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Prostatic hyperplasia (PH) is an androgen-dependent condition associated with increased prostatic size that is common in intact dogs, and similar to the condition in men. In dogs, the increase in prostatic size is most prominent the first years, and after approximately four years (in beagles), a plateau is reached, and further growth is slower. Why the prostate continues to grow more in some individuals is not clear. Most testosterone in the circulation is bound to albumin or sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and only a minor part is unbound and biologically active. The binding to SHBG has higher affinity than that to albumin. In addition, SHBG has own biological functions, modifying testosterone action. The aim of the present study was to investigate if there is an association between relative prostatic size and the vari-ables total testosterone concentration, SHBG concentration, an estimation of bioavailable testosterone: the ratio between testosterone and SHBG (free androgen index, FAI), estradiol concentration, the estradiol/testosterone ratio, dog age and dog weight. Hormone concentrations were measured in serum from 79 intact male dogs aged >= four years, weighing >= five kg. The size of the prostate was estimated using ultrasonography, and relative prostate size, Srel, was calculated as the estimated size related to the normal size for a 4-year-old dog of the same weight. There as a negative correlation between testos-terone concentration and age (p =-0.27, P = 0.018) and a positive correlation between age and Srel (p = 0.27, P = 0.016) and between SHBG and weight (p = 0.38, P = 0.001). The FAI was negatively correlated with dog weight (p =-0.32, P = 0.004). There were no significant correlations between Srel and SHBG or FAI or between estradiol or estradiol/testosterone and Srel, age or weight. A multiple regression analysis showed significant associations between log Srel and log testosterone concentration, log age and log weight of the dog, with an adjusted R2 of 9.5%. Although the variables total testosterone concentration, age and weight of the dog were all significantly associated with Srel, the coefficient of determination was low, indicating that they only explained a minor part of the prostatic size. The results support the analysis of total testosterone in studies of prostatic growth in the dog.(c) 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Background Measured indirect blood pressure (BP) results in cats in a clinical environment might be affected by stress and characteristics of the cats. Hypothesis To investigate the influence of clinical setting, cat characteristics, and life situation on BP and pulse rate (PR) in healthy cats. Animals Ninety-four healthy Domestic Shorthair, Birman and Norwegian Forest cats. Methods Blood pressure measured by high-definition oscillometry in 3 settings: cat placed in its own carrier with veterinarian present; cat placed in carrier with owner alone present; and cat placed on table with veterinarian present. Statistical analyses were performed using mixed linear models. Results Systolic BP (SBP) did not differ among settings. Higher mean arterial pressure (MAP), diastolic BP (DBP), and PR were found when measurements were performed with cat placed on table, rather than in carrier. Coefficients of variation (CVs) higher for SBP, MAP, DBP, and PR when measured with cat placed on table than in carrier. Birman cats had lower BP than other breeds. Systolic BP, MAP, DBP, and PR increased with age. Cats allowed outdoors had lower PR than cats living strictly indoors. Conclusion and clinical importance No difference in SBP was found among settings, but measuring BP with the cat placed on the examination table gave higher MAP, DBP, PR, and CV than measuring BP with the cat in its carrier. Breed affected BP, with lower BP in Birman cats than other breeds. Blood pressure increased with age. Pulse rate was lower in cats allowed outdoors than cats living strictly indoors.

Background Heterophilic antibodies in serum and plasma can interfere with mammalian antibodies in immunoassays and result in false test results, usually false positive. Although studies screening for heterophilic antibodies as well as elimination studies have been conducted in dogs and cats, knowledge of the presence of heterophilic antibodies in other species in veterinary medicine is limited. In this study, a 2-site sandwich-type interference assay that detects anti-mouse antibodies was used to detect heterophilic antibodies in a population of horses treated in an animal hospital. Results A total of 194 serum samples from 127 individual horses were analyzed. There were 11/127 (8.7%) interference-positive horses, and these were analyzed in an assay exchanging the capture mouse IgG with chicken IgY. The positive samples were negative in the chicken IgY assay, indicating elimination of a possible interference, with the chicken-based assay. Four interference-positive samples were from geldings, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was analyzed from these samples. AMH concentrations were negative in these samples as expected in geldings, indicating that the heterophilic antibodies did not cause interference in the AMH assay. Conclusion The present study shows that there are heterophilic antibodies in horse serum samples like in samples from humans, dogs, and cats. The use of chicken-based reagents, such as chicken IgY, which do not cross-react with mammalian IgG, eliminates the effects of interfering antibodies in the samples. Equine heterophilic antibodies do not necessarily cause interference in commercial immunoassays.

Background: Increased plasma concentration of N-terminal-prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) can be detected in cats with cardiac disease. Potential effects of feline characteristics on NT-proBNP concentration may influence clinical usefulness. Objectives: To evaluate potential effects of feline characteristics on NT-proBNP plasma concentration and to compare NT-proBNP plasma concentrations in healthy cats with results in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) cats with or without left atrial enlargement (LAE) using an ELISA and a point-of-care test (POCT), and assess if POCT results reflect ELISA results. Animals: One hundred healthy cats of 3 breeds and 39 HCM cats were included. Methods: Diseases other than HCM were excluded by physical examination, blood pressure measurement, echocardiography, hematology, and serum biochemistry.Results Higher NT-proBNP concentrations were found in males than in females in healthy (P = .005) and in HCM cats (P = .0021), but breed had no effect on NT-proBNP concentrations. Using >= 100 pmol/L as a cutoff for abnormal samples, ELISA and POCT had similar sensitivity (SE; 72 and 74%) and specificity (SP; 97 and 98%) for detecting cats with HCM, cats with HCM and LAE (SE, both 100%; SP, 97 versus 98%), and cats with HCM without LAE (SE, both 69%; SP, 97 versus 98%), respectively, when compared to healthy cats. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Breed had no effect on plasma NT-proBNP concentrations, but higher concentrations were found in male than in female cats. The ELISA and POCT had similar SE and SP for detecting HCM. Both tests could identify all HCM cats with LAE but not all HCM cats without LAE.

Although various benefits of cats and dogs have been extensively studied, their fundamental economic value is poorly understood. Economic values are, in contrast to monetary values, determined subjectively and guide individuals in their decisions. This study presents a conceptual economic model of the value of cats and dogs which provides a basis for future research. Benefits of cats and dogs identified in the literature are categorized in relation to the model. The multidimensional value of these nonhuman animals includes different use and non-use values, for caretakers and other humans. Data from an online survey on the salience (importance of attributes in memory) of cats and dogs in Sweden provide support for the proposed model. It is argued that the subjective well-being approach developed in psychology provides a good starting point for estimating many of the economic values of these animals, but that different types of values may require different approaches.

