Progression of lipase activity and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity in dogs hospitalized for acute pancreatitis and correlation with clinical features

Background: Lipase activity and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) have not been compared in dogs hospitalized for acute pancreatitis (AP). Objectives: To describe the progression of lipase activity and PLI, and correlations with clinicopathologic features in dogs with AP. Animals: Thirty-nine dogs with AP based on clinical signs and lipase activity >350 U/L (reference interval [RI], 24-108 U/L). Methods: Retrospective study. Lipase activity (LIPC Roche), PLI (SpecPL), and clinical signs were recorded daily. Admission (d1) data (clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound [US] findings), and clinical signs during hospitalization (d2-d3) were assessed for correlation with lipases. Results: Median (range) duration of clinical signs before presentation was 2 days (1-7 days). Median (range) lipase activity and PLI at d1 were 1070 U/L (range, 357-1500 U/L) and 1111 μg/L (range, 292-1500 μg/L). Strong correlation between assays at d1 (rs 0.96; P < .0001; n = 39), remained equally strong on d2 (rs 0.964; P < .0001; n = 39), and d3 (rs 0.966; P < .0001; n = 22). On d2, lipase activity and PLI were within RI in 13/39 (33%) and 18/39 (46%) of cases. Lipase activities were minimally increased (median, 124 U/L) in 5 dogs with d2 PLI <200 μg/L. On d3, 4 more dogs had normal lipase activity and PLI, and the nature and magnitude of change were always the same for both assays. Clinical signs were not associated with lipases. Only a hyperechoic mesentery, but not an US diagnosis of AP, correlated significantly with lipase activity and PLI. Conclusions and clinical importance: Lipase decreases rapidly to near or within RI within 2 days of treatment in the majority of dogs with AP. Both lipase assays yielded virtually identical results. Mesenteric echogenicity may be an early marker of AP in dogs

Clinical features and long‐term management of cats with primary hypoadrenocorticism using desoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisolone

Background: Primary hypoadrenocorticism (PH) is rare in cats and knowledge about treatment is sparse. Objective: To describe cats with PH with a focus on long-term treatment. Animals: Eleven cats with naturally occurring PH. Methods: Descriptive case series with data on signalment, clinicopathological findings, adrenal width, and doses of desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) and prednisolone during a follow-up period of >12 months. Results: Cats ranged from 2 to 10 years (median 6.5); 6 cats were British Shorthair. Most common signs were reduced general condition and lethargy, anorexia, dehydration, obstipation, weakness, weight loss, and hypothermia. Adrenal glands on ultrasonography were judged small in 6. Eight cats could be followed for 14 to 70 months (median: 28). Two were started on DOCP doses ≥2.2 mg/kg (2.2; 2.5) and 6 < 2.2 mg/kg (1.5-2.0 mg/kg, median 1.8) q28 days. Both high-dose cats and 4 low-dose cats needed a dose increase. Desoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisolone doses at the end of the follow-up period were 1.3 to 3.0 mg/kg (median: 2.3) and 0.08 to 0.5 mg/kg/day (median: 0.3), respectively. Conclusions and clinical importance: Desoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisolone requirements in cats were higher than what is currently used in dogs; thus, a DOCP starting dose of 2.2 mg/kg q28 days and a prednisolone maintenance dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day titrated to the individual need seems warranted. Small adrenal glands (width < 2.7 mm) on ultrasonography in a cat suspected of hypoadrenocorticism can be suggestive of the disease. The apparent predilection of British Shorthaired cats for PH should be further evaluated

Strongyloides stercoralis in Swiss dogs – a retrospective study suggests an increasing occurrence of this potentially zoonotic parasite as a consequence of dog imports

