on the outcome of a dexamethasone low dose test. Therefore the aim of the study was
to evaluate the cortisol‐DHEA‐ratio as an additional diagnostic marker for HAC in
dogs. To achieve this aim, a reference range of this ratio depending on the sex should
be evaluated in healthy dogs and compared with dogs having a HAC. In 55 healthy dogs
(age: 1 ‐ 11.4 years) and in 20 dogs with HAC (age: 7.1 ‐ 14.6 years) of different
breeds the plasma concentration of cortisol (Immulite System, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics)
and DHEA (Beckman Coulter) was measured and the ratio was calculated. All dogs were
patients of the Small Animal Clinic except five of the healthy dogs which were recruited
from the Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy of the University. With
these data the cortisol‐DHEA‐ratio was calculated for male dogs (healthy dogs n = 18;
dogs with HAC n = 3), neutered males (healthy dogs n = 9; dogs with HAC n = 5), female
dogs (healthy dogs n = 21; dogs with HAC n = 5) and spayed females (healthy dogs n = 7;
dogs with HAC n = 7). The statistical analysis was performed with Sigma Stat. The
plasma cortisol‐DHEA‐ratio of healthy male dogs was the lowest ratio of all sexual
categories (mean average 84.8 ± 128) and it differed significantly to all other sexes
(neutered males = 231 ± 138, P = 0.002; females = 244 ± 124, P < 0.001 and spayed
females (183 ± 60.0, P = 0.006). The cortisol‐DHEA‐ratio showed no significant difference
between male and female dogs with HAC. Spayed females with HAC had significantly higher
cortisol‐DHEA‐ratios (501 ± 310) than healthy spayed females (P = 0.035) but no significant
differences were found in other sexual categories. This preliminary data indicates
that the cortisol‐DHEA‐ratio might not be a very promising tool for the diagnosis
of HAC. In addition, the significant gender‐dependency of this parameter has to be
considered and may generally limit its clinical usefulness. This study is financially
supported by the Bruns‐Stiftung.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVE‐P‐7
PREVALENCE OF FELINE HYPERTHYROIDISM AND INTRINSIC RISK FACTORS IN A CLINIC POPULATION
IN SOUTHERN GERMANY
A. Wehner, I.I. Koehler, K. Hartmann
Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Munich, Germany
Hyperthyroidism is common in older cats. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence
of feline hyperthyroidism and potential intrinsic risk factors in a hospital population
in Southern Germany.
Total thyroxine (T4) was prospectively measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in sera
of 425 cats older than 8 years that were presented to the Clinic of Small Animal Medicine.
A standardized physical examination was performed, and body condition score (BCS)
and thyroid palpation score (TPS) were assessed. Association between signalement,
BCS and TPS was analyzed by Student′s unpaired t‐test, Chi‐Square, and Mann‐Whitney
test. Level of significance was set at 0.05.
Fifty nine cats were diagnosed with hyperthyroidism leading to a prevalence of 13.9%
(CI 10.9‐17.5). Hyperthyroid cats were older than non‐hyperthyroid cats (p < 0.0001)
and more often female (p = 0.024, odds ratio 1.920). Domestic short or long hair cats
were more often affected than pedigrees (p = 0.015). Hyperthyroid cats had higher
TPS (p < 0.0001) and lower weight than non‐hyperthyroid cats (p < 0.0001) although
BCS was not different (p = 0.290). In 11 (2.5%) cats, the elevated T4 was an incidental
finding. In 3 of those, the disease was confirmed later (the others were dead due
to unrelated diseases). In 152 patients, hyperthyroidism was considered a differential
diagnosis and was confirmed in 32 (21.1%) cats although in 5 cats additional diagnostic
means were necessary.
Older female domestic cats are predisposed to hyperthyroidism which is frequently
diagnosed after the initial clinical suspect. In a few affected cats an elevated T4
is not present or can precede clinical signs.
Conflicts of interest
The study was partially funded by MSD Intervet.
ESVE‐P‐8
ENHANCED DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM FOR FELINE DIABETES MELLITUS
M. Rosca
1, L. Ferariu2, A. Burlacu2, G. Solcan1
1USAMV, Iasi, Romania, Iasi, Romania2Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi,
Iasi, Romania
The main endocrinopathy affecting both humans and pet felines is diabetes mellitus.
Accurate diagnosis is the most important aspect in the future outcome of the disease.
A computer based Decision Support System (DSS) is targeted on assisting clinicians
with one or more steps of the diagnostic process. The novelty of our DSS emerges from
the possibility of assisting both clinical and paraclinical diagnosis stages of diabetes
mellitus and all common combination of disorders associated with this endocrinopathy.
The motivation behind the development of such system is the desire to maximize the
reliability of clinical decisions.
The design of our feline diabetes mellitus DSS emerges from the syndrome of polyuria‐polydipsia,
with the possibility of spotting the accompanying pathologies. Fuzzy logic is used
for dealing with knowledge representation and uncertainty. The fuzzy rules proposed
to represent this knowledge emerge from anamnesis, clinician's input, clinical and
paraclinical description, and confirmation diagnostic tests. Clinical signs such as
polyuria‐polydipsia, persistent hyperglycemia, polyphagia, weight fluctuations, administration
of drugs with a diabetogenic potential, were considered decisive in the pattern of
diagnosis establishment. Registered medical records of 29 cats, 16 males and 13 females,
whit ages from 7 to 18 years old, were analyzed in order to validate the DSS. Using
Matlab software, the DSS was implemented and tested. For any case with polyuria‐polydipsia
the system provides, via a friendly graphical user interface, the diagnosis with the
highest probability. The set of diagnoses which can be generated by the DSS consists
in: a) diabetes mellitus; b) diabetes mellitus induced by (b.1) hypersomathotropism,
(b.2) hyperthyroidism, (b.3) hyperadrenocorticism and (b.4) diabetogenic medication;
c) diabetes mellitus in association with (c.1) chronic kidney failure and (c.2) heart
failure; d) ketoacidodic diabetes mellitus; e) pancreatitis. The DSS was applied with
success on all 29 cases, revealing the following diagnoses / no of cases: (a) ‐ 8,
(b.1) ‐ 2, (b.2) ‐ 1, (b.4) ‐ 8, (c.1) ‐ 3, (c.2) ‐ 3, (d) ‐ 4.
An adequate treatment protocol requires an accurate and complete diagnosis. Advanced
computational systems accompany clinicians in their decision making, leaving a reduced
space for medical errors and superfluous, expensive and time consuming tests. Future
work will be targeted on exploring the possibilities of combining the DSS with an
artificial neural network model for diabetes mellitus. This can be the foundation
of a complete case oriented management system for feline diabetes mellitus and associated
disorders.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVIM‐P‐1
ACTIVIN B, BUT NOT ACTIVIN A, IS UPREGULATED IN LUNGS OF WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIERS
WITH CANINE IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS
L.I.O. Lilja‐Maula
1, P. Syrjä1, H.P. Laurila1, E. Sutinen2, M. Palviainen1, K. Koli3, M.M. Rajamäki1,
M. Myllärniemi2
1University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland2University of Helsinki and Helsinki University
Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland3Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki,
Finland
Activins are cytokines belonging to the transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β superfamily.