Immunoassays are widely used for detection and quantification of analytes in biological samples, but are vulnerable to analytical errors caused by interfering sample substances. Of particular interest are endogenous anti-animal antibodies that may bind to the immunoassay antibodies and cause erroneous test results. This phenomenon is a hazard to patient safety in both human and veterinary medicine. Here, we demonstrate that anti-mouse antibodies in dogs bind selectively to different regions of the murine IgG molecule, cross-react with IgG from different species, and consist of all major antibody classes present in canine serum (IgA, IgG and IgM). The antibody characteristics varied among individuals and their prevalence differed between two dog breeds. The selective binding to different IgG regions suggests that the antibodies might not originate from immunization through exposure to mice or other species. These findings show that canine anti-mouse antibodies are highly heterogeneous in nature and therefore require a combination of strategies to be counteracted.

Background Enlargement of the prostate is associated with prostatic diseases in dogs, and an estimation of prostatic size is a central part in the diagnostic workup. Ultrasonography is often the method of choice, but biomarkers constitute an alternative. Canine prostate specific esterase (CPSE) shares many characteristics with human prostate specific antigen (PSA) and is related to prostate size. In men with clinical symptoms of prostatic disease, PSA concentrations are related to prostate growth. The aims of the present follow-up study were to evaluate if the concentration of CPSE is associated with future growth of the prostate, and if analysis of a panel of 16 steroids gives further information on prostatic growth. Owners of dogs included in a previous study were 3 years later contacted for a follow-up study that included an interview and a clinical examination. The prostate was examined by ultrasonography. Serum concentrations of CPSE were measured, as was a panel of steroids. Results Of the 79 dogs included at baseline, owners of 77 dogs (97%) were reached for an interview, and 22 were available for a follow-up examination. Six of the 79 dogs had clinical signs of prostatic disease at baseline, and eight of the remaining 73 dogs (11%) developed clinical signs between baseline and follow-up, information was lacking for two dogs. Development of clinical signs was significantly more common in dogs with a relative prostate size of ≥2.5 at baseline (n = 20) than in dogs with smaller prostates (n = 51). Serum concentrations of CPSE at baseline were not associated with the change in prostatic size between baseline and follow-up. Serum concentrations of CPSE at baseline and at follow-up were positively associated with the relative prostatic size (Srel) at follow-up. Concentrations of corticosterone (P = 0.024), and the class corticosteroids (P = 0.0035) were positively associated with the difference in Srel between baseline and follow-up. Conclusions The results support the use of CPSE for estimating present and future prostatic size in dogs ≥4 years, and the clinical usefulness of prostatic size for predicting development of clinical signs of prostatic disease in the dog. The association between corticosteroids and prostate growth warrants further investigation.

The aim of the work was to describe the profile of steroid hormones in the peripartum period of the bitch. Twenty-five healthy pregnant bitches presented for pregnancy monitoring and parturition assistance were included in the study. A blood sample was collected for routine progesterone assay, and serum was stored at -20°C. The day of parturition and the number of delivered puppies were registered. Concentrations of corticosteroids, androgens, progestogens, estrogens, for a total number of 17 different hormones, were measured using ultra-performance supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed using a repeated measure, mixed-model approach, taking into account day (from day -4 to day +2 from parturition), age, parity (primiparous vs pluriparous), number of delivered puppies (4 vs 4-8 vs8), and interactions between factors. Day related to parturition significantly affected the concentration of progesterone (P0.001), testosterone (P0.001), 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (P = 0.0002), and cortisone (P = 0.006). Estrogen concentration did not show any significant variation over time. Testosterone and androstenedione showed an abrupt decline on the day of parturition. The concentration of all glucocorticoids increased the day before parturition. Age or parity was not significantly associated with any of the steroids. Litter size significantly affected concentrations of aldosterone (P = 0.02) and etiocholanolone (P = 0.01). Aldosterone concentrations were higher in litters with 4 to 8 pups than in litters with more than 8 pups (P = 0.02). None of the steroids measured in our study, with the already known exception of progesterone, shows potential to be clinically useful in predicting the onset of parturition in the bitch.

In golden retriever dogs, a 1 bp deletion in the canine TTC8 gene has been shown to cause progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), the canine equivalent of retinitis pigmentosa. In humans, TTC8 is also implicated in Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS). To investigate if the affected dogs only exhibit a non-syndromic PRA or develop a syndromic ciliopathy similar to human BBS, we recruited ten affected dogs to the study. The progression of PRA for two of the dogs was followed for two years, and a rigorous clinical characterization allowed a careful comparison with primary and secondary characteristics of human BBS. In addition to PRA, the dogs showed a spectrum of clinical and morphological signs similar to primary and secondary characteristics of human BBS patients, such as obesity, renal anomalies, sperm defects, and anosmia. We used Oxford Nanopore long-read cDNA sequencing to characterize retinal full-length TTC8 transcripts in affected and non-affected dogs, the results of which suggest that three isoforms are transcribed in the retina, and the 1 bp deletion is a loss-of-function mutation, resulting in a canine form of Bardet-Biedl syndrome with heterogeneous clinical signs.

Increased knowledge on serum protein profiles during early pregnancy in dogs would be valuable for several reasons, including animal welfare. Inflammatory changes during this period have been described. Today, mass spectrometry (MS) is a well-established technique to perform unbiased qualitative and quantitative studies of proteins in body fluids regardless of species. In the present study, a shotgun proteomic analysis based on nano-liquid chromatography-MS was performed to identify proteins of altered abundance during canine pregnancy, and, thereafter, a targeted parallel reaction monitoring (PRM)-method was developed and applied to absolutely quantify the concentrations of a selection of these proteins. Among the 32 proteins found altered between pregnant and non-pregnant dogs in the initial analysis, 12 were selected based on their changes in concentration and known biological importance, and these were analyzed using the PRM method. The PRM method showed good linearity, repeatability and sensitivity, and confirmed the higher concentration of Fibrinogen A, protein S alpha and C-reactive protein at early time points in pregnant bitches. In conclusion, the combination of both methods allowed the identification of several altered proteins, and the quantification and description of the concentration patterns for a selection of them during the early stage of dog pregnancy. SIGNIFICANCE: MS is a powerful technique that allows the investigation of protein variations in samples from different origin, such as serum from dogs. The application of a shotgun proteomic analysis as a screening method has revealed the alteration of several proteins after fifteen days of pregnancy in dogs. The complementary development of a PRM MS-based method for several of these proteins has enabled the absolute quantification of their concentrations at five different time points during early pregnancy. With the MS technique, a combination of proteins can be studied with lower limits of detection than with immunoassays. Care should be taken not to interpret the observed changes in pregnant dogs as signs of disease.

