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Background Pleural effusion is a common cause of dyspnea in cats. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide ( NT-pro BNP) measurement, using a first-generation quantitative ELISA, in plasma and pleural fluid differentiates cardiac from noncardiac causes of pleural effusion. Hypothesis/Objectives To determine whether NT-pro BNP measurements using second-generation quantitative ELISA and point-of-care ( POC) tests in plasma and pleural fluid distinguish cardiac from noncardiac pleural effusions and how results compare to the first-generation ELISA. Animals Thirty-eight cats ( US cohort) and 40 cats ( UK cohort) presenting with cardiogenic or noncardiogenic pleural effusion. Methods Prospective cohort study. Twenty-one and 17 cats in the US cohort, and 22 and 18 cats in the UK cohort were classified as having cardiac or noncardiac pleural effusion, respectively. NT-proBNP concentrations in paired plasma and pleural fluid samples were measured using second-generation ELISA and POC assays. Results The second-generation ELISA differentiated cardiac from noncardiac pleural effusion with good diagnostic accuracy (plasma: sensitivity, 95.2%, specificity, 82.4%; pleural fluid: sensitivity, 100%, specificity, 76.5%). NT-proBNP concentrations were greater in pleural fluid (719 pmol/L (134-1500)) than plasma (678 pmol/L (61-1500), P = 0.003), resulting in different cut-off values depending on the sample type. The POC test had good sensitivity (95.2%) and specificity (87.5%) when using plasma samples. In pleural fluid samples, the POC test had good sensitivity (100%) but low specificity (64.7%). Diagnostic accuracy was similar between first- and second-generation ELISA assays. Conclusions and clinical importance Measurement of NT-pro BNP using a quantitative ELISA in plasma and pleural fluid or POC test in plasma, but not pleural fluid, distinguishes cardiac from noncardiac causes of pleural effusion in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reported incidence of blood transfusion reactions (TR) varies greatly., Objective: To prospectively evaluate the incidence of acute TRs in dogs receiving allogenic blood products, using consensus definitions, and to assess factors associated with TRs., Animals: Dogs (n = 858) administered allogenic blood products (n = 1542) between March and November 2022., Methods: Prospective, multicenter surveillance study occurring in referral hospitals in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia recording TRs in dogs administered blood products as defined by the consensus guidelines published by The Association of Veterinary Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in 2021., Results: The incidence of acute TR was 8.9% (95% CI 7.0-11.1) for packed red blood cells (pRBCs) and 4.5% (95% CI 2.9-6.6) for plasma products. The most frequently reported TRs were febrile nonhemolytic TRs (FNHTR; 4%, 95% CI 2.8-5.5) when administering pRBCs and allergic TRs (3.2%, 95% CI 1.80-5.10) when administering plasma products. A higher dose of pRBC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.04 [95% CI 1.00-1.08]) was associated with a higher odds of TR. Administration of pRBCs stored for longer than 28 days was associated with higher odds of FNHTR (aOR 4.10 [95% CI 1.58-10.65]) and acute hemolytic TR (AHTR; OR 15.2 [95% CI 3.35-68.70]) when compared with pRBCs stored for 14 days or fewer. Leukoreduction of pRBC was not associated with lower odds of developing a TR (OR 1.47 [95% CI 0.89-2.42])., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Clinicians should be mindful of the age and dose of pRBC prescribed to dogs., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Background: After a strong epidemiological link to diet was established in an outbreak of pancytopenia in cats in spring 2021 in the United Kingdom, 3 dry diets were recalled. Concentrations of the hemato- and myelotoxic mycotoxins T-2, HT-2 and diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) greater than the European Commission guidance for dry cat foods were detected in the recalled diets., Objectives: To describe clinical and clinicopathological findings in cats diagnosed with suspected diet induced pancytopenia., Animals: Fifty cats presenting with pancytopenia after exposure to a recalled diet., Methods: Multicenter retrospective case series study. Cats with