It is thought that activins may be the key intermediary in TGF‐β1 mediated fibrotic
response. Activin A has been suggested to participate in the pathogenesis of human
idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), but studies regarding the role of activin B are
still spares. Canine IPF (CIPF) is a chronic, incurable interstitial lung disease
occurring particularly in West Highland White Terriers (WHWTs). During the disease
course, acute exacerbations (AEs), with poor prognosis, can occur. Histopathologically
AEs of CIPF are featured by diffuse alveolar damage, which is also a key feature in
acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Our objective was to study the expression
of activin A and B by immunohistochemistry in the lung tissue of CIPF WHWTs (n = 5),
CIPF WHWTs with concurrent AE (n = 4), and dogs of various breeds with ARDS (n = 4),
and to compare these findings to healthy WHWTs (n = 3). In addition, western blot
analysis of activin B from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of CIPF WHWTs (n = 6)
and healthy WHWTs (n = 6) was conducted. We demonstrated that activin B, but not activin
A, is strongly expressed in the altered alveolar epithelium in lungs of diseased WHWTs
as well as in ARDS lungs. Furthermore, activin B was detected in BALF of CIPF WHWTs,
most notably in samples from dogs with AE, but not in BALF of healthy WHWTs. This
novel finding suggests that activin B participates in the pathophysiology of CIPF
and might act as a potential marker of alveolar epithelial damage.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVIM‐P‐2
MORBIDITY IN THE NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLING RETRIEVER WITH A FOCUS ON IMMUNE‐MEDIATED
DISEASE
H. Bremer
1, Å. Vilson1, B.N. Bonnett2, H. Hansson‐Hamlin1
1Swedish university of agricultural sciences, Uppsala, Sweden2B.Bonnett Consulting,
Georgian bluffs, Canada
Dogs of the breed Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (NSDTR) are affected by several
immune‐mediated diseases, in particular steroid‐responsive meningitis‐arteritis (SRMA)
and an immune‐mediated rheumatic disease (IMRD). IMRD is a systemic lupus erythematosus‐related
disease characterized by chronic stiffness and pain in several joints. The aim of
this study was to investigate the morbidity in NSDTRs and to test the hypothesis that
NSDTRs are predisposed to SRMA and IMRD. Insurance data from a Swedish insurance company
(Agria insurance company, Stockholm, Sweden) from 1995‐2006 was used for the study.
Approximately one third of Swedish dogs are insured by Agria and the insurance database
is a validated tool for epidemiological studies. Assessment of morbidity was based
on veterinary care events. Disease diagnoses were grouped in both general and specific
disease categories. Individual diagnoses that were likely to represent IMRD were combined.
Morbidity was defined as incidence rates and presented as number of cases per 10 000
dog years at risk (DYAR). Relative risk (RR) for NSDTRs compared to other breeds combined
was calculated. The study included 445 336 dogs, 2890 were NSDTRs. The most common
general causes of veterinary care for NSDTRs were injuries followed by gastrointestinal
and musculoskeletal disorders with significant increased risk (RRs between 1.2 and
1.3) for NSDTRs compared to other breeds. The highest relative risk for NSDTRs was
for systemic lupus erythematosus (RR 19.0). Compared to other breeds, NSDTRs had an
increased risk for SRMA (RR 11.5) and IMRD (RR 11.8) with an incidence rate of 19.6
cases per 10 000 DYAR for SRMA and 8.8 cases per 10 000 DYAR for IMRD. The incidence
rate for SRMA and IMRD in NSDTRs were also compared to dogs of other retriever breeds.
The comparison revealed that NSDTRs also had a significant increased risk for both
SRMA (RR 20.8) and IMRD (RR 10.1) when compared to other retrievers only. This study
is the first to investigate the morbidity for IMRD in NSDTRs, which is important for
further research and breeding practice. For several reasons the incidence rates might
be underestimated and exact numbers should be interpreted with caution. However underestimation
of incidence rates should not differ between dogs of different breeds, therefore not
affecting the risk calculations. It can be concluded that NSDTRs are predisposed to
the diseases SRMA and IMRD with an increased risk compared to other breeds and to
other retrievers.
Conflicts of interest
Brenda N. Bonnett consults with Agria insurance company on various projects. Agria
insurance company has also funded work leading to the development of the insurance
data base that my study was based on.
ESVIM‐P‐3
VIRAL CO‐INFECTIONS IN DOGS WITH BACTERIAL PNEUMONIA
S.J. Viitanen, M.M. Rajamäki
University of Helsinki, University of helsinki, Finland
Canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) is a multifactorial contagious disease
caused by respiratory viruses and selected bacterial pathogens. CIRD has been shown
to be a predisposing factor in the development of bacterial pneumonia (BP) in dogs
housed in dense populations such as kennels and rehoming centers. The aim of this
study was to determine the prevalence of viral co‐infection and to assess its effects
on disease severity in household dogs diagnosed with BP.
A prospective cross‐sectional observational study was conducted and 20 dogs diagnosed
with BP caused by opportunistic bacteria were included. 13 dogs with chronic (> 30 days)
tracheobronchitis caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica were included as controls for
virus analysis. Diagnosis was confirmed by thorough clinical examinations as well
as with cytological and bacterial analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or transtracheal
wash (TTW) samples. Canine parainfluenssavirus (CPIV), Canine adenovirus, Canine herpesvirus,
Canine distempervirus, Canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV) and Canine pneumovirus
were analysed in BAL or TTW samples using RT‐PCR assay.
CPIV was detected in 7/20 (35%) and CRCoV in 1/20 (5%) respiratory samples in dogs
with BP. Respiratory viruses were not detected in dogs with chronic tracheobronchitis.
There were no significant differences in the duration of hospitalization (p = 0.427)
or arterial paO2 at presentation (p = 0.343) between BP dogs with and without a viral
co‐infection. These results indicate that co‐infections with respiratory viruses are
common also in household dogs with BP. Additionally, viral co‐infections did not cause
a more severe course of BP.
Conflicts of interest
The author's researcjh is financially supported by the Finnish Foundation of Veterinary
R and the Finnish Veterinary Foundation.
ESVIM‐P‐4
CAUSES OF CANINE ANEMIA IN TAIWAN: A FIVE‐YEAR RETROSPECTIVE SURVEY
E.C.Y. Lin
1, P.C. Liu1, L.L. Chueh1, B.L. Su2
1Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan2Institute
of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
Anemia is a common hematologic disorder in dogs, however, few data are available regarding
epidemiology and causes in Taiwan. To investigate the causes of anemia, 3174 anemic
cases (PCV< 37%) collected between January 2008 and December 2012 at National Taiwan
University Veterinary Hospital (NTUVH) were analyzed. Most dogs (72.1%, n = 2889)
presented with a mild form (25%≦PCV<37%), which was followed by a moderate form (15%≦PCV<25%;
20.8%, n = 660) and a severe form (PCV<15%; 7.1%, n = 225). Among the 2037 dogs with
identifiable causes, 70.4% (1435 dogs) were induced by single cause, whereas 29.6%
(602 dogs) by multiple causes. Neoplasia‐related anemia (n = 460), infectious pathogens‐related
anemia (n = 287), renal disease‐related anemia (n = 251) and post‐surgery/ trauma‐related
anemia (n = 182) account for 32.1, 20.0, 17.6 and 12.7% of single‐cause cases, respectively.