Pregnancy is considered a pro-inflammatory state that requires physiologic adaptation of the immune system of the mother. The aim of the present study was to study inflammatory and hormonal changes during canine pregnancy. Studies included analyses of peripheral concentrations of the acute phase proteins fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP), the hormones progesterone and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), hemoglobin, and analyses of the total leukocyte numbers and expression of cell surface antigens. Twenty bitches were included in the present study; 12 pregnant bitches and eight non-pregnant control bitches that were followed during the corresponding phase of the oestrous cycle. Blood samples were collected at the day of optimal mating (day 0) and then on days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42. Progesterone, IGF-I and CRP were analysed in serum and fibrinogen in EDTA plasma. Haematology and leukocyte expression of a panel of inflammation-associated adhesion molecules (CD 11a, CD 18 and CD 49d) were evaluated from EDTA blood. The data were analyzed as repeated-measures data, using a mixed model approach. Progesterone varied with time in both pregnant and control bitches, and IGF-I varied with time in pregnant bitches. Both fibrinogen and CRP increased significantly with time for the pregnant bitches, but no significant change was detected for the control bitches. Increases were seen from day 21. The hemoglobin concentration decreased significantly with time in both pregnant and non-pregnant bitches. The neutrophil and monocyte numbers increased significantly in pregnant but not in control bitches. Pregnancy induced increased granulocyte expression of cell surface marker CD 18, increased monocyte expression of CD 18 and CD 49d, and increased lymphocyte expression of CD 49d. In conclusion, we describe inflammatory changes during canine pregnancy that are manifested as increases in concentrations of CRP and fibrinogen, an increase in neutrophils and monocytes, and in activation of granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes. The changes should be taken into account when evaluating concentrations of APPs and WBC in bitches during pregnancy. A variation in IGF-I concentrations was detected during pregnancy.

Catecholamines can be used to evaluate neuroendocrine tumors, stress, and potentially pain, but catecholamines degrade rapidly. Their metabolites normetanephrine (NME) and metanephrine (ME) have better stability in urine. In cats, urine sampling in a home environment would be beneficial to reduce effects of clinical stress and simplify sampling. We evaluated a human urine ELISA for analysis of NME and ME in feline urine, and investigated the effects of acidification, cat tray pellets, and storage time at room temperature up to 8.5 h. In 26 feline urine samples, mean NME concentration was 192 ± 80 ng/mL, mean intra- and inter-assay CV was 6.5% and 4.2%, respectively, and spike recovery was 98–101%, but dilutional recovery was unsatisfactory. For ME, mean intra- and inter-assay CV was 10.2% and 4.1%, respectively. Mean urine ME concentration was 32.1 ± 18.3 ng/mL, close to the kit’s lowest standard, and spike recovery was 65–90%; the ELISA could not be validated for ME. The stability study, performed for NME on 12 urine samples, did not identify differences between acidified and non-acidified samples, cat tray pellets, or storage time, and no interaction effects. The ME ELISA was not suitable for feline urine; performance of the NME ELISA was acceptable, except for dilution recovery. For analysis of NME, feline urine can be sampled at home using cat tray pellets and stored at room temperature up to 8.5 h without acidification.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related disorder in the intact male dog that is associated with an increase in the prostatic size. Ultrasonography gives a reliable estimate of the prostatic size, but a method for screening the prostate size using a serum sample has advantages, such as requiring less expensive equipment. The primary aim of the study was to study the association between the concentration of the circulating biomarker canine prostate specific esterase (CPSE) and prostatic size. Seventy-nine dogs that were four years old or older were included in the study. Ultrasonography was used for calculating the volume of the prostate. The calculated volume was divided by an estimate of the normal prostatic volume in dogs aged one to four years, to determine the relative prostatic size: the size of the prostate in relation to the normal size in dogs 1–4 years old (S rel ). CPSE was analyzed from serum samples. Multiple linear regression analysis was used for studying associations between variables. Prediction intervals for the relative prostatic size based on CPSE concentrations were calculated, as were receiver operating curves for CPSE concentrations predicting S rel . The concentration of CPSE was associated with the relative size and contour of the prostate (P rel ≥ 2.5. A CPSE concentration of 200 ng/mL predicted S rel to 2.5 (95% P.I: 1.2–4.8). Based on ROC analysis, the optimal discrimination threshold for CPSE concentration for S rel ≥ 2.5 was estimated as 90 ng/mL (95% confidence interval: 50–140), with a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 72%. Screening for CPSE is of potential value in the aging intact male dogs. Although many dogs with an S rel ≥ 2.5 show no clinical signs, the insidious nature of BPH supports further investigations of the prostate in these dogs, corresponding to a CPSE concentration of approximately 90 ng/mL or higher.

One of the most enigmatic features of humoral immunity is the prevalent presence of circulating autoantibodies against IgG. These autoantibodies consist of several subsets, including rheumatoid factors, anti-Fab/anti-F(ab′)2-autoantibodies, and anti-idiotypic antibodies. Anti-IgG autoantibodies can impair the safety and efficacy of therapeutic antibodies and interfere with immunogenicity tests in clinical trials. They can also cross-react with allospecific IgG, presenting as heterophilic antibodies that interfere with diagnostic immunoassays. Owing to these factors, recent years have seen a resurgent interest in anti-IgG autoantibodies, but their underlying clinical significance, as well as biological roles and origins, remain opaque. Increased knowledge about canine anti-IgG autoantibodies could facilitate the development of canine immunotherapies and help in understanding and counteracting immunoassay interference. This study investigated the clinical significance and interconnection of heterophilic antibodies, anti-Fab, and anti-F(ab′)2-autoantibodies in dogs. We performed a 2-year prospective follow-up of dogs with heterophilic antibodies and analyzed serum for anti-Fab and anti-F(ab′)2-autoantibodies. Canine heterophilic antibodies can persist for at least 2 years in serum. A widespread occurrence of anti-Fab and anti-F(ab′)2-autoantibodies was found, with reactivity to cryptic epitopes in the IgG hinge region and sporadic cross-reactivity with mouse IgG. Canine anti-Fab and anti-F(ab′)2-autoantibodies are thus potential sources of clinical immunogenicity and immunoassay interference.

Objectives The aims of the study were to determine the heart rate, rhythm, number of ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) and atrial premature complexes (APCs) in unsedated cats with asymptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), using 24 h ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) (Holter) in the home environment and to compare the results with those from healthy control cats. Methods Fifteen privately owned cats with asymptomatic HCM entered the study. Data from 23 healthy cats, previously published by our group, were used as the control. Clinical examination, measurement of blood pressure, echocardiographic examination, Holter recordings and biochemical analyses were performed in all cats. Holter recordings were obtained in the home environment. Results Three-lead ECGs of good quality were obtained from 15 cats with HCM. The median heart rate was 145 (interquartile range [IQR] 137–184) beats per minute for the cats with HCM. All cats with HCM presented with normal sinus rhythm; 60% of cats had intermittent sinus arrhythmia. Median number of VPCs was 3 (IQR 1–17). Three cats had APCs and three cats had both escape beats and intermittent sinus arrhythmia. Conclusions and relevance Asymptomatic cats with HCM had few VPCs and APCs on 24 h ambulatory ECG in the home environment. Intermittent sinus arrhythmia was observed in 60% of cats with HCM. The present study shows that the heart rate and the number of VPCs and APCs in cats with asymptomatic HCM are similar to that found in healthy control cats.