known exposure to 1 of the recalled diets were included if presented with bi- or pancytopenia and underwent bone marrow examination., Results: Case fatality rate was 78%. Bone marrow aspirates and biopsy examination results were available in 23 cats; 19 cats had a bone marrow aspirate, and 8 cats had a biopsy core, available for examination. Bone marrow hypo to aplasia-often affecting all cell lines-was the main feature in all 31 available core specimens. A disproportionately pronounced effect on myeloid and megakaryocytic cells was observed in 19 cats. Myelofibrosis or bone marrow necrosis was not a feature., Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Mycotoxin induced pancytopenia should be considered as differential diagnosis in otherwise healthy cats presenting with bi- or pancytopenia and bone marrow hypo- to aplasia., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Background: In spring 2021 increasing numbers of cats presenting with severe pancytopenia were noted in United Kingdom (UK)., Objective: To describe process and outcome of the investigation performed into the outbreak of pancytopenia in cats., Animals: Five hundred and eighty client owned cats that presented with severe bi- or pancytopenia of unknown cause., Methods: Real-time data collection was performed by an online registration forum available to all veterinary surgeons in UK. Data collected included demographics, clinicopathological findings, diagnostic testing, dietary and drug history, outcome and COVID household status. Mycotoxicological feed analysis was performed on feed samples of 3 diets frequently mentioned in the database and 3 control diets., Results: Five hundred and eighty cats presented to 378 veterinary practices were included for analysis. Case fatality rate was 63.3%. Dietary history was available for 544 (93.8%) cats, of which 500 (86%) were fed 1 of 3 diets (which were recalled midinvestigation). 54 (9.3%) cats were not fed a recalled product, with diet information unknown in 26 (4.5%) cats. Analysis of feed samples revealed concentrations of hematotoxic trichothecene T-2/HT-2 mycotoxins greater than recommended by the European Commission in 5/7 recalled diet samples but in none of control diet samples. The trichothecene mycotoxin diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) was detectable in all recalled diet samples but not in any of control samples., Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Contaminated-feed induced trichothecene mycotoxicosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for pancytopenia in cats., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to report the incidence of transfusion reactions in cats, including acute haemolysis (AH), occurring within 24 h of receiving a xenotransfusion. An additional aim was to determine whether cases with AH could be classified as having an acute haemolytic transfusion reaction (AHTR) as per the definition provided by the Association of Veterinary Haematology and Transfusion Medicine's Transfusion Reaction Small Animal Consensus Statement., Methods: Medical records of cats that received canine packed red blood cells (PRBCs) between July 2018 and September 2020 at a veterinary hospital were reviewed. The incidence of AH, AHTRs, febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs), transfusion-associated circulatory overload and septic transfusion reactions were recorded., Results: The medical records of 53 cats were retrospectively evaluated. Twenty-three (43%) cats had transfusion reactions. Thirteen (25%) cats had AH; however, only four (8%) met the definition of an AHTR. Ten (19%) cats were determined to have FNHTRs. Survival to discharge of cats affected by AH was 50% (25% for cases that met the definition of an AHTR). Survival to discharge of cats not suffering from AHTR was 40%., Conclusions and Relevance: This report indicates that a higher proportion of cats undergo AH (25%) when administered canine PRBCs than previously reported, although many could not be classed as having an AHTR due to an apparently adequate packed cell volume rise. Challenges with sourcing feline blood in emergency situations occasionally necessitates the use of xenotransfusion in transfusion medicine. Clinicians should be aware that haemolysis after xenotransfusion can occur within 24 h and that a repeat feline transfusion may be required sooner than anticipated in some cases.

