Prevalence of persistent hypertension and situational hypertension in a population of elderly cats in The Netherlands

OBJECTIVES: Systemic arterial hypertension is increasingly recognised and can have serious adverse consequences in cats. Unfortunately, the act of measuring blood pressure itself may cause an increase in blood pressure, known as situational hypertension. It is currently unknown how often this phenomenon occurs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of persistent hypertension and situational hypertension in an elderly population of cats in a first-opinion clinic and to assess which factors were associated with systolic hypertension. METHODS: In this prospective study, systolic blood pressure was measured in 185 cats aged ⩾10 years using the Doppler sphygmomanometry method according to the recommendations of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine consensus statement. Age, sex, body weight, body condition score, position during blood pressure measurement and apparent stress level were assessed. If a systolic blood pressure >160 mmHg was found, measurements were repeated to evaluate if persistent hypertension or situational hypertension was present. The first set of blood pressure measurements were used for all the statistical analyses. RESULTS: The median systolic blood pressure for this population was 140 mmHg. The prevalence of persistent hypertension was at least 14.6% and situational hypertension at least 5.4%. Factors significantly associated with hypertension were age, higher apparent stress levels and a sitting position during measurement. Sex, body weight or body condition score did not significantly influence systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Both persistent hypertension and situational hypertension are common in elderly cats. There are no reliable parameters to distinguish between the two, underlining the importance of a standard protocol and repeating measurements during a follow-up visit when hypertension is found. Age, demeanour and body position during blood pressure measurement influenced blood pressure in this population of elderly cats

Behavior in dogs with spontaneous hypothyroidism during treatment with levothyroxine

Background Thyroid hormone supplementation anecdotally has been described as a valid treatment option for dogs with aggression‐related problems. However, prospective, controlled, and blinded trials evaluating behavior and neurohormonal status in hypothyroid dogs during treatment with levothyroxine are lacking. Objective Levothyroxine supplementation will have a significant influence on the behavior and neurohormonal status of dogs with spontaneous hypothyroidism. Animals Twenty client‐owned dogs diagnosed with spontaneous hypothyroidism. Methods This prospective study was to evaluate the behavior of dogs, which was screened at initial presentation, and after 6 weeks, and 6 months of treatment with levothyroxine (starting dosage 10 μg/kg PO q12h) using the standardized Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C‐BARQ). At each time period, circulating serotonin and prolactin (PRL) concentrations were evaluated using a commercially validated ELISA kit and heterologous radioimmunoassay, respectively. Results After 6 weeks of thyroid hormone supplementation, C‐BARQ scores demonstrated a significant increase in activity of hypothyroid dogs (P  .99 and P = .46) and PRL (P = .99 and P = .37) were noted between the 6‐week and 6‐month periods compared with baseline. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The results of this study indicate increased activity of hypothyroid dogs after 6 weeks of thyroid hormone supplementation. None of the hypothyroid dogs in this cohort showed a significant change in any of the evaluated behavioral signs and neurohormonal status after 6 months of thyroid hormone supplementation

Expression of HLA Class I and HLA Class II by Tumor Cells in Chinese Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients

BACKGROUND: In Caucasian populations, the tumor cells of Epstein Barr virus (EBV)-positive classical Hodgkin Lymphomas (cHL) patients more frequently express HLA class I and HLA class II molecules compared to EBV-negative cHL patients. HLA expression (in relation to EBV) in Asian cHL patients has not been previously investigated. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We randomly selected 145 cHL patients with formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue blocks available from 5 hospitals from the Northern part of China. Hematoxylin & Eosin-stained slides were used to re-classify the histological subtypes according to the WHO classification. EBV status was determined by visualization of EBERs in tumor cells using in situ hybridization. Membranous expression of HLA molecules was detected by immunohistochemistry using antibodies HC-10 (class I heavy chain) and anti-beta2-microglobulin for HLA class I, and CR3/43 for HLA class II. EBV+ tumor cells were observed in 40% (58/145) of the cHL patients. As expected, the percentage of EBV+ cases was much higher in the mixed cellularity subtype (71%) than in the nodular sclerosis subtype (16%) (p<0.001). Expression of HLA class I was observed in 79% of the EBV+ cHL cases and in 30% of the EBV-cases (p<0.001). For HLA class II, 52% of EBV+ cHL cases were positive, compared to 43% in EBV- cases (p = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: The results in the Northern China population were similar to those in the Caucasian population for HLA class I, but not for HLA class II

Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) analogs as possible treatment options for diabetes mellitus in veterinary patients