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of feline dystocia with respect to breed. Methods The data used were reimbursed claims for veterinary care insurance and/or life insurance claims in cats registered in a Swedish insurance database from 1999–2006. Results The incidence rates for dystocia were about 22 cats per 10,000 cat-years at risk, 67 per 10,000 for purebred cats and seven per 10,000 for domestic shorthair cats. The median age was 2.5 years. A significant effect of breed was seen. An incidence rate ratio (IRR) that was significantly higher compared with other purebred cats was seen in the British Shorthair (IRR 2.5), the Oriental group (IRR 2.2), Birman (IRR 1.7), Ragdoll (IRR 1.5) and the Abyssinian group (IRR 1.5). A significantly lower IRR was seen in the Norwegian Forest Cat (IRR 0.38), the Maine Coon (IRR 0.48), the Persian/Exotic group (IRR 0.49) and the Cornish Rex (IRR 0.50). No common factor among the high-risk breeds explained their high risk for dystocia. There was no effect of location; that is, the incidence rate did not differ depending on whether the cat lived in an urban or rural area. Caesarean section was performed in 56% of the cats with dystocia, and the case fatality was 2%. Conclusions and relevance The incidence rate for dystocia was of a similar magnitude in purebred cats as in dogs. The IRR varied significantly among breeds, and the main cause for dystocia should be identified separately for each breed. A selection for easy parturitions in breeding programmes is suggested.

Despite a worldwide increase in the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) in dogs and its potential to cause serious canine health problem, the understanding of the transmission and long-term carriage of MRSP is limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the transmission of MRSP to contact dogs living in multiple dog households where one or more of the dogs had been diagnosed with a clinically apparent infection with MRSP. MRSP carriage was investigated over several months in 11 dogs living in four separate multiple dog households where an MRSP infection in a dog had been diagnosed. Whole-genome sequencing was used for genotypic characterization. Contact dogs were only MRSP-positive if the index dog was positive on the same sample occasion. Three contact dogs were consistently MRSP-negative. The data from whole genome sequencing showed similarities between isolates within each family group, indicating that MRSP was transmitted within each family. The results show that the risk of MRSP-colonization in dogs living with an MRSP-infected dog is reduced if the index dog becomes MRSP negative. All of the contact dogs will not carry MRSP continuously during the time the index dog is MRSP-positive. The information yielded from whole genome sequencing showed the methodology to be a promising additional tool in epidemiologic investigations of MRSP transmission.

Sertoli cells produce anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and number of these cells is associated with numbers of sperm produced. The study aim was to quantify AMH concentrations in serum and seminal plasma of donkeys during puberty, and to correlate the values with those for testicular width and semen quality of sexually mature males. Blood was collected from five donkeys every second month from 4 to 24 months of age, and then once at 40 months of age. Semen was collected once monthly, from 13 to 19 and 23–25 months of age. There was quantification of AMH concentrations in serum and seminal plasma. During puberty, there was a redirection of AMH secretion from the blood stream into seminal plasma. In serum, AMH concentrations increased during puberty with a maximal concentration at 16 months and the changes were similar for seminal plasma with a maximal concentration at 18 months of age. Serum AMH concentrations from 14–20 were greater than at 12 or 22 months of age. Maximal serum AMH concentrations were associated with testicular width at 24 months (r = 0.97, P = 0.005), but not with sperm count, sperm motility or percentage of sperm with normal morphology at 42 months of age. There were no significant correlations among values for AMH concentrations in seminal plasma during puberty and values for any of the seminal variables.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of the major acute phase proteins in dogs. It is produced by the liver and rapidly increases in response to an inflammatory stimulus. The aim of this study was to measure CRP concentrations around parturition and to verify whether this protein could be useful, together with progesterone (P), to detect the onset of parturition in bitches. The CRP and P concentrations were measured in 66 serum samples from 28 healthy pregnant bitches, collected between -5 and +2 days from parturition (day of parturition = day 0). The effect of ‘days from parturition’, parity, and litter size on P and CRP concentration was analyzed and the correlation between CRP and P values was calculated. The P and CRP values were affected by ‘days from parturition’. While P decreased during the last days of pregnancy, CRP concentration was greater than the normal range (0–1.07 mg/dl) starting the parturition day with the increase starting on day -1. The CRP concentration profiles during the days around parturition have not been previously reported in dogs. The increase in CRP very near the time of parturition and the low magnitude of the increase do not allow for it to be useful in clinical practice to assess the onset of parturition in the bitch.

Canine anti-mouse antibodies are a potential source of immunoassay interference, but erroneous immunoassay results are not always easily identifiable. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a marker for the presence of gonads in dogs, but elevated AMH concentrations in neutered dogs could also be caused by antibody interference. For other assays, a discrepant result obtained after antibody precipitation might indicate antibody interference.We aimed to evaluate if canine anti-mouse antibodies are a source of erroneous results in the AMH assay and if antibody precipitation with polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a useful tool for detecting antibody interference in a variety of immunoassays used in the veterinary clinical laboratory.Twenty-nine positive and 25 negative samples for anti-mouse antibodies were analyzed for AMH, canine total thyroxine (TTEvidence of antibody interference was found in two samples analyzed for AMH. The presence of anti-mouse antibodies did not lead to a higher proportion of discrepant results after PEG treatment for any of the immunoassays. The overall incidence of discrepant results for healthy controls was very high (73%).Canine anti-mouse antibodies are a source of erroneous AMH results. Antibody precipitation with PEG is not a useful tool for detecting interference caused by such antibodies.

Interfering antibodies in human serum and plasma are known to react with mammalian antibodies in immunoassays and cause false-positive test results. Although this phenomenon was recently shown in companion animals, knowledge regarding immunoassay interference in veterinary medicine is very limited.The aims of this study were to set up a species-independent immunoassay procedure to detect interference in serum samples, to screen for interference in a cross-section of canine and feline patient samples from an animal hospital, and to determine if the detected interference could be neutralized using an immunoassay based on nonmammalian reagents.A 2-site sandwich-type interference assay was set up using commercially available mouse reagents. A total of 369 serum samples from 320 dogs and 263 samples from 218 cats were analyzed using the interference assay. Multiple samples were submitted from 36 dogs and 39 cats. Nineteen samples identified as interference-positive were analyzed in an assay using chicken antibodies.Interference was detected in samples from 28 dogs (9%) and 10 cats (5%) screened with the interference assay. Except for 1 cat, consistent results were obtained for all 75 dogs and cats that submitted more than 1 sample. The interference was eliminated when analyzed in the chicken-based assay (P .001).Substances with reactivity toward mouse IgG can be detected in serum samples from dog and cat patients using a 2-site interference assay. The detected substances are most likely interfering antibodies, possibly originating from immunization with other mammalian species.