Furthermore, 123 of them (8.6%) presented with severe anemia. Severe anemia primarily
resulted from infectious disease‐related anemia (61.8%), followed by IMHA (11.4%),
and tumor‐related anemia (11.4%). Of the 76 infectious disease‐related severe anemic
dogs, the most common diagnosed pathogen was Babesia gibsoni (88.2%, n = 67), followed
by Ehrlichia canis (6.6%, n = 5)and Babesia canis (3.9%, n = 3). Taken together, tumors,
infectious diseases, and renal failure are the most frequently causes of canine anemia
in Taiwan, furthermore, B. gibsoni appeared to be the most important infectious pathogen
causing severe anemia which may be associated with the climate in this geographical
area.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVIM‐P‐5
DETECTION OF MYCOPLASMA CANIS AND MYCOPLASMA CYNOS BY SPECIFIC QUANTITATIVE POLYMERASE
CHAIN REACTION ASSAYS IN THE BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE FLUID IN DOGS INFECTED WITH BORDETELLA
BRONCHISEPTICA
M. Canonne‐Guibert
1, E. Roels1, E. Ramery1, F. Billen1, I.P. Peters2, C. Clercx1
1University Teaching Hospital, Liège, Belgium2TDDS Ltd., The Innovation Centre, University
of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) is one of the primary causative agents of canine infectious
respiratory disease (CIRD). This contagious disease, commonly seen in young dogs,
is often self‐limiting, although a wide range of respiratory signs can be found, from
mild illness to severe pneumonia leading to death. Although Mycoplasma cynos (M. cynos)
was recently identified as an emerging and possibly lethal pathogen in CIRD1, the
role of M. canis and M. cynos as primary respiratory pathogens still remains unclear.
Detection of these bacteria is now improved by quantitative polymerase chain reaction
(qPCR). In dogs with CIRD due to Bb, the frequency of co‐infection with Mycoplasma
spp, in particularM. cynos, and their possible role in the severity of the clinical
signs are unknown.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of M. canis and M. cynos
in a population of dog infected with Bb, compared with 2 other populations: healthy
dogs and dogs with bacterial bronchopneumonia where Bb was not involved (BBP).
Therefore, Bb, M. canis and M. cynos were detected by qPCR in the bronchoalveolar
lavage fluid (BALF) sample in 16 dogs with Bb (mean age = 0.9 y, mean BW = 8.8 kg),
10 dogs with BBP (3.9 y, 15.0 kg), and 10 healthy dogs (6.1y, 20.2 kg). Bordetellosis
was diagnosed based on clinical findings together with demonstration of pleiomorphic
cocci/coccobacilli adhering to the cilia of the epithelial cells on cytospin BALF
preparations, and positive qPCR on BALF. A clinical severity index (CSI 0 to 12) was
assigned based on clinical signs (cough 0‐2, dyspnea 0‐2, lethargy 0‐1, fever 0‐1),
thoracic radiographic pattern (0‐3), and BALF score (0‐3). BBP was diagnosed based
on clinical findings, BALF cytology and culture.
M. canis was indifferently detected in healthy (5/10, 50%), BBP (4/10, 40%) and Bb
dogs (3/16, 19%) while M. cynos tended to be more frequently detected in Bb group
(8/16, 50%) than in healthy (2/10, 20%) and BBP dogs (1/10, 10%) (Khi² test, p = 0,068).
In Bb dogs, no correlation could be detected between CSI and presence of M. cynos
(Khi² test p = 0,26).
In conclusion, the present data suggest that, in CIRD, coinfection with Bb and M.
cynos is frequent, but is not correlated with clinical disease severity. Further studies
are required to investigate whether coinfection of Bb and M. cynos deserves specific
therapeutic considerations.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVIM‐P‐6
DETECTION OF BORDETELLA BRONCHISEPTICA, MYCOPLASMA CANIS AND MYCOPLASMA CYNOS BY SPECIFIC
QUANTITATIVE POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION ASSAYS IN THE BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE FLUID
OF DOGS WITH EOSINOPHILIC BRONCHOPNEUMOPATHY
M. Canonne‐Guibert
1, E. Roels1, F. Billen1, I.P. Peters2, C. Clercx1
1University Teaching Hospital, Liège, Belgium2TDDS Ltd., The Innovation Centre, University
of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
Canine idiopathic eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy (EBP) is a disease characterized
by eosinophilic infiltration of the lung and bronchial mucosa in young adults. Aetiology
remains unclear although immunologic hypersensitivity is clearly suspected, while
inciting antigens are generally unidentified. In humans as in cats, infections with
Mycoplasma spp. have been discussed as potential triggers in inflammatory bronchial
disease1,2. Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) is a recognized pathogen agent of canine
infectious tracheobronchitis. Detection of Bb and Mycoplasma spp, especially Mycoplasma
cynos (M. cynos), and their potential role of in canine inflammatory bronchitis, have
not been investigated.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of Bb, Mycoplasma canis
(M. canis) and M. cynos in canine EBP. Therefore, presence of Bb, M. canis and M.
cynos were retrospectively assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)
in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples from 18 dogs with EBP (mean age = 4.5
y, mean body weight = 21.1 kg) as well as in 8 dogs with aspecific chronic bronchitis
(7.3 y, 22.3 kg). Based on clinical signs, a clinical severity score (CSS, 0‐5) was
assigned each EBP dog.
Although all BALF culture and cytology were negative for this bacteria, Bb was more
frequently detected by qPCR in EBP dogs (5/18, 28%) than in CB dogs (0%) (Khi² test,
p = 0,009). Presence of Bb in EBP dogs was independant of age but significantly associated
with CSS (Khi² test, p = 0,041).
Results of qPCRwere positive for M. canis and M. cynos in 6 (33%) and 2 (11%) EBP
dogs and in 1 (13%) and 1 (13%) CB dogs, respectively. There was no difference between
the 2 groups for any of the organisms. Any relation between age or CSS and presence
of M. spp in EBP dogs was observed.
In conclusion, M. canis and M. cynos do not seem to be predominantly involved in the
pathogenesis of canine EBP. However, Bb is more frequently detected in BALF from EBP
dogs than from dogs with aspecific CB and its presence is associated with clinical
severity. Whether Bb is able to trigger eosinophilic inflammation or is only more
easily collected in an inflamed environment is unclear. But EBP dogs could potentially
act as Bb carriers and source of infection. Therefore, Bb should be systematically
searched for in canine EBP cases and treated accordingly.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVNU‐P‐1
IS DISTAL RENAL TUBULAR ACIDOSIS UNDERDIAGNOSED IN DOGS PRESENTING WITH IMHA?
M.D. Alferez‐ Reyes
1, B. Griensteidl2, S. Kilpatrick1, A. Ridyard1
1University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom2Ambivet Veterinary Group, Heanor,
United Kingdom
Distal renal distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) was recently reported in three dogs
with IMHA. The purpose of this study was to explore the hypothesis that dRTA is an
underdiagnosed concurrent disorder in dogs with IMHA. We report the clinical presentation
and outcome of three dogs where the combination of IMHA and dRTA was strongly suspected.