Background: Urethral obstruction (UO) has a negative effect on welfare of cats., Objectives: This study aimed to determine incidence, case management, and outcomes of UO in cats in primary-care practice in the United Kingdom., Animals: All male cats under veterinary care within the VetCompass database in 2016., Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. The electronic records of all male cats with a clinical note during the study period were searched for UO cases and were manually reviewed for inclusion. Additional demographic and clinical information were extracted on cases., Results: From the study cohort of 237 825 male cats, there were 1293 incident cases. The estimated UO incidence risk during 2016 was 0.54 (95% CI: 0.51-0.57). Demographic and clinical data were available for 1108 cases. Antibiotics were administered to 641/1108 (57.9%) cases. Overall repeat catheterization rate was 253/854 (29.6%). Repeat catheterization at 48 hours was less frequent in patients with indwelling catheters (10.1%) vs those that had a catheter placed and then immediately removed (14.8%; P = .04). Death during a UO episode was 329/1108 (29.6%), and 285/329 (88.0%) deaths involved euthanasia., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Antibiotics were commonly prescribed in cats for treatment of UO despite minimal evidence in the clinical records of bacterial cystitis. Repeat catheterization was common and case fatality rate during a UO episode was high. Repeat catheterization within 48 hours of elective removal of a urethral catheter was less common in cats that had previously had indwelling catheters. The majority of cats requiring repeat catheterization survived until the end of the study., (© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Tetanus can lead to respiratory complications, and the outcome of dogs affected by this disease is still largely unknown. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the frequency and outcome of 53 dogs with tetanus and respiratory complications between February 2006 and January 2019. Medical records from dogs diagnosed with tetanus admitted to a referral teaching hospital were reviewed. Fifty-three dogs were diagnosed with tetanus and respiratory complications were observed in 26.4% (14/53) of dogs; 8 developed aspiration pneumonia (AP), 5 developed upper airway obstruction (UAO) and 1 dog developed both. A total of 5 AP dogs were mechanically ventilated. Three dogs with UAO had tracheostomy tubes placed. Dogs with respiratory complications had a poorer outcome, with only 14.3% (2/14) surviving to discharge, compared to 94.8% (37/39) for dogs with no respiratory complications. Respiratory complications such as AP and UAO were common in dogs with tetanus, and this was associated with a poorer outcome., (Copyright and/or publishing rights held by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.)

Background: Leukoreduction of blood products is commonly performed in human medicine, but its effect on outcome or incidence of transfusion reactions (TRs) in dogs is unknown., Objectives: To prospectively evaluate the incidence of acute TRs in, and the outcome of, dogs receiving either leukoreduced (LR) or nonleukoreduced (N-LR) packed red blood cells (PRBC)., Animals: Dogs (n = 194) administered PRBC between August 2017 and June 2020., Methods: Prospective randomized double-blinded clinical trial. Dogs were randomized to receive either LR or N-LR PRBC and clinicians, nurses and investigators were blinded to the group allocations. The incidence of TRs, change in PCV, hospitalization duration, and survival to discharge were recorded., Results: Out of the 194 dogs, 96 received LR and 98 received N-LR PRBCs. The mean 12-hour change in PCV value was +9.22% (SD 5.27%) for dogs that received N-LR and +10.69% (SD 6.44%) for dogs that received LR PRBC (effect size 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.02 to 0.55), which was not significantly different (P = .08). TRs were documented in 16/194 (8.24%) dogs, with 1/194 (0.51%) being a mild allergic reaction, while 15/194 (7.73%) had suspected febrile nonhemolytic TRs (FNHTRs). FNHTR incidence was not significantly different between the LR (6/96, 6.25%, 95% CI 2.8-13.56) and N-LR (9/98, 9.18%, 95% CI 4.92-17.11) groups (P = .81). Of the 156 dogs that survived to discharge, 80/156 received N-LR PRBC and 76/156 received LR PRBC which was not significantly different (P = .66)., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: A clinical advantage of using LR over N-LR PRBC in terms of TRs and increase in PCV after transfusion was not detected., (© 2021 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Background: Whether anemic cats and dogs with increased