Background Blood samples from dogs are often limited in volume, only allowing few steroids to be quantified with immunoassays. In addition, immunoassays may be compromised by interferences such as anti-reagent antibodies. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) can be used for the simultaneous quantitation of several steroids. This has not been described in dogs before. Objectives The aims were to use LC-MS/MS to study steroid profiles in early pregnancy and luteal phase in dogs, and to determine if differences exist between pregnant (P) and nonpregnant (NP) dogs. Methods Nine female dogs were included, 4 during a NP luteal phase, 4 during a P luteal phase, and one during one NP and one P luteal phase. Blood samples were collected around the time of the LH surge (Day 0) and on Day 26. Serum was analyzed for 5 classes of steroids, including glucocorticoids, androgens, estrogens, pregnanes, and progestins, using LC-MS/MS methods. Results The concentration of progesterone was significantly higher on Day 26 in P than in NP bitches. Distribution of concentrations of glucocorticoids, androgens, estrogens, or pregnanes in P and NP dogs were not statistically different. The predominating glucocorticoid was cortisol, and dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was the predominating androgen. Concentration of estrone was comparable to oestradiol, whereas concentrations of pregnenolone were higher than those of 17-OH pregnenolone. Conclusions Only concentration of progesterone differed between P and NP bitches, being significantly higher on Day 26 in P than in NP bitches. LC-MS/MS offers interesting possibilities for studies of canine reproductive endocrinology.

Reliable methods for determining whether or not a bitch has ovarian tissue present are needed for cases with unknown neutering status. Vaginal cytology consistent with heat is indicative of functional ovarian tissue. Other methods are required when the bitch is not presented in suspected heat. Progesterone can be analyzed during 2 months after suspected heat. During other stages, assays for the analyses of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) have been used. The AMH assay is expected to give detectable concentrations (positive) in bitches with ovarian tissue, and the LH assay should give negative results in intact bitches, except during the pre-ovulatory LH peak. The aim of the present study was to study the diagnostic efficiency for detecting ovarian tissue in bitches using an AMH assay developed for human samples, and a semi-quantitative rapid immune migration (RIM™) LH assay developed for use in dogs. An AMH concentration of ≥0.1 μg/L, and an LH concentration of ≤1 μg/L, was set as the cut-off for presence of ovarian tissue. Client or staff owned bitches were included (N = 125). There were 73 intact bitches that were classified as being in heat (N = 25); in luteal phase (N = 12); or in anestrus (N = 36), and 52 spayed bitches that showed no clinical signs of estrogen influence. In total 64 of the 73 intact bitches (88%) were correctly identified using AMH, and 70/73 (96%) intact bitches were correctly identified using the LH assay. Excluding bitches in heat, the corresponding figures were 42/48 (88%) for AMH and 48/48 (100%) for LH. Of the 52 spayed bitches, 51 (98%) were correctly identified using the AMH assay and 49 (94%) were correctly identified using the LH assay. In this population, the predictive value of a positive AMH for intact bitches was 98%, and of a negative AMH for spayed bitches was 85%. Excluding bitches in heat, the predictive value of a negative LH test for intact bitches was 94%, and the predictive value of a positive LH test for identifying spayed bitches was 100%. It was concluded that analyses of AMH and LH are useful for detecting ovarian tissue in bitches, but that low concentrations of AMH may be obtained in intact bitches, classifying them as spayed. For LH, bitches in suspected estrus should not be tested to avoid the pre-ovulatory LH-surge, that otherwise may cause intact bitches being incorrectly identified as spayed.

Pyometra is a common and life-threatening disease of intact bitches caused by hormonal influence of the uterus in combination with bacterial infection. The treatment of choice is ovariohysterectomy, but several purely medical options are available. Common drugs used for medical treatment in combination with antimicrobials are progesterone receptor blockers, prostaglandins, and dopamine agonists. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term recovery and fertility after treatment with the progesterone receptor blocker aglepristone in bitches with pyometra. Data from 28 bitches with pyometra, admitted to the University Animal Hospital, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, during a 9-year period, were studied retrospectively and followed up by telephone interviews with the owners. The bitches had been treated with aglepristone at a dose of 10 mg/kg on a median of four occasions. All bitches had also been treated with antimicrobial drugs for a mean duration of 23 days, the most frequently used being enrofloxacin. Escherichia coli were the most commonly isolated bacteria from cranial vagina. The outcome was assessed for up to 6 years after treatment. The success rate, determined as restored clinically healthy status, was 75% (21/28 bitches), and the recurrence rate of disease was 48% (10/21 bitches). The mean time until recurrence was 10.5 months after the end of treatment. After treatment, 69% (9/13) of the mated bitches produced puppies. Of the seven bitches that did not have a successful treatment, six were ovariohysterectomized and one was euthanized. In conclusion, medical treatment with aglepristone in combination with antimicrobial therapy was successful in 75% of the bitches studied and the recurrence rate was 48%.

Pyometra is a clinically relevant problem in intact female cats and dogs. The etiology is similar in both animal species, with the disease caused by bacterial infection of a progesterone-sensitized uterus. Here, we studied pyometra in cats with the aim to describe the incidence and probability of developing pyometra based on age and breed. The data used were reimbursed claims for veterinary care insurance or life insurance claims or both in cats insured in a Swedish insurance database from 1999 to 2006. The mean incidence rate (IR) for pyometra was about 17 cats per 10,000 cat years at risk (CYAR). Cats with pyometra were diagnosed at a median age of 4 years and a significant breed effect was observed. The breed with the highest IR (433 cats per 10,000 CYAR) was the Sphynx, and other breeds with IR over 60 cats per 10,000 CYAR were Siberian cat, Ocicat, Korat, Siamese, Ragdoll, Maine coon, and Bengal. Pyometra was more commonly diagnosed with increasing age, with a marked increase in cats older than 7 years. The mean case fatality rate in all cats was 5.7%, which is slightly higher than corresponding reports in dogs of 3% to 4%. Geographical location (urban or rural) did not affect the risk of developing the disease. The present study provides information of incidence and probability of developing pyometra based on age, breed, and urban or rural geographical location. These data may be useful for designing cat breeding programs in high-risk breeds and for future studies of the genetic background of the disease.