The medical records of dogs diagnosed with IMHA at the University of Edinburgh Hospital
for Small Animals between January 2008 and May 2013 were reviewed to identify cases
where venous blood gas analysis and urinalysis had also been carried out. For the
purpose of this retrospective study IMHA was defined by the presence of anaemia with
PCV < 30%, and one or more of the following criteria; a positive slide agglutination
test, positive Coombs’ test or moderate to marked spherocytosis. The criteria for
diagnosis of dRTA included moderate to marked hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with
a normal anion gap; urine pH (> 6.0) in the face of metabolic acidosis; hypokalaemia
(< 3.5 mmol/l).
Fifty‐seven records were evaluated, with 39 cases being excluded due to insufficient
clinical information, including inability to determine urinary pH due to the severity
of pigmenturia in four cases. Of the 18 cases where there was sufficient clinical
data to assess the likelihood of dRTA only one case fulfilled all the criteria; two
cases fulfilled all but one of the criteria and dRTA was strongly suspected based
on clinical progression and persistence of urine pH > 6 in the face of severe metabolic
acidosis.
Of the three cases where concurrent IMHA and dRTA was suspected, two survived to discharge;
one was still alive at the time of writing (13 months after discharge) and the other
was euthanased 2 months after discharge following the development of multiple joint
effusions and skin lesions suggestive of SLE.
Venous blood gas analysis and assessment of urine pH should be considered in all cases
of IMHA to exclude the possibility of concurrent dRTA, particularly where persistent
hypokalaemia is detected. Prospective evaluation of a larger cohort of IMHA cases
is required to determine the actual incidence of concurrent dRTA.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVNU‐P‐2
PREVALENCE OF PROTEINURIA IN CATS AFFECTED WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
P. Scarpa, E. Lazatera, T. Vitiello
UNIVERSITY OF MILAN, Milano, Italy
Persistent renal proteinuria is considered an early marker of chronic kidney disease
(CKD) and it is listed among the initiation factors and progression factors according
to KDOQI guidelines. Nevertheless, few data are available about the prevalence of
proteinuria in cats affected with CKD, in which it is assumed that nephropathy is
mainly characterized by tubulointerstitial damage.
The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of proteinuria in cats affected
with CKD and to valuate the relations between urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPC)
or IRIS substaging by proteinuria, towards purebred, sex, age, haematology, biochemistry
and urinalysis. Wilcoxon test, linear regression and chi‐square test were used for
the statistical analysis.
Data from 251 cats were considered. Non‐renal proteinuria was an exclusion criterion.
Proteinuric cats (UPC>0.4) were 15.4% in CKD cats, while 15.9% could be substaged
as bordeline proteinuric (0.2)
In cats, proteinuria tends to increase with aging (p < 0.0001) and with worsening
of the nephropathy (p = 0.002). Proteinuria was related to the anaemic state in CKD
cats: UPC significantly increases with RBC count, Hb, Ht and MCH decreasing (p < 0.0001
and p = 0.049 respectively). Proteinuria tends to increase with WBC count (p = 0.0001)
and neutrophils increasing (p = 0.0001), while tends to decrease with lymphocytes
increasing (p = 0.008). Furthermore, UPC significantly increases in presence of an
inflammatory serum protein electrophoretic pattern.
UPC tends to increase with phosphorus and ALP increasing (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0005
respectively); while the role of phosphorus in CKD is well known, the increase of
ALP is questionable: it has been hypothesized that higher ALP levels in CKD could
be related to B‐ALP increase due to bone remodelling in secondary renal hyperparathyroidism.
Considering urine parameters, UPC increases when urinary specific gravity and pH decrease
(probably related to worsening of CKD and development of a metabolic acidosis) and
when glicosuria is present, regardless of the cause.
Furthermore, proteinuria increases in presence of RBC in urinary sediment and in samples
where casts were observed, in particularly when RBC casts (considered always pathological
and indicative of glomerular damage) were present.
UPC values assessed in proteinuric cats and data analysis suggest the need of deepen
the analytical variability of UPC and the opportunity to reconsider the intervals
of substaging by proteinuria in cats.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVNU‐P‐3
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN DOGS AND CATS: URINE CULTURE VERSUS URINALYSIS
P. Scarpa, T. Vitiello, L. Riedo, M. Persico, P.A. Martino
UNIVERSITY OF MILAN, Milano, Italy
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a big challenge in clinical practice because of
the variability of symptoms and laboratory findings.
The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate: a) the relations between urine
culture results and urinalysis parameters; b) the results of the antimicrobial susceptibility
tests.
Urine samples were collected by cystocentesis from 252 dogs and 52 cats, whose diagnostic
workup included a differential diagnosis of UTI: all samples underwent a complete
urinalysis, UPC ratio assessment and urine culture. Infected vs sterile results were
related to urine physical, chemical parameters and observations from urinary sediment
analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using JMP 7.0 (SAS Institute Inc.). A
p value <0,05 was considered significant.
Urine culture resulted positive in 104 dogs (41%) and 18 cats (33%). The presence
of UTI was significantly related to urine physical properties (color and turbidity),
USG and leukocyturia: infections tended to be more frequent in urine samples characterized
by a light yellow color, cloudy or sub‐limpid aspect and low USG. Nevertheless, urine
was limpid in 30% of infected samples, and a normal USG was found in 28.6% of dog's
UTI but only in 4.8% of cats. Although leukocyturia tends to become higher in infected
samples both in dogs and cats (p < 0.0001), in 23.1% of infected sediments WBC count
was normal. Haematuria detected by dipstick was significantly related to UTI in dogs
but not in cats, nevertheless the RBC count in sediment was not related to infection
in both species: RBC count was normal in 30.4% of infected feline samples and in 36.4%
of canine samples. No significant relation between presence or absence of UTI and
albuminuria, bilirubinuria, glycosuria was detected, while UPC tends to become significantly
higher in dogs. Although the chi‐square test showed a significant relation between
infection and the detection of bacteria in urinary sediment, a pseudobacteriuria was
found in 20.5% of samples; furthermore bacteria weren't observed in 25.1% of infected
samples (USG<1.013).
E. coli was isolated in the majority of samples (45,9%), compared to other species:
Staphylococcus(13.6%), Proteus (10.2%) and Streptococcus. (8.5%). The urinalysis pitfalls
and the high antibiotic resistance verified towards the most widely used molecules
(penicillins, cephalosporins, quinolones) strongly indicates the importance to perform
antimicrobials susceptibility tests to avoid the risk of failure associated with the
use or abuse of empiric therapies in UTIs.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVNU‐P‐4
THE EVALUATION OF RENAL FUNCTION AFTER MITRAL VALVE REPAIR IN DOGS
K. Harada, Akiko Nishikawa, Masami Uechi
Japan, Tokyo, Japan
Azotemia in dogs with chronic heart failure may reflect impaired renal function not
only because of inadequate renal perfusion, but also due to organic renal injury.