left heart dimensions are at higher risk of transfusion-associated circulatory overload, and the effect of blood transfusion on left heart dimensions in naturally occurring anemia is unknown., Hypothesis/objectives: To evaluate the effect of blood transfusion on left heart dimensions in clinically relevant anemia., Animals: Twenty dogs and 20 cats presenting to a university veterinary teaching hospital., Methods: In this prospective observational study, anemic dogs and cats requiring blood transfusion were included. Packed cell volume (PCV), total solids, and echocardiography were performed before and within 24 hours of blood transfusion. Signalment, bodyweight, disease process, transfusion duration and volume, and prior treatments were recorded. Nonparametric statistics were reported as median [range]. Post hoc Bonferroni correction set significance at P < .006., Results: After transfusion, PCV increased in cats (12% [6-16] to 18% [10-33], P = .001) and dogs (14% [7-24] to 25% [9-37], P = .001), heart rate decreased in dogs (104 bpm [86-166] to 87 bpm [56-138], P < .001), and fractional shortening decreased in cats (57.1% [36.0-84.7] to 41.0% [28.1-69.6], P = .002) and dogs (33.79% [19.33-62.79] to 31.89% [19.06-51.47], P = .006). Left ventricular internal diameter in systole increased in cats (6.5 mm [2.7-9.8] to 7.9 mm [5.3-11.1], P = .001). Normalized left ventricular internal diameter in diastole (1.48 [1.25-1.79] to 1.57 [1.33-2.00], P = .001) and systole (0.87 [0.58-1.19] to 1.00 [0.74-1.36], P = .001) increased in dogs. Incidence of volume overload did not differ before (14/20 cats, 70%; 9/20 dogs, 45%) or after (12/20 cats, 60%; 11/20 dogs, 55%) transfusion (P = .64)., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Blood transfusion is well tolerated when signs of volume overload are present before transfusion., (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Background: Systemic hypertension (SH) is a potential complication of acute kidney injury (AKI) in dogs., Objective: To describe the prevalence of SH and hypertensive retinopathy in dogs with AKI, to investigate the relationship between SH and severity of AKI and to assess possible factors associated with SH., Animals: Fifty-two dogs with AKI., Methods: Prospective observational study of dogs presenting to a tertiary referral center that fulfilled the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) guidelines for the diagnosis of AKI. Systolic blood pressure measurement, urine protein/creatinine ratio (UPCR), urine output, presence of hypertensive retinopathy and fluid overload (FO), survival to discharge and duration of hospitalization were subsequently assessed. The prevalence of SH was calculated and the relationship between SH and recorded factors was examined by nonparametric statistics., Results: The prevalence of SH (≥160 mm Hg) on admission or during hospitalization was 75% (39/52) and in 56% (22/39) of cases this was severe (≥180 mm Hg). Sixteen percent (7/43) of dogs had evidence of hypertensive retinopathy and 77% (24/31) dogs had UPCR >0.5. Forty-two percent (22/52) dogs had FO on admission or during hospitalization. There was no association between SH and IRIS AKI grade, oligo/anuria, survival to discharge, duration of hospitalization or proteinuria. Dogs with FO on presentation were more likely to be hypertensive at admission compared to dogs without FO (P = .02). Dogs that did not survive to discharge were more likely to have FO (P = .007)., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Systemic hypertension is common in dogs with AKI. Systemic hypertension might be associated with FO, which itself is associated with nonsurvival. Monitoring for SH and FO is therefore warranted in dogs with AKI., (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Background: Vestibular disease (VD), central or peripheral, can be a dramatic primary-care presentation. Current literature describes mostly dogs examined in referral centers., Hypothesis/objectives: Describe the prevalence, presentation, clinical management, and outcomes of VD in dogs under primary veterinary care at UK practices participating in VetCompass., Animals: Seven hundred and fifty-nine vestibular cases identified out of 905 544 study dogs., Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Potential VD cases clinically examined during 2016 were verified by reviewing clinical records for signalment, presenting clinical signs, treatments, and outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with VD., Results: The overall prevalence of VD was 8 per 10 000 dogs (95% CI = 7-9). Median age at first diagnosis was 12.68 years (interquartile range [IQR], 11.28-14.64). Compared with crossbreeds, breeds with