Background In the dog, the normal estrous cycle includes a prolonged luteal phase. Progesterone stimulates local canine mammary growth hormone (GH) production, which may act systemically and contribute to insulin resistance. Swedish Elkhounds are predisposed to progesterone-related diabetes mellitus, and the relationship among insulin resistance, GH, and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is of particular interest. Objective To study insulin resistance in relation to GH and IGF-I in nondiabetic Swedish Elkhounds during diestrus. We also assessed whether alterations in these hormones could predict diestrus-linked diseases and all-cause mortality. Animals Eighty-four privately owned female intact Swedish Elkhounds >4 years of age. Methods Blood sampling and clinical examination during luteal phase, with a follow-up questionnaire after 20 months. Insulin resistance was calculated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Results In multivariable regression analysis, GH was positively associated with HOMA-IR (P = .009). An increase in GH of 1 ng/mL was associated with a 12.7% increase in HOMA-IR. Moreover, C-peptide was positively associated with IGF-I (P = .04), and an increase in C-peptide of 0.1 ng/mL was associated with a 6.9% increase in IGF-I. Structural equation modeling supported these results. Twenty-three animals were found to have previously unrecognized mammary masses and had higher GH (P

Background Prostasomes are extracellular vesicles. Intracellularly they are enclosed by another larger vesicle, a so called “storage vesicle” equivalent to a multivesicular body of late endosomal origin. Prostasomes in their extracellular context are thought to play a crucial role in fertilization. Methods Prostasomes were purified according to a well worked-out schedule from seminal plasmas obtained from human, canine, equine and bovine species. The various prostasomes were subjected to SDS-PAGE separation and protein banding patterns were compared. To gain knowledge of the prostasomal protein systems pertaining to prostasomes of four different species proteins were analyzed using a proteomic approach. An in vitro assay was employed to demonstrate ATP formation by prostasomes of different species. Results The SDS-PAGE banding pattern of prostasomes from the four species revealed a richly faceted picture with most protein bands within the molecular weight range of 10–150 kDa. Some protein bands seemed to be concordant among species although differently expressed and the number of protein bands of dog prostasomes seemed to be distinctly fewer. Special emphasis was put on proteins involved in energy metabolic turnover. Prostasomes from all four species were able to form extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP formation was balanced by ATPase activity linked to the four types of prostasomes. Conclusion These potencies of a possession of functional ATP-forming enzymes by different prostasome types should be regarded against the knowledge of ATP having a profound effect on cell responses and now explicitly on the success of the sperm cell to fertilize the ovum. General significance This study unravels energy metabolic relationships of prostasomes from four different species.

Pyometra is a disease that affects a large proportion of intact bitches, and typically is seen during the latter half of dioestrus. Several factors contribute to the development of pyometra, including genetic factors, an infectious component (most often Escherichia coli), and hormonal factors. Hormones may act directly on the endometrium, and also affect the immune system. In dogs, the phagocytic ability has been shown to decrease with age, and ovarian hormones have also been shown to affect immune resistance. The aim of the present study was to examine whether phagocytosis by canine leucocytes varies significantly during the luteal phase. Eight bitches were followed by repeated blood sampling. Samples were taken at the calculated optimal day for mating (Day 1), and thereafter on days 8, 15 and 22 (early luteal phase) and 29, 43, 57 and 71 (late luteal phase). Blood was collected from the cephalic vein into EDTA tubes for leucocyte counts and heparinised tubes for testing of phagocytosis and oxidative burst using commercial kits and flow cytometry. The cell activity of the phagocyting leucocytes, expressed as mean fluorescence activity, MFI, was significantly lower during late luteal phase than during early luteal phase. The proportion of leucocytes that was induced to phagocyte did not differ significantly. The percentage of cells stimulated by E. coli to oxidative burst was significantly lower during late luteal phase. Their activity did not differ between the two periods. The number of cells stimulated to oxidative burst by a low stimulus was too low to evaluate, and leucocytes stimulated with the high stimulus did not vary in oxidative burst between the two periods. The changes in phagocytic activity and in the number of leucocytes that showed oxidative burst were not associated with any change in the proportion of different leucocytes. The decreased phagocytic capacity possibly contributes to the higher incidence of diseases such as pyometra during the latter part of the luteal phase.

During the last decade, analysis of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), highly conserved between mammalian species, has contributed to new information in reproductive endocrinology, due to clinically available diagnostic assays. AMH is produced solely in the gonads, in the Sertoli cells of testes and granulosa cells of the ovary, and thus offers possibilities to diagnose physiologic and pathologic conditions involving these organs. This article reviews indications for AMH analysis in cats and dogs, including diagnosing the presence of gonads, and granulosa or Sertoli cell tumours. Diagnostic challenges are addressed. One specific organ, the prostate, is commonly affected by pathologic changes in older dogs. A commercial assay for analysing canine prostatic specific esterase (CPSE) enables analysis of CPSE in clinical practice, of potential value in the workup of benign prostatic hyperplasia in male dogs. This is described in this review, as is a new method for analysis of steroids: liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry LC-MS/MS. Steroids have since long been analysed in studies on reproduction, and LC-MS/MS has the advantage of allowing analysis of panels of multiple steroids from small sample volumes. Altogether, these available methods may give new insights into small animal reproduction and are valuable tools for the practicing veterinarian.

Background Cytologic examination of smears prepared from ocular swabs of conjunctiva from cats with conjunctivitis permits identification of the type of inflammation and possibly specific microorganisms. Results of studies of the diagnostic utility of cytology for detection of infectious causes of feline conjunctivitis have been inconsistent. Objectives The objectives of this study were to describe cytologic findings in cats with conjunctivitis and to compare those findings with results of PCR analysis for feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), Chlamydophila felis (C felis), and Mycoplasma felis (M felis). Methods Conjunctival smears from 88 cats with conjunctivitis and 10 healthy control cats were stained with a Romanowsky stain and evaluated for the type of inflammation and evidence of an infectious agent. PCR analysis for FHV-1, C felis, and M felis was performed. Results Infectious agents identified by PCR analysis were FHV-1 in 9 cats (10%), C felis in 8 cats (9%), and M felis in 6 cats (7%). Inclusions interpreted as chlamydial inclusions were found in all cytologic smears from cats positive for C felis by PCR analysis and in 3 PCR-negative cats. Inclusions interpreted as Mycoplasma organisms were found in 3 of 6 cats that were PCR-positive for M felis and in 1 PCR-negative cat. FHV-1 inclusion bodies were not detected on cytologic examination. Conclusions Cytologic examination can be diagnostic for C felis infection when many typical inclusions are present. Cytologic examination was unreliable in diagnosing M felis infection, and viral inclusions of FHV-1 were not found in specimens stained with Romanowsky stains.

Borna disease virus (BDV) is a RNA-virus causing neurological disorders in a wide range of mammals. In cats, BDV infection may cause staggering disease. Presently, staggering disease is a tentative clinical diagnosis, only confirmed at necropsy. In this study, cats with staggering disease were investigated to study markers of BDV infection aiming for improvement of current diagnostics. Nineteen cats fulfilled the inclusion criteria based on neurological signs and pathological findings. In 17/19 cats, BDV infection markers (BDV-specific antibodies and/or BDV-RNA) were found, and antibodies in serum (13/16, 81%) were the most common marker. BDV-RNA was found in 11/19 cats (58%). In a reference population without neurological signs, 4/25 cats were seropositive (16%). The clinical history and neurological signs in combination with presence of BDV infection markers, where serology and rRT-PCR on blood can be helpful tools, improve the diagnostic accuracy in the living cat.