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are involved in numerous metabolic processes. The endocrine subfamily of FGFs, consisting of FGF19, FGF21, and FGF23, might have beneficial effects in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and/or obesity. The analog with the greatest potential, FGF21, lowers blood glucose levels, improves insulin sensitivity, and induces weight loss in several animal models. In this review we summarize recent (pre)clinical findings with FGF21 analogs in animal models and men. Furthermore, possible applications of FGF21 analogs for pets with DM will be discussed. As currently, information about the use of FGF21 analogs in pet animals is scarce

Reference intervals for plasma, urinary, and salivary concentrations of free metanephrines in dogs:Relevance to the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma

Background: Measurement of free metanephrines is recommended for screening of pheochromocytoma (PCC) but requires appropriate reference intervals (RIs). Hypothesis/Objectives: To report RIs for plasma, urinary and salivary concentrations of free metanephrines and to determine the diagnostic performance of plasma free normetanephrine (pNMN) and metanephrine (pMN) concentrations in dogs with PCC, hypercortisolism (HC), and nonadrenal illness (NAI). Animals: Eighty healthy dogs, 11 PCC dogs, 25 HC dogs, 6 NAI dogs. Methods: Plasma, urine, and saliva were collected prospectively from healthy dogs, and free metanephrine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In addition, medical records of dogs that had plasma free metanephrine concentrations measured by LC-MS/MS between 2018-2021 were studied retrospectively. Results: The RIs for free metanephrines in plasma, urine and saliva are reported. Dogs with PCC had significantly higher pNMN than dogs with HC (P &lt;.001) and NAI (P =.002). The PCC dogs had significantly higher pMN than HC dogs (P &lt;.001), but not higher than NAI dogs (P =.29). Using the upper reference limit, pNMN (&gt;3.56 nmol/L) showed high sensitivity (100%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 72-100) and specificity (94%, 95% CI: 79-99) for diagnosis of PCC, whereas pMN (&gt;2.49 nmol/L) showed moderate sensitivity (73%, 95% CI: 39-94) and high specificity (94%, 95% CI: 79-99). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: With establishment of these RIs, biochemical testing for PCC in dogs can be substantially improved. Measurement of pNMN is superior to pMN in dogs with PCC.</p

Reference intervals for plasma, urinary, and salivary concentrations of free metanephrines in dogs:Relevance to the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma

Background: Measurement of free metanephrines is recommended for screening of pheochromocytoma (PCC) but requires appropriate reference intervals (RIs). Hypothesis/Objectives: To report RIs for plasma, urinary and salivary concentrations of free metanephrines and to determine the diagnostic performance of plasma free normetanephrine (pNMN) and metanephrine (pMN) concentrations in dogs with PCC, hypercortisolism (HC), and nonadrenal illness (NAI). Animals: Eighty healthy dogs, 11 PCC dogs, 25 HC dogs, 6 NAI dogs. Methods: Plasma, urine, and saliva were collected prospectively from healthy dogs, and free metanephrine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In addition, medical records of dogs that had plasma free metanephrine concentrations measured by LC-MS/MS between 2018-2021 were studied retrospectively. Results: The RIs for free metanephrines in plasma, urine and saliva are reported. Dogs with PCC had significantly higher pNMN than dogs with HC (P &lt;.001) and NAI (P =.002). The PCC dogs had significantly higher pMN than HC dogs (P &lt;.001), but not higher than NAI dogs (P =.29). Using the upper reference limit, pNMN (&gt;3.56 nmol/L) showed high sensitivity (100%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 72-100) and specificity (94%, 95% CI: 79-99) for diagnosis of PCC, whereas pMN (&gt;2.49 nmol/L) showed moderate sensitivity (73%, 95% CI: 39-94) and high specificity (94%, 95% CI: 79-99). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: With establishment of these RIs, biochemical testing for PCC in dogs can be substantially improved. Measurement of pNMN is superior to pMN in dogs with PCC.</p

Reference intervals for plasma, urinary, and salivary concentrations of free metanephrines in dogs:Relevance to the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma

Background: Measurement of free metanephrines is recommended for screening of pheochromocytoma (PCC) but requires appropriate reference intervals (RIs). Hypothesis/Objectives: To report RIs for plasma, urinary and salivary concentrations of free metanephrines and to determine the diagnostic performance of plasma free normetanephrine (pNMN) and metanephrine (pMN) concentrations in dogs with PCC, hypercortisolism (HC), and nonadrenal illness (NAI). Animals: Eighty healthy dogs, 11 PCC dogs, 25 HC dogs, 6 NAI dogs. Methods: Plasma, urine, and saliva were collected prospectively from healthy dogs, and free metanephrine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In addition, medical records of dogs that had plasma free metanephrine concentrations measured by LC-MS/MS between 2018-2021 were studied retrospectively. Results: The RIs for free metanephrines in plasma, urine and saliva are reported. Dogs with PCC had significantly higher pNMN than dogs with HC (P &lt;.001) and NAI (P =.002). The PCC dogs had significantly higher pMN than HC dogs (P &lt;.001), but not higher than NAI dogs (P =.29). Using the upper reference limit, pNMN (&gt;3.56 nmol/L) showed high sensitivity (100%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 72-100) and specificity (94%, 95% CI: 79-99) for diagnosis of PCC, whereas pMN (&gt;2.49 nmol/L) showed moderate sensitivity (73%, 95% CI: 39-94) and high specificity (94%, 95% CI: 79-99). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: With establishment of these RIs, biochemical testing for PCC in dogs can be substantially improved. Measurement of pNMN is superior to pMN in dogs with PCC.</p

The function of the pituitary-testicular axis in dogs prior to and following surgical or chemical castration with the GnRH-agonist deslorelin

Chemical castration, that is the reduction of circulating testosterone concentrations to castrate levels by administration of a GnRH-agonist implant, is a popular alternative to surgical castration in male dogs. Detailed information concerning the pituitary-testicular axis following administration of a GnRH-agonist implant is still scarce. Therefore, GnRH-stimulation tests were performed in male dogs, prior to and after surgical and chemical castration. This approach also allowed us to determine plasma concentrations of testosterone and oestradiol in intact male dogs for future reference and to directly compare the effects of surgical and chemical castration on the pituitary-testicular axis. In intact male dogs (n = 42) of different breeds GnRH administration induced increased plasma LH, FSH, oestradiol and testosterone concentrations. After surgical castration basal and GnRH-induced plasma FSH and LH concentrations increased pronouncedly. Additionally, basal and GnRH-induced plasma oestradiol and testosterone concentrations decreased after surgical castration. After chemical castration, with a slow-release implant containing the GnRH-agonist deslorelin, plasma LH and FSH concentrations were lower than prior to castration and lower compared with the same interval after surgical castration. Consequently, plasma oestradiol and testosterone concentrations were lowered to values similar to those after surgical castration. GnRH administration to the chemically castrated male dogs induced a significant increase in the plasma concentrations of LH, but not of FSH. In conclusion, after administration of the deslorelin implant, the plasma concentrations of oestradiol and testosterone did not differ significantly from the surgically castrated animals. After GnRH-stimulation, none of the dogs went to pre-treatment testosterone levels. However, at the moment of assessment at 4,4 months (mean 133 days ± SEM 4 days), the pituitary gonadotrophs were responsive to GnRH in implanted dogs. The increase of LH, but not of FSH, following GnRH administration indicates a differential regulation of the release of these gonadotrophins, which needs to be considered when GnRH-stimulation tests are performed in implanted dogs

Reference intervals for plasma, urinary, and salivary concentrations of free metanephrines in dogs:Relevance to the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma

Background: Measurement of free metanephrines is recommended for screening of pheochromocytoma (PCC) but requires appropriate reference intervals (RIs). Hypothesis/Objectives: To report RIs for plasma, urinary and salivary concentrations of free metanephrines and to determine the diagnostic performance of plasma free normetanephrine (pNMN) and metanephrine (pMN) concentrations in dogs with PCC, hypercortisolism (HC), and nonadrenal illness (NAI). Animals: Eighty healthy dogs, 11 PCC dogs, 25 HC dogs, 6 NAI dogs. Methods: Plasma, urine, and saliva were collected prospectively from healthy dogs, and free metanephrine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In addition, medical records of dogs that had plasma free metanephrine concentrations measured by LC-MS/MS between 2018-2021 were studied retrospectively. Results: The RIs for free metanephrines in plasma, urine and saliva are reported. Dogs with PCC had significantly higher pNMN than dogs with HC (P &lt;.001) and NAI (P =.002). The PCC dogs had significantly higher pMN than HC dogs (P &lt;.001), but not higher than NAI dogs (P =.29). Using the upper reference limit, pNMN (&gt;3.56 nmol/L) showed high sensitivity (100%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 72-100) and specificity (94%, 95% CI: 79-99) for diagnosis of PCC, whereas pMN (&gt;2.49 nmol/L) showed moderate sensitivity (73%, 95% CI: 39-94) and high specificity (94%, 95% CI: 79-99). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: With establishment of these RIs, biochemical testing for PCC in dogs can be substantially improved. Measurement of pNMN is superior to pMN in dogs with PCC.</p