the highest odds of VD diagnosis included French Bulldogs (odds ratio [OR] = 9.25, 95% CI = 4.81-17.76, P < .001), Bulldogs (OR = 6.53, 95% CI = 2.66-16.15, P < .001), King Charles Spaniels (OR = 4.96, 95% CI = 2.52-9.78, P < .001), Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (OR = 3.56, 95% CI = 2.50-5.06, P < .001), and Springer Spaniels (OR = 3.37, 95% CI = 2.52-4.52, P < .001). The most common presenting signs were head tilt (69.8%), nystagmus (68.1%), and ataxia (64.5%). The most frequently used treatments were antiemetics (43.2%), systemic glucocorticoids (33.1%), antimicrobials (25%), and propentofylline (23.25%). There were 3.6% of cases referred. Improvement was recorded in 41.8% cases after a median of 4 days (IQR, 2-10.25)., Conclusions: Our study identifies strong breed predispositions for VD. The low referral rates suggest that primary-care data sources offer more generalizable information for benchmarking to help clinicians review their own clinical activities., (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Objectives: The aims of the study were to identify the ultrasonographic findings in cats with acute kidney injury (AKI) and to assess whether they had prognostic value., Methods: This was a descriptive case series. A search of the computerised records of the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (Hatfield, UK) was performed for cats presenting with AKI between 2007 and 2016. Patients were excluded if they had historical data consistent with chronic kidney disease. Ultrasound images were reviewed for the presence of six renal ultrasonographic abnormalities: nephromegaly, cortical and medullary echogenicity, pyelectasia, and retroperitoneal and peritoneal fluid. Ultrasonographic findings were assessed individually and cumulatively to give an ultrasound score out of 6. Ultrasonographic findings were assessed for association with oligouria/anuria and survival., Results: Forty-five cats with AKI fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In total, 6.7% (3/45) of cats had normal renal size and architecture. The most common renal ultrasonographic findings were nephromegaly, pyelectasia and increased renal echogenicity. The presence of retroperitoneal fluid was associated with oligouria/anuria. Total ultrasound score (out of 6) was significantly associated with oligouria/anuria and 6 month survival., Conclusions and Relevance: Ultrasonographic findings are common in cats presenting with AKI. The increasing number of renal ultrasonographic abnormalities and the presence of retroperitoneal fluid alone are associated with oligouria/anuria and a higher ultrasound score may suggest a poorer long-term prognosis.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical use and outcome of autologous transfusions in cats with intracavitary haemorrhage., Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was performed. Computerised medical records of a single referral centre were searched for cats receiving an autotransfusion. Medical records were evaluated for underlying disease process, autotransfusion technique, autotransfusion volume, time period over which the autotransfusion was given, packed cell volume (PCV) pre- and post-autotransfusion, percentage rise in PCV, use of other blood products and any complications of the procedure. Survival to discharge and survival at 2 months was documented., Results: Between July 2012 and March 2018 a total of 12 autotransfusions were performed in eight cats. All patients were diagnosed with haemoperitoneum. Four of the eight cats were diagnosed with abdominal neoplasia, three had postoperative haemorrhage and one had a traumatic haemoperitoneum. Three cats received more than one autotransfusion. Blood was collected using a 23 G butterfly catheter and 20 ml syringe in 7/12 collections, a 23 G needle and 20 ml syringe in 2/12 collections and directly into syringes from the open abdomen at the time of surgery in 3/12 collections. A median volume of 50 ml (range 25-80 ml) was collected and administered, meaning a median volume of 16.5 ml/kg (range 9-26 ml/kg) was administered. The autologous transfusions were given over a median of 3 h (0.25-6 h). Five cats were given another blood product alongside the autotransfusion. Median percentage PCV increase was 5% (range 1-7%). Anticoagulant was used in 5/12 autotransfusions. No clinically relevant adverse effects were reported. Six of the eight cats survived to discharge. Two month survival was 60% (3/5)., Conclusions and Relevance: Autologous transfusion appears to be a safe and effective technique for stabilising cats with haemoperitoneum. This technique allows rapid and cheap provision of blood and avoids the need for an allogenic blood donor.