Impaired renal function is observed in 50% of dogs with heart failure. Altered renal
hemodynamics due to decreased cardiac output results in renal hypoperfusion, and resultant
elevation of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, defined as azotemia. Azotemia is
a prognostic factor in dogs with mitral regurgitation, therefore, preservation and/or
restoration of renal function is thought to improve prognosis. Medical treatment for
heart failure, however, includes angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and loop
diuretics, which has been shown to increase the risk of developing azotemia. We hypothesized
that mitral valve repair surgery ameliorates renal function by improvement of systemic
hemodynamics. The change in renal function in dogs with mitral regurgitation was assessed
by evaluating time‐dependent changes in glomelular filtration rate by inulin clearance
before and after cardiac surgery. Eighteen dogs with severe mitral regurgitation with
azotemia (plasma urea nitrogen level > 28 mg/dL, plasma creatinine level >1.9 mg/dL)
were included in this study. The glomerular filtration rate in all dogs were evaluated
by determining inulin clearance before and 3 months after surgery. Serum atrial natriuretic
peptide level, plasma NT‐pro brain natriuretic peptide level, plasma urea nitrogen
concentration, and plasma creatinine concentration were measured at each time point
as well as during the initial staging of heart failure based on the International
Small Animal Cardiac Health Council (ISACHC). Left atrial/aorta ratio by echocardiography
and vertebral heart size by thoracic radiographs were also measured. Glomerular filtration
rate significantly increased 3 months after surgery (40.0 ml/min/m2 [25.6 ‐ 123.0],
2.7 ml/min/kg [1.0 ‐ 5.3]) compared to before surgery (38.4 ml/min/m2 [12.6 ‐ 50.3],
2.2 ml/min/kg [0.7 ‐ 3.8]) (P < 0.05). The ISACHC stage of heart failure was improved
at 3 months after surgery compared to before surgery. In addition, serum atrial natriuretic
peptide level, plasma NT‐pro brain natriuretic peptide level, plasma urea nitrogen
concentration, LA/Ao and VHS significantly decreased after surgery (P < 0.05). The
use of diuretics decreased after mitral valve repair surgery and consequently, a decrease
in plasma urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were observed. Therefore, this suggests
that the main cause of azotemia in dogs with mitral regurgitation may be due to inadequate
renal blood flow and exacerbation by the use of diuretics.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVNU‐P‐5
VALIDATION OF A HIGH PERFORMANCE CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS METHOD FOR MEASUREMENT
OF GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE BY SERUM IOHEXOL CLEARANCE IN DOGS
L. Pelligand1, S. Williams
2, J. Elliott1
1Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom2DeltaDot Ltd, London, United Kingdom
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is generally considered to be the gold standard measurement
of kidney function. GFR can be calculated by measuring serum iohexol clearance using
concentrations at 2,3 and 4 hours following a bolus injection.
For validation, serum samples were spiked at low (0.017 mg/mL), medium (0.27 mg/mL)
and high (2.16 mg/mL) iohexol concentrations. They were analysed, along with standard
calibration curves (8 concentrations ranging from 0.017 to 2.16 mg/mL), using deltaDOT's
Label‐Free high performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) system. Data were analysed
using deltaDOT's General Separation Transform (GST). Clinical and spiked serum samples
were also sent for analysis by mass spectrometry (MS) at a reference laboratory (14
samples for comparison). Concentrations obtained by HPCE and MS were compared in a
Bland Altman plot. GFR for clinical samples was calculated from the measured iohexol
concentrations using the method reported by Bexfield (2008).
A validated method was produced, with a lower limit of detection of 0.009 mg/mL and
an lower limit of quantification of 0.017 mg/mL. The upper limit of quantification
was 2.16 mg/mL. The standard curve had excellent linearity (R2 = 0.993). Maximum inaccuracy
was less than 11.5% of the true value, except at LLOQ, where it was within 24.2%.
Average within day variability was less than 13.1% at all levels, while between day
variability was less than 5.6%, except at LLOQ, where it was less than 15.4%. Agreement
between the results obtained by measurement with HPCE and MS was good (bias 1.3%,
lower and upper limits of agreement of ‐15.4 and 18.0%, respectively). Method specificity
was confirmed by the absence of matrix effect in six serum specimen obtained from
clinical dogs. Clinical samples were analysed and GFR reported with a 3 day turnaround
time.
In conclusion, HPCE provides an accurate and precise method for measuring iohexol
in canine serum.
Conflicts of interest
L Pelligand has the following information to disclose: In receipt of research grant
/ contract funding from Orion Ltd., Novartis Animal Health, Transpharmation Ltd, DeltaDot
Ltd; Acted as a consultant for: Triveritas Ltd. and Novartis Animal Health; S Williams
is an employee of the RVC and works in collaboration with deltaDot Ltd; J. Elliott
has the following information to disclose: Consultancy: Pfizer Animal Health / Zoetis,
CEVA Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim, Vetoquinol Ltd, Orion Ltd., Elanco Ltd,
Idexx Ltd, Niche Generics Ltd. Triveristas Ltd., Virbac Ltd., Advisory board membership:
International Renal Interest Society (supported by Novartis) European Emesis Council
(sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health ‐ now Zoetis) Cardiorenal Board ‐ Vetoquinol Ltd.
Idexx Renal Advisory Board Research Grants or contracts: Vetoquinol Ltd, Novartis
Ltd, Pfizer Animal Health Ltd (now Zoetis), Royal Canin Ltd, Boeringher Ingelheim
Ltd, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, CEVA Animal Health Orion Ltd.
ESVONC‐P‐1
CYSTIC PANCREATIC NEOPLASIA IN CATS
C.M. Borschensky
1, K. Steiger2, A. Staudacher3, M. Schlitter2, I. Esposito2, H. Aupperle1
1Laboklin GmbH&Co. KG, Bad kissingen, Germany2TU München, Institute of Pathology,
München, Germany3Veterinary Clinic Dr. Staudacher, Aachen, Germany
Pancreatic neoplasms in the cat mostly exhibit a solid growth pattern and are diagnosed
as carcinomas. In contrast, only few reports about cystic pancreatic lesions exist.
Until now, only benign cystic pancreatic lesions are described in the literature.
According to the histological pattern, they have been termed as cysts, (acinar) cystadenoma
or pseudocysts. In man, cystic pancreatic neoplasms are classified according to the
localisation (intra‐/extraductal), growth pattern and differentiation (mucinous, (tubulo)papillary,
serous, acinar).
The aim of this study was to characterise feline pancreatic neoplasms in more detail,
based on the human classification system with a special view on cystic lesions.
Pancreatic masses sent to LABOKLIN from 19 domestic cats (7‐14 years) were investigated
routinely macroscopically and by histological methods (H.&E. stain).
The neoplasms showed a cystic (n = 8) or solid (n = 11) pattern. Cystic pancreatic
tumors were up to 7 cm in diameter and were classified as benign variants in five
and malignant variants in three cases. Based on the human classification system, they
were classified as tubulopapillary (n = 2), acinar (n = 2) and mixed (n = 1) adenomas
and mixed carcinomas (n = 3), respectively. Solid pancreatic nodules were diagnosed
as carcinomas with a tubular (n = 5) or acinar (n = 6) differentiation pattern.
In summary, the gross structure (solid versus cystic) seems to be of prognostic relevance.
In contrast to solid tumors, cystic pancreatic lesions in the cat behave benign in
a higher percentage of cases, resulting in a better prognosis. Therefore, surgical
excision of these cystic masses can be recommended. With respect to the human classification
system, three different subtypes of cystic pancreatic neoplasms were detected in the
cat that have not been described before in veterinary medicine: tubulopapillary, acinar
and mixed. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report of cystic adenocarcinomas
in feline pancreas.