Borna disease virus (BDV) is a neurotropic, negative-stranded RNA virus, which causes a non-suppurative meningoencephalomyelitis in a wide range of animals. In cats, BDV infection leads to staggering disease. In spite of a vigorous immune response the virus persists in the central nervous system (CNS) in both experimentally and naturally infected animals. Since the CNS is vulnerable to cytotoxic effects mediated via NK-cells and cytotoxic T-cells, other non-cytolytic mechanisms such as the interferon (IFN) system is favourable for viral clearance. In this study, IFN-γ expression in the brain of cats with clinical signs of staggering disease (N=12) was compared to the expression in cats with no signs of this disease (N=7) by quantitative RT-PCR. The IFN-γ expression was normalised against the expression of three reference genes (HPRT, RPS7, YWHAZ). Cats with staggering disease had significantly higher expression of IFN-γ compared to the control cats (p-value ≤ 0.001). There was no significant difference of the IFN-γ expression in BDV-positive (N=7) and -negative (N=5) cats having clinical signs of staggering disease. However, as BDV-RNA still could be detected, despite an intense IFN-γ expression, BDV needs to have mechanisms to evade this antiviral immune response of the host, to be able to persist.

The questionnaire based study gives a combined description of management, infectious diseases and reproductive performance in breeding catteries during 1 year. The mean number of cats per cattery was 6.1, and 25% of the breeders let some of their cats have free access to outdoors. Breeders reported that infection with feline panleukopenia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus or feline leukaemia virus was uncommon, but 8% of the breeders had sold or had themselves owned a cat that died of feline infectious peritonitis. Presence of conjunctivitis was reported by 33.3% of the breeders. Mean litter size was 3.7±1.5, with 9.7% stillbirths and 8.3% kitten mortality week 1–12. The percentage of stillborn kittens increased with the age of the queen and litter size, and also differed among breeds. Kitten mortality differed among breeds, but did not increase with age of the queen. Seven percent of the litters were delivered by caesarean section, significantly more during winter and positively associated with presence of stillborn kittens.

Today immunoassays are widely used in veterinary medicine, but lack of species specific assays often necessitates the use of assays developed for human applications. Mass spectrometry (MS) is an attractive alternative due to high specificity and versatility, allowing for species-independent analysis. Targeted MS-based quantification methods are valuable complements to large scale shotgun analysis. A method referred to as parallel reaction monitoring (PRM), implemented on Orbitrap MS, has lately been presented as an excellent alternative to more traditional selected reaction monitoring/multiple reaction monitoring (SRM/MRM) methods. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-system is not well described in the cat but there are indications of important differences between cats and humans. In feline medicine IGF-I is mainly analyzed for diagnosis of growth hormone disorders but also for research, while the other proteins in the IGF-system are not routinely analyzed within clinical practice. Here, a PRM method for quantification of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGF binding protein (BP) -3 and IGFBP-5 in feline serum is presented. Selective quantification was supported by the use of a newly launched internal standard named QPrEST™. Homology searches demonstrated the possibility to use this standard of human origin for quantification of the targeted feline proteins. Excellent quantitative sensitivity at the attomol/μL (pM) level and selectivity were obtained. As the presented approach is very generic we show that high resolution mass spectrometry in combination with PRM and QPrEST™ internal standards is a versatile tool for protein quantitation across multispecies.

Background Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) measurements are used in veterinary medicine for diagnosing growth hormone disorders. IGF-I assays are subject to interference by IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP) which may not be efficiently removed by standard extraction methods. Adding excess IGF-II during analysis may improve accuracy. Objectives The purpose of the study was to validate a commercial human IGF-I ELISA which uses excess IGF-II for feline samples and to evaluate biologic variation. Methods Precision was determined by calculating the coefficient of variation (CV). Accuracy was determined by recovery after removal of IGFBP, addition of IGF-I, and linear dilution after the addition of IGFBP. Biologic variation was determined by repeated sampling in 7 cats. Results There was interference by IGFBP in the high measuring range, resulting in falsely low IGF-I concentrations. This was overcome by the addition of high concentrations of IGF-II. Untreated serum had a measured/expected ratio of 98–115% compared to serum where IGFBP had been removed. Recovery after the addition of IGF-I was 83–112%. Inter- and intra-assay CVs ranged from 2.4% to 5.0% which is within the minimum acceptance criteria based on biologic variation. The reference interval of IGF-I was wide (90–1207 ng/mL) and there was a significant association between body weight and ln IGF-I (P

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and testosterone are produced by the testicles. Both hormones affect sperm production, and hence fertility. In men with a high body condition score (BCS), the testosterone concentration is low.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) could be isolated from four cats (2.6%) and feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV) from none of 152 clinically healthy cats from 22 Swedish breeding catteries. These cats had all previously shown signs of respiratory tract disease or conjunctivitis, although several years ago. The results suggest that carriers of FCV and FHV were uncommon in Swedish breeding catteries studied. Prevalence rates in other European countries and North America are usually higher, especially of FCV. The lower prevalence rates in our study might be explained by test group selection, differences in factors such as management, environment, or genetic constitution of the cats, or by sample handling. It was concluded that the presence of an FCV shedder in the cattery does not mean that all cats in the group are infected, but special measures are recommended to avoid infection of susceptible cats.

Objective—To characterize the bacteria of the genital tract in adult cats; assess the effect of estrus, mating, and administration of progestins on those microorganisms in females; and evaluate whether results of bacteriologic culture of vaginal swabs are affected by cleansing of the vulva prior to sampling or by repeated sampling. Animals—66 female and 29 male cats undergoing routine ovariohysterectomy or castration. Procedure—Specimens were obtained from vaginal and uterine or preputial mucosae with swabs moistened with sterile saline (0.9% NaCl) solution. In 9 cats, vaginal specimens were obtained before and after cleansing of the vulva with ethanol; in 7 female cats, 2 vaginal specimens were obtained in immediate succession. Results—Aerobic bacteria were most commonly isolated from cats' vaginas and prepuces; anaerobic bacteria were isolated frequently from males (41%) but rarely from females (5%). Generally, culture results were not affected by cleansing of the vulva or repeated vaginal sampling. The bacterial population of the vaginas of cats was influenced by stage of the estrous cycle but not by mating or administration of progestins. Bacteria were not isolated from the uterus of any cat. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In cats, bacteria of the genital tract in females are predominantly aerobic; in males, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are found. The bacterial population of the vagina is affected by stage of the estrous cycle. Pure growth of bacteria in culture of genital tract specimens is a normal finding; antimicrobials should only be administered if clinical signs of genital infection are present. (Am J Vet Res 2003;64:963–968)