OBJECTIVE To investigate incidence, clinical features, potential risk factors, and prognostic indicators for aspiration pneumonia in Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Bulldogs. DESIGN Retrospective, observational study. ANIMALS 41 brachycephalic dogs with aspiration pneumonia. PROCEDURES Medical records of a veterinary referral hospital were retrospectively searched to identify Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Bulldogs treated for aspiration pneumonia between 2006 and 2015. Signalment, clinical data, and outcomes were recorded. Variables of interest were analyzed for statistical associations with outcome. Incidence of aspiration pneumonia for the population of interest was compared with that for all other dog breeds and for the general hospital population of dogs during the study. RESULTS 41 of 2,141 (1.91%) dogs of the selected brachycephalic breeds and 396 of 80,137 (0.49%) dogs overall had a diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia. Relative risk of the disease in the population of interest was 3.77 times that for all other breeds. Median age at disease onset was greater for Pugs (83 months) than for French Bulldogs (8 months) and Bulldogs (6 months). History of gastrointestinal signs was the most commonly observed preidentified risk factor (27/41 [66%]) in these breeds. Neurologic disease was significantly more common in Pugs than in French Bulldogs and Bulldogs. On univariate analysis, increased age, male sex, obtundation, hypoalbuminemia, azotemia, and high liver enzyme activities were associated with nonsurvival; on logistic regression, increased age was associated with nonsurvival. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Age at onset and presence of other risk factors for aspiration pneumonia may vary among brachycephalic dog breeds. Prospective studies are needed to determine common risk factors and prognostic indicators for aspiration pneumonia in the larger population of brachycephalic dogs.

Background: To determine if asymmetric ovarian edema on non-contrast MRI can be used to distinguish torsed from non-torsed stimulated ovaries in pregnant women., Methods: In this retrospective study, our radiology database was searched for women who were pregnant and who had undergone ovarian stimulation and underwent MRI abdomen/pelvis from 1/2000-12/2012. At our institution, ultrasound is typically performed as a first line study for pregnant women with pelvic pain, with MR for those patients with indeterminate findings. 64 pregnant women (gestational age range 3-37 weeks) were included. MRI indication, prospective interpretation, operative diagnosis, and follow-up were recorded. Two blinded radiologists (with a third radiologist tie-breaker) independently measured and described the ovaries, including the likelihood of torsion. If one or both ovaries/adnexa had an underlying lesion such as a dermoid, cystadenoma, or abscess, the patient was excluded from size and signal intensity comparison ( N  = 14). For the remaining 50 women, comparison was made of the ovaries in women with normal ovaries ( N  = 27), stimulated ovaries without torsion ( N  = 11), non-stimulated ovaries with torsion ( N  = 3), and stimulated ovaries with torsion ( N  = 3). Patients with asymmetric ovarian edema without stimulation or torsion ( N  = 3) and with polycystic ovary syndrome ( N  = 3) were analyzed separately., Results: Average normal ovarian length was 3.2 cm, compared to 4.5 cm for asymmetric edema and 5.6-8.8 cm for the other four groups. Average difference in greatest right and left ovarian diameter was 19% for normal ovaries compared to 24-37% for the other 5 groups. Asymmetric signal on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) was seen in 12% (3/27) of normal ovaries compared to 9% (1/11) of stimulated patients without torsion, 33% (1/3) of patients with PCOS and 67% (2/3) of patients with torsion both without and with stimulation. The correct diagnosis of torsion was made prospectively in 5/6 cases but retrospectively in only 3/6 cases. In patients with stimulation, correct diagnosis of torsion was made in 2/3 cases prospectively (both with asymmetric T2 signal) and retrospectively in only 1/3 cases. In 13/64 patients, other acute gynecologic and non-gynecologic findings were diagnosed on MRI., Conclusions: Enlarged edematous ovary can be seen with ovarian stimulation, ovarian torsion, or both. Although asymmetric ovarian edema occurred more frequently in patients with torsion than without, in pregnant patients with stimulated ovaries referred for MRI (typically after non-diagnostic ultrasound), ovarian torsion could not be confidently diagnosed or excluded retrospectively with non-contrast MRI.