Further corresponding clinical and histological investigations are needed for a better
diagnostic (ultrasound, MRI) and prognostic characterisation of cystic lesions in
feline pancreas.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVONC‐P‐2
ROLE OF CYCLOOXIGENASE‐2 IN PROGNOSIS OF CANINE MAST CELL TUMOURS
H. Gregorio, J. Prada, I. Pires, F.L. Queiroga
University of Trás‐os‐Montes and Alto Douro, Vila real, Portugal
The immunohistochemical detection of Cyclooxygenase‐2 (Cox‐2) expression in canine
mast cell tumours was recently described by our team (Prada et al., 2012). However
its prognostic value needs to be established. The aim of the present work was study
the prognostic value of Cox‐2 expression by investigating the relationship with several
clinical and pathological variables including the Overall Survival (OS) time.
We included 57 dogs with mast cell tumours (18 grade I; 21 grade II and 18 grade III).
Cox‐2 immunohistochemical expression was carried out by a streptavidin‐biotin method.
For the Cox‐2 immunoreactivity evaluation were considered the number of positive cells
(Cox‐2 extension), the intensity and the score of Cox‐2. The following clinical and
pathological features were considered: animal age, sex, tumour anatomical location,
tumour size, skin ulceration, histological grade, histological safety margins and
number of mitosis. Cox‐2 expression was correlated with the clinical and pathological
data and with the overall survival.
Cox‐2 intensity was statistical significantly associated with skin ulceration (p = 0,009);
histological grade (p = 0,006) and absence of histological safety margins (p = 0,043),
high mitotic number (p = 0,024) and with overall survival (p = 0,02). Both Cox‐2 extension
and Cox‐2 immunohistochemical score present no statistical relationship with the variables
considered neither with the overall survival.
Our results suggest that Cox‐2 have an important role in dog mast cell tumours progression
and could constitute a promising therapeutic target in this neoplasia. However, our
study also demonstrated that in MCTs, is the Cox‐2 intensity that has the prognostic
value, not the number of Cox‐2 positive cells (Cox‐2 extension) and not the Cox‐2
immunohistochemical score. Consequently, Cox‐2 intensity should be elected for evaluating
the Cox‐2 positivity in MCTs immunohistochemical studies.
Conflicts of interest
Merial provided financial support for immunohistochemical analayis. The research centres
has also received financial suppoprt from CECAV, CECA and CITAB.
ESVONC‐P‐3
RADIOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF 32 CANINE SUBCUTANEOUS SOFT TISSUE SARCOMAS
M. Kleiter
1, M. Moser2, I. Flickinger2, M. Pagitz2, M. Willmann2, A. Tichy3, B. Wolfesberger2
1University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria2Department for Companion
Animals and Horses, Vienna, Austria3Department for Biomedical Sciences, Vienna, Austria
Canine soft tissue sarcomas represent approximately 7‐15% of all skin tumors. Wide
surgical excision is the treatment of choice for this tumor entity. Radiotherapy is
recommended for patients with incomplete resections and adjuvant chemotherapy for
high grade sarcomas. The aim of this study was to analyse the first patient cohort
treated at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna since installation of a linear
accelerator in 2006.
Dogs which were radiated for a subcutaneous sarcoma between 2006 and 2011 were included.
Medical records were reviewed and patient characteristics, treatment protocols, adjuvant
therapies and outcome were analysed. Follow‐up information was obtained from medical
records and by phone conversations with veterinarians or pet owners.
Thirty‐two dogs were included into this study. Mean age was 9 years and mean body‐weight
was 32 kg. Male dogs were slightly overrepresented (59.4%). Curative intent radiotherapy
was applied in 22 dogs and palliative intent in 10 dogs with a mean total dose of
51 and 28.4 Gray, respectively. In 17 dogs microscopic disease was radiated. Five
dogs received liposomal doxorubicin concomitantly with radiotherapy, two received
adjuvant doxorubicin and one intralesional cisplatin. Overall median survival time
was 914 days with curative and 513 days with palliative treatment. Overall median
survival time in dogs with macroscopic disease was 369 days and in patients with microscopic
disease it was not reached.
Radiotherapy was generally accepted as new treatment modality by pet owners and referring
veterinarians. Comparable to the literature, best outcome was achieved for dogs radiated
with microscopic disease
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ESVONC‐P‐4
ONCEPT® VACCINATION IN 34 DOGS ‐ THE SOUTH AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
J.L. Mclean, R. Lobetti
Bryanston Veterinary Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
Oncept®, is indicated for the treatment of stage II or III oral melanoma after local
control with survival times significantly increased following vaccination. A similar
improvement in survival times has also been reported with digit melanoma.
Medical records of dogs diagnosed with melanoma between March 2009 and December 2013
were retrospectively evaluated. Inclusion criteria were a histopathological diagnosis
of melanoma, surgical excision of the tumour, and vaccination using the Oncept® vaccine.
34 dogs met the inclusion criteria.
23 dogs had stage II and III oral melanoma with a median age of 9.1 years (range 5‐14).
Currently 7 still alive with a median survival time of 25 months (range 2‐40) and
16 dead ‐ 13 with progressive disease and the other 3 from unrelated causes (one with
gastric torsion, one with severe degenerative joint disease and one with osteosarcoma
of the humerus). Median survival time in this group was 10 months (range 5‐25). Sex
distribution was 11 males and 12 females of various breeds ‐ Dachshund (3), GSD (3),
Spaniel (3), Pekinese (2), Rottweiler (2), Staffordshire terrier (2), Bouvier, Giant
Schnauzer, Maltese, Irish setter, Kerry blue terrier, Golden retriever, Scottish terrier,
and Great Dane (1 of each).
6 dogs had stage II digit melanoma with an equal sex distribution and a median age
of 7.8 years (range 3‐10). Currently 5 still alive and one dead, the latter following
surgery for resection of a rib osteosarcoma. Median survival time of the 5 survivors
was 23 months (range 5‐40). Survival time of the dog that died was 12 months. Breeds
were Golden retriever (2), Bouvier (1), Chow (1), Schnauzer (1) and Shar Pei (1).
5 dogs had stage II‐IV melanoma at various other sites with a sex distribution of
3 females and 2 males with a median age of 10.4 years (range 9‐11). All tumours were
infiltrative and involved the inguinal area, ventral abdomen, axilla, forelimb and
hindlimb. Survival times of the 3 survivors are 16, 38 and 39 months. Survival time
of the 2 dogs that died was 2 and 3 months. Breeds were Dachshund (2), Staffordshire
terrier (2) and Ridgeback (1).
Of the 34 dogs vaccinated, 15 are still alive and 19 dead. The median survival time
of the dogs still alive is 25.5 months (range 5‐40) versus 13.4 months (range 2‐25)
for the dogs that have died. None of the dogs showed any adverse effect to the vaccine.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ISCAID‐P‐1
MORPHOLOGICAL RENAL LESIONS IN DOGS SEROPOSITIVE FOR CANINE VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS
M.G. Monteiro Carvalho Mori Cunha, C. Lacerda Soares1, G. Bezerra de Moraes, F. Antônio
Félix Júnior, I. Lira Borges, I. Neto Góes da Silva, D. Araújo Viana, J. serra azul
Monteiro Evangelista
Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL) is a serious chronic disease that affects different
animal species. Infected macrophages can cause injury in different organs, including
the kidney. CVL is known as a common cause of glomerulonephritis. Thus, this study
aimed to investigate and characterize the renal lesions in dogs seropositive for Leishmania
sp. in Brazil. This project was approved by the animal ethics committee of UECE, Brazil.
