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Abstract Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the major swine pathogen associated with Porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD) including post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). Currently, there are 4 subtypes of PCV2 (PCV2a, b, c and d) and some epidemiological evidences demonstrated that virulence of PCV2 may relate to its subtypes. Recently, PMWS was observed more frequently in swine farms in Thailand; however, the information regarding to PCV2 subtype involved was limited. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the association between occurrence of PMWS and PCV2 subtypes as well as genetically characterize PCV2 in Thailand. PCV2 DNA was isolated from faecal swabs and whole blood of piglets from PMWS-affected and -negative farms. The full length ORF2 sequences were compared using multiple alignment. The results showed that PCV2 DNA was detected more frequently in PMWS-affected farms. The nucleotide identities of the ORF2 from 9 PCV2 isolates representing each PMWS-affected farm and one from the negative farm ranged from 92.4 to 99.5% suggesting that there is some genetic variation of PCV2 in Thai swine. The 10 PCV2 isolates were classified into 2 clusters, in which the 7 isolates from PMWS-positive farms were in PCV2b cluster 1 A/B. The remaining isolates were separated in the new subtype called PCV2e. The results suggest the presence of new PCV2 subtypes in addition to PCV2a and PCV2b in Asian swine population. However, correlation between subtypes and virulence of PCV2 infection is not conclusive due to limited number of the PCV2 sequences from PMWS negative farms.

Copyright of Veterinary Dermatology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aims of this study were to evaluate the repeatability of neuromuscular transmission (NMT) monitoring by electromyography and to compare train-of-four (TOF) responses of thoracic limbs to those of pelvic limbs in dogs after atracurium administration. Seven healthy dogs were enrolled in the study. The dogs were anesthetized with midazolam, morphine, propofol and isoflurane three times with a washout period of seven days. Two treatments of atracurium and electromyography-based neuromuscular monitoring were performed under each anesthesia. The dogs were randomly assigned to undergo either left or right side and either thoracic or pelvic limb for the first treatment and then allocated to the other for the second treatment. Ulnar and peroneal nerves were stimulated with a TOF pattern every 15 seconds. Onset time, time to recovery of the first (TOFcount1) , second (TOFcount2) , third (TOFcount3) and fourth (TOFcount4) twitches, and time to a TOF ratio of 0.9 (TOFR0. 9) were recorded. Atracurium (0.2 mg/kg) was administered intravenously at time zero. Means and standard deviations of time to TOFR0. 9 were used for coefficient of variation (CV) calculation. Statistical analyses revealed that the onset time was not different between the limbs. The times to TOFcount1-4 and TOFR0.9 were significantly shorter at the pelvic limbs (all P < 0.05). The CV of NMT monitoring at the thoracic and pelvic limbs were 14. 87 and 11. 03% , respectively. In conclusion, the NMT monitoring by electromyography at both limbs in dogs was repeatable with low CV. Nevertheless, the pelvic limb monitoring was prone to underestimate the residual neuromuscular blockade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A prospective, randomized, single-blinded study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of disease modifying osteoarthritis agents (DMOAAs) and carprofen by using force plate gait analysis and orthopaedic assessment score (OAS) in osteoarthritic dogs. Forty dogs with hip and/or stifle osteoarthritis (OA) were assigned randomly into four treatment groups: PCSO-524, treated with a marine-based fatty-acid compound; GC-ASU, treated with a combination of glucosamine-chondroitin sulphate and avocado/soybean unsaponifiables; CPF, treated with carprofen; and CPF-PCSO, treated with a combination of carprofen and PCSO-524. Each group received the therapeutic agent orally for four weeks. Peak vertical force (PVF), OAS, haematology and blood chemistry values were evaluated before treatment, and on the second and fourth weeks post-treatment. No significant effect was found in the PVF, OAS and blood values among the four treatment groups. Analyses within groups revealed significant increase in PVF among the PCSO-524, CPF and CPF-PCSO groups (p < 0.05). OAS showed significant decrease in the PCSO-524, CPF and CPFPCSO groups (p < 0.05). Average BUN in the CPF group increased significantly (p < 0.05). PVF negatively correlated with OAS with r = -0.39 (p = 0.014), r = -0.49 (p = 0.001) and r = -0.48 (p = 0.002) before treatment and on the second and fourth weeks post-treatment, respectively. Even though increased PVFs were demonstrated within the PCSO-524, CPF and CPF-PCSO groups, the greatest improvement was demonstrated in the CPF-PCSO group. The preliminary results imply the clinical benefits of PCSO-524 in combination with carprofen in the treatment of OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual evoked potential (VEP) is a useful technique for evaluation of optic nerve pathway and diagnosis of human Alzheimer's disease. Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is an age-related neurobehavioural syndrome which is commonly underdiagnosed in dogs. In the present study, VEPs were recorded from 28 Pomeranian dogs including 9 normal dogs aged between 1-8 years, 9 normal dogs aged over 8 years, and 10 dogs with signs of CCD. Brain atrophy in 8 CCD dogs was confirmed by CT scan. The other two dogs with signs of CCD had tumor which was confirmed by CT scan and cerebrospinal fluid. The VEP components of dogs over and under 8 years old were not statistically different (p>0.05). P2 and P3 of the dogs with CCD were longer than those of the normal dogs (p<0.05). The VEPs in dogs with CCD and tumor had different patterns. In conclusion, VEP is a promising tool for the diagnosis of CCD in aging dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the electroencephalography (EEG) patterns between healthy and epileptic dogs, to analyze the diagnostic value of scalp EEG for canine epilepsy under sedation with dexmedetomidine and to provide canine standard protocol. EEG of 29 epileptic dogs and 17 control dogs was recorded. Normal patterns, interictal epileptiform, and non-epileptiform abnormalities were interpreted using visual analysis by board-certified epileptologists. Results revealed that 34% of the dogs with epilepsy did not show discernible abnormalities on their EEG recordings. Approximately 38% of the epileptic dogs presented interictal epileptiform discharges, 28% had only non-epileptiform discharges, and 24% had both abnormalities. Sixteen of the control dogs had normal EEG pattern while one of them had non-epileptiform pattern. To identify the interictal epileptiform discharges, EEG had 37.93% sensitivity and 100% specificity for the epilepsy group compared with the normal dogs. The interictal scalp EEG, as a result, had high specificity for supporting the diagnosis of epilepsy in dogs. Moreover, administration of 5-8 mcg/kg of dexmedetomidine via the intravenous (IV) route was recommended for canine EEG study because it provided non-rapid eye movement (REM) sleep EEG, together with awake period in each tracing which was valuable for EEG interpretation. EEG, as a result, is one of the considerably useful tools to evaluate cerebral functions and epileptiform discharges. Therefore, our study suggested that EEG should be a routine diagnostic tool for ruling in canine epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The gut microbiome plays an important role in the overall health and well-being of dogs, influencing various physiological processes such as metabolism, nutrient absorption, and immune function. Edible insects are a sustainable and nutritious alternative protein source attracting increasing attention as a potential component of animal feeds, including pet food. However, little is known about the effects of insect-based diets on the gut microbiota of dogs. This study aimed to examine the fecal microbiota of dogs fed a diet that substituted common protein sources (poultry meal) with the house cricket (Acheta domesticus [AD]) or mulberry silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori pupae [BMp]) at different levels. Materials and Methods: Fifteen healthy adult mixed-breed dogs were systemically randomized and assigned into each block under a completed randomized block design into the following five experimental dietary groups: control diet, 10% AD, 20% AD, 7% BMp, or 14% BMp for 29 days. The amounts fed to the dogs were based on the daily energy requirement. Fecal samples were collected on days 14 and 29 and analyzed for bacterial community structure using 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene sequencing. Results: At the phylum and genus levels, microbiota and their diversity were generally relatively similar among all treatments. The diets containing insects did not significantly alter the major phyla in the gut microbiome of dogs (p > 0.05). A few significant changes were found in the relative abundance of bacterial genera, with the levels of Allobaculum and Turicibacter being reduced in dogs fed a higher level of BMp. In contrast, only a decrease in Turicibacter was found in dogs fed the lower level of AD than the control diet (p < 0.05). Corynebacterium and Lactobacillus levels in the dogs fed 14% BMp were significantly increased compared with those in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that insect-based diets may slightly alter the gut microbiota of dogs. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which insect-based diets influence the gut microbiota of dogs and the long- term potential health implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the major swine pathogen associated with Porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD) including post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). Currently, there are 4 subtypes of PCV2 (PCV2a, b, c and d) and some epidemiological evidences demonstrated that virulence of PCV2 may relate to its subtypes. Recently, PMWS was observed more frequently in swine farms in Thailand; however, the information regarding to PCV2 subtype involved was limited. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the association between occurrence of PMWS and PCV2 subtypes as well as genetically characterize PCV2 in Thailand. PCV2 DNA was isolated from faecal swabs and whole blood of piglets from PMWS-affected and -negative farms. The full length ORF2 sequences were compared using multiple alignment. The results showed that PCV2 DNA was detected more frequently in PMWS-affected farms. The nucleotide identities of the ORF2 from 9 PCV2 isolates representing each PMWS-affected farm and one from the negative farm ranged from 92.4 to 99.5% suggesting that there is some genetic variation of PCV2 in Thai swine. The 10 PCV2 isolates were classified into 2 clusters, in which the 7 isolates from PMWS-positive farms were in PCV2b cluster 1 A/B. The remaining isolates were separated in the new subtype called PCV2e. The results suggest the presence of new PCV2 subtypes in addition to PCV2a and PCV2b in Asian swine population. However, correlation between subtypes and virulence of PCV2 infection is not conclusive due to limited number of the PCV2 sequences from PMWS negative farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hair growth and replacement have been studied extensively in humans, sheep and laboratory rodents, but in dogs and other mammalian species few studies have been published. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the time required for the hair to re-grow in dogs after clipping for a surgical procedure; (2) to define whether the season of the year influenced the period of time required for re-growth and; (3) to determine if season might influence the telogen: anagen ratio. Eleven Labrador retrievers were recruited during spring, 10 during summer, six during autumn and 10 during winter. Hairs re-grew to their preclipped length in 14.6 weeks, 14.5 weeks, 13.6 weeks and 15.4 weeks when shaved in the spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. The differences in these values were not significant suggesting that season has no effect on the rate of hair re-growth in Labrador retrievers housed indoors ( P = 0.12). The mean values for the telogen: anagen ratio in each season were: 5.2 (spring), 6.1 (summer), 9.5 (autumn), and 5.3 (winter). The differences in these values also were not significant ( P = 0.89). The percentage of hairs in telogen was over 80% in all four seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pet foods are one of the fastest-growing products owing to demands by pet owners. In general, soybean meal, meat, meat by-products, meat, and bone meal and fishmeal have usually served as protein sources in canine diets, but they are not sustainable and fluctuate in chemical composition. Recently, several companies around the world have invested in producing edible insects as an alternative protein source for humans, livestock, aquatic animals, and dogs; however, regulation is unique for each country, which has limited the growth of insect industries. Based on several study reports, dogs have been shown to consume diets containing insects without adverse effects on health or nutrient digestibility. House cricket (Acheta domesticus: AD) and mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori: BM) pupae are other potential insects able to be good protein sources that could replace poultry meal and fishmeal. Healthy adult mixed-breed dogs were divided into five groups fed diets with 10% AD, 20% AD, 7% BM, or 14% BM for 29 days. During the experiments, dogs were evaluated in terms of blood parameters and nutrient digestibility. The study shown AD and BM, at levels of up to 20% and 14%, respectively, can be a substitute for poultry meal in canine diets without any adverse effects on health and nutrient digestibility. There has been increasing interest in using insects as sustainable protein sources for humans and animals. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the possibility of substituting poultry meal with house cricket (Acheta domesticus: AD) or mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori: BM) pupae. Fifty healthy adult mixed-breed dogs were selected and divided into five experimental groups, which were fed, in amounts based on daily energy requirement, with a control diet, a diet with 10% AD, with 20% AD, with 7% BM, or with 14% BM. Days 0–22 and 23–28 of the experiment served as the adaptation and collection phases, respectively. Haematology and blood chemistry were collected at days 0, 14, and 28, and body weight, body condition score, feed intake, faecal output, faecal score, faecal moisture, and apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and nutrients were measured during the collection phase. The results from this study suggested that AD and BM can replace poultry meal without any adverse consequences on all measured parameters (p > 0.05). Therefore, AD at 20% or BM at 14% can be used in canine diet formulations. However, long-term feeding trials should be conducted and should focus on clinical signs relating to hypersensitivity disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Picornaviruses are non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses that cause highly contagious diseases, such as polio and hand, foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) in human, and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in animals. Reverse genetics and minigenome of picornaviruses mainly depend on in vitro transcription and RNA transfection; however, this approach is inefficient due to the rapid degradation of RNA template. Although DNA-based reverse genetics systems driven by mammalian RNA polymerase I and/or II promoters display the advantage of rescuing the engineered FMDV, the enzymatic functions are restricted in the nuclear compartment. To overcome these limitations, we successfully established a novel DNA-based vector, namely pKLS3, an FMDV minigenome containing the minimum cis-acting elements of FMDV essential for intracytoplasmic transcription and translation of a foreign gene. A combination of pKLS3 minigenome and the helper plasmids yielded the efficient production of uncapped-green florescent protein (GFP) mRNA visualized in the transfected cells. We have demonstrated the application of the pKLS3 for cell-based antiviral drug screening. Not only is the DNA-based FMDV minigenome system useful for the FMDV research and development but it could be implemented for generating other picornavirus minigenomes. Additionally, the prospective applications of this viral minigenome system as a vector for DNA and mRNA vaccines are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Veterinary Dermatology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and Aim: Generally, rectal body temperature (BTrectum) is used to prefer as core body temperature in dogs. However, this procedure is time- and labor-consuming with stress induction. Therefore, infrared auricular temperature (BTear) and surface temperature (ST) could be applied to estimate BTrectum. This study aimed to estimate BTrectum from BTear or ST in various areas and determined the factors that influenced the accuracy of prediction equations. Materials and Methods: Under controlled temperature (n=197) and ambient temperature (n=183), the parameters BTrectum, BTear, and ST at internal pinna, auricular canal, lateral aspect of shoulder, hip, axillary area, inguinal area, footpad, and anal area (STrectum) were measured. In addition, temperature and humidity levels of the surrounding environment were recorded. The correlation between each measurement technique was calculated. The BTrectum prediction equation was created using all measured data and several influencing factors (environmental condition, size, coat type, and body condition score [BCS]). Results: The highest correlation with BTrectum was observed for BTear (r=0.61, p<0.01), which was similar to STrectum (r=0.61, p<0.01). Based on multiple linear regression model results using BTrectum as the dependent variable, BTear or STrectum were first selected as independent variables in all estimation equations. Ambient temperatures (R2 =0.397), small breed (R2 =0.582), long hair (R2 =0.418), and/or a BCS of 2 (R2 =0.557) provided the highest coefficients of determination of the prediction equation. Conclusion: The most appropriate predictors for estimating BTrectum were STrectum and BTear, which were impacted by the dog’s signalments and the environment. To obtain satisfactory outcomes, the equation must be selected depending on the dog’s signalments and the environmental conditions. However, based on the findings of this investigation, the accuracy remains low in several equations, and further studies are needed to improve the accuracy of the equation, mainly by increasing the sample size and developing a specific equation for each dog’s signaling and environmental condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective—To