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the standards of care for urethral catheters (UCs) placed in male cats for treatment of urethral obstruction (UO). It also assessed whether these standards were influenced by year of graduation of the veterinary surgeon (VS)., Methods: One hundred veterinary practices were randomly selected, and a telephone survey was conducted with a VS in the practice. Regarding the last urethral catheterisation performed for a male cat with UO, the VS was asked about the use of antibiotics while the catheter was in situ, whether a closed urinary collection system was used, whether aseptic skin preparation of the patient was performed and whether aseptic hand preparation was performed. A χ(2) test was used to determine whether there were significant differences in these percentages when considering year of graduation., Results: Twenty-seven percent of VSs did not use antibiotics while the urethral catheter was in place, 44% used closed urinary collection systems, 41% performed aseptic skin preparation of the patient and 60% aseptically prepared their hands and wore sterile gloves. There was a statistically significant (P <0.01) difference in antibiotic usage, closed collection system usage and aseptic hand preparation across graduation year groups., Conclusions and Relevance: Non-sterile urethral catheter placement with open urinary drainage and antibiotic prophylaxis is still a widespread practice among VSs; however, more recent graduates are more likely to perform the procedure aseptically with a closed urinary collection system and withholding of antibiotics. There is a need for further education for postgraduate veterinarians in the prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections in cats and further research to provide evidence-based guidelines for feline urethral catheter care., (© ISFM and AAFP 2015.)

Background: Outcome prediction in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is challenging and few prognostic indicators have been consistently identified., Objectives: An online case registry was initiated to: prospectively survey canine IMHA presentation and management in the British Isles; evaluate 2 previously reported illness severity scores, Canine Hemolytic Anemia Score (CHAOS) and Tokyo and to identify independent prognostic markers., Animals: Data from 276 dogs with primary IMHA across 10 referral centers were collected between 2008 and 2012., Methods: Outcome prediction by previously reported illness-severity scores was tested using univariate logistic regression. Independent predictors of death in hospital or by 30-days after admission were identified using multivariable logistic regression., Results: Purebreds represented 89.1% dogs (n = 246). Immunosuppressive medications were administered to 88.4% dogs (n = 244), 76.1% (n = 210) received antithrombotics and 74.3% (n = 205) received packed red blood cells. Seventy-four per cent of dogs (n = 205) were discharged from hospital and 67.7% (n = 187) were alive 30-days after admission. Two dogs were lost to follow-up at 30-days. In univariate analyses CHAOS was associated with death in hospital and death within 30-days. Tokyo score was not associated with either outcome measure. A model containing SIRS-classification, ASA classification, ALT, bilirubin, urea and creatinine predicting outcome at discharge was accurate in 82% of cases. ASA classification, bilirubin, urea and creatinine were independently associated with death in hospital or by 30-days., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Markers of kidney function, bilirubin concentration and ASA classification are independently associated with outcome in dogs with IMHA. Validation of this score in an unrelated population is now warranted., (Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)