Background Treatment with glucocorticoids after snakebite in dogs is controversial and randomized clinical studies are missing. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a single dose of prednisolone in dogs envenomated by Vipera berus in a double-blind placebo-controlled study, after exclusion of dogs treated with antivenom. The two treatment groups were compared regarding clinical status and clinicopathological test results. A total of 75 dogs bitten by Vipera berus within the previous 24 hours were included. Clinical assessment, blood sampling and measurement of the bitten body part were done at admission (Day 1), after 24 hours (Day 2) and at a re-examination (Re-exam) after 10–28 days. Dogs were given prednisolone 1 mg/kg bodyweight (PRED) or saline (PLACEBO) subcutaneously in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Dogs were examined clinically and mental status and extent of edema were described. Furthermore, appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmia and death were recorded. Concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and high sensitivity cardiac Troponin I (cTnI), hematology variables and Prothrombin time (PT) were determined. Systemic inflammation was defined as present if CRP > 35 mg/l. Results None of the dogs died during the study period. The mental status was reduced in 60/75 (80%) of dogs on Day 1, compared to 19/75 (25%) on Day 2. The proportion of dogs with no or only mild edema increased significantly from Day 1 to Day 2. About one-third of the dogs developed gastrointestinal signs during the study period. Cardiac arrhythmia was uncommon. Clinicopathological changes included increased total leucocyte count, CRP and troponin concentration on Day 2. The cTnI concentration was increased in dogs with systemic inflammation, compared to dogs without systemic inflammation. A single dose of prednisolone did not significantly affect any of the clinical or clinicopathological parameters studied, except for a higher monocyte count on Day 2 in dogs that had received prednisolone treatment. Conclusion The results of the present study do not support routine administration of a single dose of prednisolone 1 mg/kg subcutaneously in dogs bitten by Vipera berus.

Background Bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common reason for antimicrobial therapy in dogs. A reported increase in multi-drug resistance in canine bacterial pathogens, including resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC) is of concern as antimicrobial resistance complicates therapy in dogs. In addition, it is a possible public health concern. The objectives of this study were to investigate the relative prevalence of pathogens in urine samples from dogs with urinary tract infection sampled at referral hospitals, clinics and mixed veterinary practices and to investigate if this was influenced by sample material or by contamination of the culture. The second objective was to assess the susceptibility patterns to clinically relevant antimicrobials and to investigate if this was influenced by whether the samples originated from smaller clinics or from referral hospitals and to perform active screening for the presence of Enterobacteriaceae resistant to ESC. Results Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated pathogen (68%) followed by staphylococci (11%). E. coli isolates were found significantly more often in pure culture than in contaminated samples. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus aureus isolates were significantly more prevalent in pre-incubated samples compared to samples submitted as non-incubated media. Susceptibility to the majority of the tested first-line antimicrobials was common. Multiresistance was rare, and these isolates were all susceptible to at least one relevant antimicrobial. Isolates in samples from small animal clinics or mixed veterinary practices were less likely to be susceptible compared to isolates originating from referral animal hospitals. ESC-resistant Enterobacteriacae isolates were found in one per cent of the positive cultures. Bacteria with transferable ESC resistance were confirmed in one dog. The gene demonstrated was blaCMY2. Conclusions Choice of sample material might influence the possibility of detecting Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus aureus isolates in clinical cases of UTI in dogs. Based on the study results, use of first-line antimicrobials is a rational empirical antimicrobial therapy for the studied dog population. E. coli was the most prevalent pathogen, but prevalence of infection with ESC resistant Enterobacteriaceae including E. coli was low, as such isolates were found in only one per cent of the positive cultures.

Background Sepsis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition and early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is crucial for survival. Pyometra is one of the most common diseases in intact female dogs. The disease often leads to sepsis (systemic inflammatory response syndrome, SIRS, caused by infection). Diagnostic markers for detecting sepsis are gaining increasing interest in veterinary medicine. Acute phase proteins (APPs) such as C-reactive protein (CRP) are useful for detecting systemic inflammation in dogs. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is another major APP in dogs that is not yet as widely used. Albumin is regarded as a negative APP and has earlier been evaluated for prediction of prognosis in septic dogs. The aim of the present study was to determine SAA, CRP and albumin concentrations in dogs with sepsis and pyometra and to evaluate whether these inflammatory markers are associated with length of postoperative hospitalization. Results Thirty-one surgically treated bitches with pyometra were included, whereof 23 septic (SIRS-positive) and eight non-septic (SIRS-negative). Albumin concentrations were analyzed by routine automated methods. SAA and CRP analyses were performed with previously validated commercially available assays (ELISA and immunoturbidimetric). Mean (±SE) serum concentrations of SAA were significantly higher in septic (130.8 ± 8.0 mg/L) compared to non-septic bitches (88.5 ± 12.5 mg/L). Using a cut-off value for SAA of 109.07 mg/L (n = 31 bitches), the sensitivity and specificity for detecting sepsis was 74% and 50%, respectively. Serum albumin concentrations were not significantly different in septic compared to non-septic bitches (mean ± SE, 25 ± 1 g/L and 26 ± 1 g/L, respectively). CRP concentrations were also not significantly different in septic (mean ± SE 225.6 ± 16.0 mg/L) compared to non-septic bitches (mean ± SE, 176.0 ± 27.1 mg/L). None of these inflammatory markers were associated with the outcome as measured by length of hospitalization. Conclusions SAA concentrations were increased in dogs with sepsis induced by pyometra and may be useful as an adjunctive diagnostic marker for sepsis. To evaluate the full potential of SAA as a marker for sepsis also in other diseases, further studies are warranted.

Background The purpose of this study was to validate a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) developed for measuring free cortisol in human saliva and total cortisol concentration in diluted human serum, for its applicability in measuring cortisol concentration in pig saliva. Collection of saliva is less stressful than e.g. blood sampling, and is a non-invasive method. Findings Saliva was collected by allowing sows to chew on cotton swabs held by forceps. Thereafter, the swabs were centrifuged to retrieve the saliva. The ELISA was performed according to instructions provided by the manufacturer. To validate the ELISA, determination of the intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV), inter-assay CV, recovery, linearity and parallelism was performed. The intra-assay CV was below 10% and inter-assay CV below 15% for samples of high, medium and low cortisol concentrations. The mean recovery was 117% and the linearity and parallelism showed an r2-value of 0.994 and 0.993, respectively. For biological assessment of induced social stress, two saliva samples were collected in the morning from 6 primiparous and 21 multiparous sows. One sample was collected when the sows were individually housed in a farrowing pen and a second sample was collected when the sows were group housed. The primiparous sows had a significant higher cortisol concentration compared to the multiparous sows when group housed. Conclusion The results obtained in this validation study indicate that the ELISA is suitable for measuring cortisol concentration in porcine saliva.