Twenty adult dogs seropositive for CVL from Center for Zoonosis Control were randomly
selected for this experiment. CVL was diagnosed by immunofluorescence and ELISA. Urine
and blood sampling and kidney harvesting were performed immediately after euthanasia.
Urinalysis and serum creatinine levels were evaluated. Hematoxilin and eosin stained
kidneys were assessed by a pathologist in a blind fashion. Dogs were classified into
four stages according to the International renal interest society staging system for
chronic kidney disease (CKD), based on serum creatinine concentrations. The most frequent
histopathological changes observed was mild interstitial fibrosis in 55% (11/20) and
glomerulosclerosis and chronic multifocal lymphoplasmacytic interstitial nephritis
in 70% (14/20) of the dogs. Urinalysis showed the presence of proteinuria (70%), casts
(55%), hematuria (30%) and bacteriuria (15%). Twelve dogs were classified in the stage
1 of CKD, five in stage 2, two in stage 3 and only one in stage 4. Regarding the histopathologic
changes, 95% (19/20) had at least one glomerular lesion. Glomerulosclerosis (35%)
and multifocal glomerulonephritis (15%), glomerular fibrosis (20%) and thickening
of Bowman's capsule (15%) were also observed. One dog showed only tubular and interstitial
lesions. An expressive renal impairment and signs of chronic injury such as fibrotic
areas were also observed, even in the animals in stage 1 of CKD. The glomerular thickening
observed in animals with CVL is due to deposition of proteinaceous material or antibodies.
The histopathological changes observed in this study demonstrated a significant renal
involvement in dogs with CVL. This result indicates that the glomerulonephritis is
a common sequelae related to leishmaniasis infection. Even dogs in stage 1 of CKD
showed significant renal histopathological changes. Animals infected with Leishmania
sp. may have severe renal damage and risk of progressive chronic kidney disease even
when no increase of creatinine levels or proteinuria is detected.
Conflicts of interest
The authors received funding to pay the PhD scholarship of one student (Conselho Nacional
de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento ‐ CNPq‐ Brazil) and received a research grant from Fundação
Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico ‐ FUNCAP.
ISCAID‐P‐2
PREVALENCE OF ANAPLASMA PHAGOCYTOPHILUM IN HEALTHY CANINE BLOOD DONORS
A. Chirek
1, C. Silaghi2, K. Pfister2, B. Kohn1
1Germany, Clinic of Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universi,
Berlin, Germany2Institute of Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, LMU Munich,
Munich, Germany
Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causative agent of canine granulocytic anaplasmosis,
is an obligatory intracellular bacterium transmitted by Ixodes ticks. Transmission
via blood transfusion has rarely been described in human medicine and once in a dog.
In the Berlin/Brandenburg area the seroprevalence rate in dogs was 43% regardless
of health status.
The aim of this study was to evaluate PCR screening results for A. phagocytophilum
in canine blood donors between 2006 ‐2012 in order to estimate the risk of transfusion‐transmitted
infection.
917 EDTA blood samples from 517 dogs were submitted for A. phagocytophilum real‐time
PCR testing (targeting the msp2‐gene). Altogether 158 dogs were tested up to 11 times.
Clinical and laboratory data were examined before each donation. Statistical analysis
was performed using SPSS 17.0.
The PCR test was positive for 21 of the 917 samples. None of the dogs tested PCR positive
more than once. Positive results were most often detected in June (8), May (5), and
July (3), but also in five other months. In three dogs a mild increased in rectal
temperature (≥ 39,0°C) was documented. Mild laboratory abnormalities were noted in
11 dogs: thrombocytopenia (3), leukocytosis (2), leukopenia (2), anemia (1) and hyperproteinemia
(6/18); four dogs had more than one abnormality. There was no significant difference
between the PCR negative and positive blood samples in regard to laboratory abnormalities.
Altogether, 2.3% of blood samples from healthy canine blood donors were PCR positive
for A. phagocytophilum. Therefore, blood donors should be screened by PCR in endemic
areas all year round.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ISCAID‐P‐3
STUDY OF RISK FACTORS IN CATS WITH URTD, CONJUNCTIVITIS AND CHRONIC GINGIVOSTOMATITIS
IN SPAIN
M. Fernandez Aragones
1, E.G. Manzanilla1, A. Lloret1, M. León2, J.C. Thibault3
1Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Bellaterra, Spain2Merial Laboratorios, Barcelona,
Spain3Merial SAS, Lyon, France
A large multicentric study was conducted in Spain to evaluate risk factors for upper
respiratory tract disease (URTD), conjunctivitis and chronic gingivostomatitis (CGS),
as well as for the presence of four pathogens [feline herpesvirus‐1 (FHV‐1), feline
calicivirus (FCV), Chlamydophila felis and Mycoplasma felis].
The study population consisted of 358 cats, including 98 control cats recruited from
29 veterinary practices across the country. Among the 260 disease cats, 127 cats presented
URTD, 149 cats had conjunctivitis and 153 cats suffered chronic gingivostomatitis,
many of them presenting more than one clinical sign. PCR for the above‐mentioned pathogens
was performed from pooled conjunctival and oropharyngeal swabs for each cat. A questionnaire
regarding signalment (age, breed, sex, neuter status), environment (indoor, number
of cats in household) and vaccination history was obtained. Data was analysed by multivariable
logistic regression with alpha equal to < 0.05.
The prevalence for the four pathogens has been previously reported in detail. Briefly,
the prevalence among the four groups (including controls) ranged from 6 to 28% for
FHV‐1, 15‐58% for FCV, 2‐20% for Chlamydophila felis and 20‐46% for Mycoplasma felis.
In the univariate analysis, age, neutering status, being purebred, indoor keeping,
number of cats in the household and body weight were variably associated with the
different groups of disease and the presence of the pathogens. In the multivariable
analysis, only the following factors remained significant. In the multivariable analysis,
only the following factors remained significant: URTD was significantly associated
with positive results for FHV‐1, Chlamydophila felis and Mycoplasma felis (in addition
to being male and not castrated); conjunctivitis was significantly associated to positive
results for FHV‐1 and Chlamydophila felis (in addition to being young, not castrated
and purebred) and CGS was significantly associated to positive results for FCV (in
addition to being young, male and purebred). Not being properly vaccinated was a significant
risk factor only when all three groups were analyzed together. The number of cats
in the household was an independent risk factor for detecting each of the pathogens
studied. The age was also a significant factor in cats with FCV and Chlamydophila
felis, being older cats predisposed to FCV and younger cats predisposed to Chlamydophila
felis.
The present study describes important epidemiological data for cats presenting URTD,
conjunctivitis and/or CGS, and emphasizes the complex interrelationships occurring
among the different pathogens. Our results also support the role of FCV in cats with
chronic gingivostomatitis.