Strongyloides stercoralis is a worldwide occurring nematode infecting canids and primates (including humans), responsible for a largely underestimated zoonotic disease. We here present 18 cases including overall 20 dogs affected by S. stercoralis, diagnosed in Switzerland between 2010 and 2020. The Baermann examination was positive for S. stercoralis larvae in 10, suspicious in 4, negative in one and not performed in 2 dogs. In 3 dogs the infection was identified only at necropsy by histology or by direct faecal or mucosal smears from intestinal tissue. Confirmation of suspected, necropsied and Baermann-negative dogs relied on genetic analyses. Twelve dogs had a history of import from Eastern Europe (n=4), the Mediterranean basin (n=5) or Germany (n=3). They were 7 weeks to 9,5 months old, and also the dogs supposedly born in Switzerland were younger than one year (except two, aged 15 months and 14 years). Thirteen dogs were males and 6 females (1 unknown). The most represented breeds were Chihuahuas (n=5), French Bulldogs (n=4) and Pomeranians (n=3). The most frequent clinical sign and reason for presentation was diarrhoea, occurring in 11/20 animals. Further gastrointestinal symptoms were vomiting, anorexia/hyporexia, adipsia, dehydration, tense abdomen and tenesmus. Respiratory symptoms were the second most frequent, with coughing in 7/20 animals, followed by tachypnoea/dyspnoea in 5 and (reverse) sneezing in 3 dogs. Treatment with 50 mg/kg BW fenbendazole p.o. over 5 days was successful in 4 cases in which a follow-up examination was performed 3–6 weeks later; prolonged treatment over 21 days was also effective. Ivermectin off-label protocols described in the literature, e.g. 0,8 mg/kg BW s.c. or 0,5 mg/kg BW i.m. repeated after 2 weeks, were successful based on control examinations performed 3–10 weeks later. Strongyloides stercoralis infections are clinically relevant, potentially zoonotic and need to be included in differential diagnoses in case of canine gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders, especially in young and imported dogs

Coagulation status in dogs naturally infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum

Angiostrongylus vasorum infection has been associated with coagulopathies including hyperfibrinolysis. We compared coagulation status including thromboelastometry (ROTEM) parameters in dogs naturally infected with A. vasorum versus healthy dogs to determine clinicopathological parameters associated with bleeding, hypocoagulopathy, and hyperfibrinolysis. Clinical signs, white blood cell count, platelet count, hematocrit, plasmatic coagulation tests (PT, aPTT, fibrinogen concentration), D-dimer, and ROTEM S parameters (Ex-tem, In-tem, Fib-tem, Ap-tem) were analysed and compared between bleeding, nonbleeding, and control dogs and between hypo- and normocoagulable animals. Clinical signs of bleeding were present in 6/9 (67%) hypocoagulable and 1/9 (11%) normocoagulable dogs. PT, fibrinogen concentration, and several ROTEM parameters were significantly different between hypocoagulable and normocoagulabe A. vasorum infected dogs. Hyperfibrinolysis was identified in 44% of infected dogs and was significantly more common in bleeding and hypocoagulable dogs. Hyperfibrinolysis was significantly associated with low MCFFib-tem but not with low fibrinogen concentration or increased D-dimers. CFTEx-tem > 248 swas 100% sensitive and 89% specific to predict hyperfibrinolysis. Hyperfibrinolysis, hypocoagulability and bleeding are common in A. vasorum infected dogs. Only Ex-tem and Fib-tem parameters and potentially PT were associated with bleeding or hypocoagulability. Ex-tem analysis enables detection of bleeding, hypocoagulability and hyperfibrinolysis within minutes

Correlation of plasma coagulation tests and fibrinogen Clauss with rotational thromboelastometry parameters and prediction of bleeding in dogs