determine whether nephrolithiasis was associated with an increase in mortality rate or in the rate of disease progression in cats with naturally occurring stage 2 (mild) or 3 (moderate) chronic kidney disease. Design—Retrospective case-control study. Animals—14 cats with stage 2 (mild) or 3 (moderate) chronic kidney disease (7 with nephroliths and 7 without). Procedures—All cats were evaluated every 3 months for up to 24 months. Possible associations between nephrolithiasis and clinicopathologic abnormalities, incidence of uremic crises, death secondary to renal causes, and death secondary to any cause were evaluated. Results—There were no clinically important differences in biochemical, hematologic, or urinalysis variables between cats with and without nephroliths at baseline or after 12 and 24 months of monitoring. No associations were detected between nephrolithiasis and rate of disease progression, incidence of uremic crises, or death. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that in cats with mild or moderate chronic kidney disease, nephrolithiasis was not associated with an increase in mortality rate or in the rate of disease progression. Findings support recommendations that cats with severe kidney disease and nephrolithiasis be managed without surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We reported on the expression of secretory G protein of bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) by mammalian stable cells. • The secretory GΔTM protein reacted with a natural BEF convalescent bovine serum. • It induced neutralising antibody in the guinea pig immunisation model. • This is an attractive antigen production platform for development of BEFV vaccine and diagnostic assays. Bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) causes an acute febrile disease in cattle and water buffalo. The disease has an impact on dairy and beef production in tropical and subtropical countries. Vaccination is used for disease prevention and control. In this study, we developed a recombinant lentivirus to produce mammalian stable cells expressing histidine-tagged BEFV G protein with a deleted transmembrane domain (GΔTM) as a secretory protein. In addition, guinea pigs were immunised with the purified GΔTM protein and booster immunised at a 3-week interval. The mammalian stable cells were able to continuously produce GΔTM protein for a minimum of 25 passages. All of the mammalian stable cells expressing GΔTM protein could react specifically with a BEFV convalescent bovine serum. Serum samples from the immunised guinea pigs could react strongly and specifically with the purified GΔTM protein. Moreover, post-immunised guinea pig sera contained antibodies that could neutralise BEFV. These results indicate that the G protein without a transmembrane domain can be used as a subunit vaccine for the prevention and control of BEFV. The availability of the mammalian stable cells, which constitutively express GΔTM protein, could facilitate the potential use of the secretory protein for BEFV diagnosis and vaccine development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A DNA fragment containing CpG motifs (CpG ODN) is one of the potent immunopotentiators used to improve vaccine efficacy. It can enhance a protective immunity by stimulating both innate and adaptive immune responses. In this study, we designed and constructed a recombinant plasmid carrying the combined CpG ODN to generate an immunopotentiator for boosting the immunogenicity of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) virus-like particles (VLPs). The capsid protein of PCV2b was expressed in insect cells and purified by affinity chromatography. The purified capsid protein was incubated with the CpG ODN in the reaction that allowed VLPs formation and encapsidation of the CpG ODN to occur simultaneously. Morphology of the reassembled VLPs was similar to the PCV2 virions as observed using an electron microscope. When the CpG ODN-encapcidated VLPs was treated with DNase I, the VLPs could protect the packaged CpG ODN from the enzyme digestion. Moreover, we immunized mice subcutaneously with VLPs, CpG ODN-loaded VLPs, or phosphate buffer saline for three times at two-week intervals. The results showed that the CpG ODN-loaded VLPs could elicit significantly higher levels of PCV2-specific neutralizing antibodies and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) expression in the immunized mice compared to those conferred by the VLPs alone. Conclusively, we have proved that the CpG ODN incorporated in VLPs can serve as a potent immunopotentiator for PCV2 vaccine development. • Tandem motifs of class B CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODN) was generated. • The CpG ODN was incorporated into porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) viral