Conflicts of interest
The study was funded and designed by Merial Laboratories.
ISCAID‐P‐4
HIGH FREQUENCY OF COLONIZATION BY METHICILLIN‐RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCI IN HEALTHY HUMANS
IN DAILY CONTACT WITH ANIMALS IN PORTUGAL
C. Pomba, A.C. Rodrigues, N. Couto
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lisboa, Portugal
Reports of methicillin‐resistant staphylococci (MRS) in animals have become more frequent
in last years. Various studies have demonstrated the transmission of MRSA between
animals and humans in daily contact with animals, however there is only limited data
so far available on the transmission of methicillin‐resistant coagulase‐negative staphylococci
between animals and humans. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency
of methicillin‐resistant staphylococci (MRS) carriage in healthy veterinarians, veterinary
nurses, veterinary assistants, veterinary students and farm workers from several veterinary
hospitals, clinics and farms.
Nasal swabs were collected from 72 veterinarians (60 small animal veterinarians and
12 pig veterinarians), 8 veterinary nurses, 53 veterinary students, 4 veterinary assistants
and 11 farm workers. MRS were screened on Brilliance™ MRSA2 agar (Oxoid) or ChromID™
MRSA (bioMérieux). After 24‐48 h of incubation at 37°C, suspected colonies on both
media were subcultured onto blood agar plates. Species identification was obtained
by species‐specific PCR. Methicillin‐resistance was confirmed by PCR amplification
of the mecA gene. MRSA isolates were characterized by MLST.
Thirty‐nine MRS were identified in 38 humans (23 veterinarians, 2 veterinary nurses,
7 veterinary students, 2 veterinary assistants and 5 farm workers). The MRS isolates
were identified as Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, n = 23), S. epidermidis (MRSE, n = 9),
S. pseudintermedius (MRSP, n = 1), S. haemolyticus (MRSH, n = 1) and 5 MRS coagulase‐negative
staphylococci. The frequency of colonization by MRS was similar in both small animals
and pigs veterinarians (± 30%). One veterinary student was colonized simultaneously
with an MRSE and an MRSH. The predominant ST in humans in contact with small animals
was ST22 and in humans in contact with pigs was ST398.
In our study the frequency of colonization by MRSA was high, but the frequency of
MRSE should not be underestimated. MRSA isolates in this work belonged mainly to the
ST22 lineage which is the most frequent in small animals and humans in Europe. Humans
in daily contact with animals can become colonized by MRS of animal origin and thus
are important keys for infection control programs in Veterinary Hospitals and Farms.
Conflicts of interest
Dr Pomba currently receives research funding from the government and national programmes
(Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia). In the past, she has occasionally received
research support or honoraria for lectures from pharmaceutical companies including
Zoetis and Atral Cipan. She is vice‐chair of the Antimicrobial Working Party (AWP)
and member of the Antimicrobial Advice ad hoc Expert group (AMEG) of the European
Medicines Agency (EMA).
ISCAID‐P‐5
INFECTION WITH HEMOPLASMA SPECIES IN 17 CATS WITH ANEMIA
C. Weingart
1, S. Tasker2, B. Kohn1
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany2School
of Veterinary Science & The Feline Centre, Langford Veterinary Science, Bristol, United
Kingdom
The clinical course of natural infections with feline hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas)
has rarely been described. Hemoplasmosis (‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ [CMhm]
n = 11, Mycoplasma hemofelis [Mhf] n = 3, species not determined n = 3) was diagnosed
in 17 anemic cats (age 0.6‐16 years, median 8; hematocrit 0.05‐0.25 l/l, median 0.16)
between 2005 and 2013. Seven of the cats (CMhm [5], Mhf [1], species not determined
[1]) had concurrent disease, whilst 10 cats (CMhm [6], Mhf [2], species not determined
[2]) did not. All 17 cats underwent antibiotic treatment (doxycycline or a fluoroquinolone);
12 cats received blood transfusions and/or Oxyglobin®. Three cats were euthanatized
within 11 days due to concurrent disease (FIV, pancreatitis/cholangitis) or financial
constraints, one cat due to persistent anemia after 11 weeks. Four cats were lost
to follow‐up. The remaining 9 cats underwent follow‐up for a period of 11‐199 weeks
(median 24). Hemoplasma PCR analysis was conducted 2‐7 times on blood samples at variable
time points from 6 of the 9 follow‐up cats. The first negative PCR in 4 cases occurred
after 3 (CMhm, during antibiotic treatment), 7 (CMhm, during antibiotic treatment),
10 (CMhm, during antibiotic treatment) and 23 (Mhf, after completion of antibiotics)
weeks. One cat remained PCR positive (CMhm) at 4, 13, and 18 (all during antibiotic
treatment) weeks, and another cat (CMhm) was PCR positive at 199 weeks. Reactivation
of the hemoplasma species (documented by hemolysis and positive PCR) occurred in 2
cats (both CMhm) 1 and 3 times, respectively, up to 177 weeks after initial presentation.
Reactivation was suspected (no PCR testing available) in 2 additional cases (CMhm
[1], Mhf [1]). Four of the 9 follow‐up cats were euthanatized after 14‐180 weeks (median
24) due to concurrent disease (cardiomyopathy, immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia, postoperative
complications, diabetes mellitus). Infection with hemoplasmas is often chronic, can
reactivate months later and is rarely the reason for euthanasia.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.
ISCAID‐P‐6
CLINICAL APPLICATION OF PORCINE ANTI CDV ANTIBODY SUBUNIT F(AB')2 IN CANINE DISTEMPER
DOGS
P.C. Liu
1, L.L. Chueh1, C.A. Chen2, C.M. Chen3, C.H. Yen3, M.H. Lee3, C.K. Chuang3, J.H. Lin3,
C.F. Tu3, B.L. Su2
1Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan2Institute
of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan3Animal
Technology Laboratories, Agriculture Technology Research Institute, Miaoli, Taiwan
Canine distemper (CD) is a worldwide occurring infectious disease caused by a morbillivirus
of the family Paramyxoviridae. CDV infection can result in a systemic infection. Dogs
presented with neurologic signs revealed the terminal stage of the disease and usually
failed to therapy. Additional passive immunotherapy is hypothesized to be beneficial
in the early stage of CDV infection. Porcine anti‐CDV antibody subunit F(ab')2 [F(ab')2]
was produced by Animal Technology Laboratories, Agriculture Technology Research Institute.
Eighteen CDV‐naturally infected dogs showing respiratory signs but no neurological
signs were treated with the combination of F(ab')2 and supportive therapy (group 1).
Group 2 included 33 dogs in a similar clinical signs (without neurological signs)
that received only supportive therapy. The survival rate was 72.2% (13/18) in group
1 and 33.3% (11/33) in group 2, respectively, with a significant difference between
the two groups (p < 0.05). The progressive rates of developing neurological signs
during therapy of group1 and group2 were 44.4 and 63.6%, respectively. There was no
significant difference between the two groups. The survival rates of dogs developing
neurological signs during therapy were 50% (4/8) in group 1 and 4.8% (1/22) in group
2, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups. In conclusion,
additional administration of porcine anti‐CDV antibody subunit F(ab')2 before developing
of neurological signs could decrease the mortality and furthermore reduce the rate
of developing neurological signs.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest reported.