BACKGROUND: Correlation of plasma fibrinogen concentration (fibrinogenClauss ) with rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) parameters has not been investigated in dogs. OBJECTIVES: To determine the correlation between plasma coagulation tests and fibrinogenClauss with ROTEM parameters and to evaluate their ability to predict bleeding in dogs. ANIMALS: Ninety-seven dogs with concurrent determination of fibrinogenClauss and fibrin polymerization test (FIBTEM) analysis. METHODS: Signalment, pretreatment, clinical signs of bleeding, fibrinogenClauss , plasma coagulation test results, hematocrit, platelet count, FIBTEM, extrinsic (EXTEM) and intrinsic (INTEM) activated ROTEM assays were retrieved retrospectively. Correlations between fibrinogenClauss and FIBTEM maximum clot firmness (MCFFIBTEM ) and between prothrombin time (PT) or activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and ROTEM parameters were determined. Dogs were further assigned to groups with or without clinical signs of bleeding. The prognostic significance of significantly different parameters to predict bleeding was evaluated. RESULTS: FibrinogenClauss showed strong correlation with MCFFIBTEM (r = 0.860, n = 97, P 149 seconds was 100% sensitive to detect bleeding. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The MCFFIBTEM can be used to evaluate the effect of fibrinogen on hemostasis as an alternative to determination of fibrinogenClauss . In addition, CTEXTEM and CTINTEM are strongly correlated with PT and aPTT, respectively

Evaluation of a low-dose desoxycorticosterone pivalate treatment protocol for long-term management of dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism

BACKGROUND: Lowering the dose of desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) for the treatment of dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism (PH) decreases costs and could lead to increased owner motivation to treat their affected dogs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a low-dose DOCP treatment protocol in dogs with PH. ANIMALS: Prospective study, 17 client-owned dogs with naturally occurring PH (12 newly diagnosed, 5 previously treated with fludrocortisone acetate [FC]). METHODS: Dogs with newly diagnosed PH were started on 1.5 mg/kg DOCP SC; dogs previously treated with FC were started on 1.0-1.8 mg/kg DOCP SC. Reevaluations took place at regular intervals for a minimum of 3 months and included clinical examination and determination of serum sodium and potassium concentrations. The DOCP dosage was adjusted to obtain an injection interval of 28-30 days and to keep serum electrolyte concentrations within the reference interval. RESULTS: Median (range) follow-up was 16.2 months (4.5-32.3 months). The starting dosage was sufficient in all but 2 dogs and had to be significantly decreased after 2-3 months to a median dosage (range) of 1.1 mg/kg (0.7-1.8). Dogs 3 years of age or younger needed significantly higher dosages compared to older dogs. None of them, however, needed the 2.2 mg/kg DOCP dosage, recommended by the manufacturer. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: A starting dosage of 1.5 mg/kg DOCP is effective in controlling clinical signs and serum electrolyte concentrations in the majority of dogs with PH. An additional dose reduction often is needed to maintain an injection interval of 28-30 days. Young and growing animals seem to need higher dosages

Concurrent endocrine neoplasias in dogs and cats: a retrospective study (2004-2014)

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) is a well-known syndrome in human medicine, whereas only a few cases of concurrent endocrine neoplasias have been reported in dogs and cats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of concurrent endocrine neoplasias in dogs and cats at our clinic, identify possible breed and sex predispositions and investigate similarities with MEN syndromes in humans. Postmortem reports of 951 dogs and 1155 cats that died or were euthanased at the Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, University of Zurich, between 2004 and 2014 were reviewed, and animals with at least two concurrent endocrine neoplasias and/or hyperplasias were included. Twenty dogs and 15 cats met the inclusion criteria. In dogs, the adrenal glands were most commonly affected. Multiple tumours affecting the adrenal glands and the association of these tumours with pituitary adenomas were the most common tumour combinations. Only one dog had a combination resembling human MEN type 1 syndrome (pituitary adenoma and insulinoma). In cats, the thyroid glands were most commonly affected and there were no similarities to human MEN syndromes. The prevalence of concurrent endocrine neoplasia was 2.1 per cent in dogs and 1.3 per cent in cats and MEN-like syndromes are very rare in these species