like particles (VLPs). • In the VLPs, the CpG ODN was protected from the DNase I digestion. • The encapsidated-CpG ODNs significantly enhanced the VLP-based vaccine efficacy in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Foot and mouth disease, a highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals, is still endemic in Asia, Africa, and a few countries in South America. Subclinical and persistent infections usually occur in vaccinated cattle exposed to FMDV. Successful control and eradication measures need a diagnostic assay that can distinguish between immune responses to infection and vaccination. The non-structural 3ABC ELISA is the most reliable differential diagnostic assay. However, expression of the native 3ABC gene in insect cells yielded truncated versions of the proteins; thus, a monoclonal antibody to capture digested proteins is needed to develop the assay. The purpose of this study was to develop a simple indirect 3ABC ELISA using complete 3ABC protein. The full-length mutated 3ABC protein with inactive 3Cpro (mu3ABC) gene was constructed. The histidine-tagged mu3ABC protein was produced in insect cells for easy purification and measuring. This permits simple assay design and reproducible assay development. mu3ABC ELISA had diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of 96.6% and 84%, respectively, compared to Ceditest® FMDV-NS. Agreement of both assays was excellent with κ value of 0.823 (p <0.05). The mu3ABC ELISA could distinguish infected from vaccinated animals. These factors are necessary for the successful development of an in-house NSP-based ELISA. Availability of a reliable assay with acceptable costs would facilitate successful disease control and the establishment of disease-free zones. Expansion of such zones may ultimately decrease the risk of introducing FMDV into disease-free countries, thus accelerating global FMD control. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective--To identify demographic factors associated with urate urolithiasis in cats and determine whether the rate of urolith submission to a laboratory had changed over time. Design--Case series and case-control study. Animals--Cases consisted of 5,072 cats with urate uroliths submitted to the Minnesota Urolith Center between January 1, 1981, and December 31, 2008. Controls consisted of 437,228 cats without urinary tract diseases identified in records of the Veterinary Medical Database during the same period. Procedures--Information on cat breed, age, sex, reproductive status, and location of uroliths was used to identify risk factors. Changes in annual urolith submission rates were evaluated. Results--Purebred cats had significantly higher odds of developing urate uroliths than did cats of mixed breeding (reference group). On the other hand, cats of the Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Himalayan, Manx, and Persian breeds had significantly lower odds of developing urate uroliths than did mixed breeds. Neutered cats were 12 times as likely to develop urate uroliths as were sexually intact cats. Cats in all age groups had significantly increased odds of developing urate uroliths, compared with cats < 1 year of age (reference group). Cats ≥ 4 but < 7 years of age had the highest odds of all groups and were 51 times as likely to develop urate uroliths as were cats < 1 year of age. Urolith submission rates did not change significantly with time. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Findings of this study suggested that the typical cat with urate uroliths was a purebred neutered cat, 4 to 7 years old, with uroliths in the bladder or urethra. This information may be helpful in predicting mineral composition of uroliths in vivo. However, no conclusions can be made regarding cause-and-effect relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case-control study which identifies the frequency of interval of recurrence of uroliths in cats after initial ammonium urate, calcium oxalate and struvite uroliths. It assessed possible risk factors for the recurrence including breed, age, or sex. The results of the study furnish insights on the association of recurrent episodes following initial calcium oxalate uroliths and struvite uroliths with older cats.

Objective—To test the hypothesis that urate uroliths are uncommonly detected in female Dalmatians, compared with males. Design—Case-control study. Sample Population—Medical records of dogs evaluated at veterinary teaching hospitals in North America from 1981 to 2002 and compiled by the Veterinary Medical Database, and records of dogs with uroliths submitted for quantitative analyses to the Minnesota Urolith Center from 1981 to 2002. Procedures—Crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess whether sex (mate vs female) was a risk factor for urate urolithiasis. Results