Probable walnut-induced anaphylactic reaction in a dog

BACKGROUND Anaphylaxis due to nuts is frequent in humans; to the best of the authors' knowledge, it has not been reported previously in dogs. CASE REPORT A 5-year-old female, intact, Vizsla dog was presented with acute diarrhoea, vomiting, respiratory distress and erythematous wheals. The dog had eaten walnuts, which she had been fed in small amounts for years, hours before the onset of clinical signs. A diagnosis of generalized anaphylaxis was made. Skin testing and Western blotting revealed positive results with walnuts and hazelnuts. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE This case report illustrates the need for a thorough food history and for recognition that a dog may experience severe allergic reactions to unusual and regularly fed food items. It also shows that allergen specific tests may help to confirm the diagnosis and help in planning the dog's future dietary regime

Clinical features and long‐term management of cats with primary hypoadrenocorticism using desoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisolone

Abstract Background Primary hypoadrenocorticism (PH) is rare in cats and knowledge about treatment is sparse. Objective To describe cats with PH with a focus on long‐term treatment. Animals Eleven cats with naturally occurring PH. Methods Descriptive case series with data on signalment, clinicopathological findings, adrenal width, and doses of desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) and prednisolone during a follow‐up period of >12 months. Results Cats ranged from 2 to 10 years (median 6.5); 6 cats were British Shorthair. Most common signs were reduced general condition and lethargy, anorexia, dehydration, obstipation, weakness, weight loss, and hypothermia. Adrenal glands on ultrasonography were judged small in 6. Eight cats could be followed for 14 to 70 months (median: 28). Two were started on DOCP doses ≥2.2 mg/kg (2.2; 2.5) and 6 < 2.2 mg/kg (1.5‐2.0 mg/kg, median 1.8) q28 days. Both high‐dose cats and 4 low‐dose cats needed a dose increase. Desoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisolone doses at the end of the follow‐up period were 1.3 to 3.0 mg/kg (median: 2.3) and 0.08 to 0.5 mg/kg/day (median: 0.3), respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Desoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisolone requirements in cats were higher than what is currently used in dogs; thus, a DOCP starting dose of 2.2 mg/kg q28 days and a prednisolone maintenance dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day titrated to the individual need seems warranted. Small adrenal glands (width < 2.7 mm) on ultrasonography in a cat suspected of hypoadrenocorticism can be suggestive of the disease. The apparent predilection of British Shorthaired cats for PH should be further evaluated

Time series analysis: Potentials and challenges exploiting optical satellite data for Land System Science

Global population growth, changing lifestyles and related consumption patterns create an increasing demand for goods and services related to global land use. Human land use hence is a major driver of global change, interacting with and often amplifying effects of climate change. Land use change and land use intensification are multi-faceted, including the rapid sprawl of urban areas, the logging of pristine forest ecosystems, the regulation of water bodies, or the expansion and intensification of agricultural practices. Monitoring land cover and land use change with remote sensing time series is therefore of utmost importance to better quantify and mitigate changes related to human land use. During the last decade, satellite data providers started to make data freely available to the science community. Be it the Landsat archive spanning over four decades, the large amount of value added products supplied by the MODIS Science Team, ESA’s ENVISAT archives, or the ongoing and upcoming ESA Sentinel missions: “Big data” is coming into focus of Land System Science and remote sensing based time series analysis will create unprecedented research opportunities. We here present a conceptual framework on time series analyses and will focus on three related aspects that are vital to create new research opportunities: a) Existing and upcoming sensors and archives motivating innovative pathways b) Methodological frameworks that allow better exploitation of dense / deep time series and provide pathways towards multi-sensor data integration c) Processing environments and related needs for big data analyses We will accordingly provide examples that relate to the global coverage and depth of the Landsat archive, the new opportunities created by the forthcoming Sentinel-2 mission and to multi-sensor approaches. We present time series analysis applications, regionalized results, and finally discuss the potential and challenges of existing and future approaches for deriving improved information on land surface dynamics and for Land System Science at large