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In dogs with diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), we have identified electron microscopic changes suggestive of abnormal lysosomal accumulation of phospholipids and consistent with the appearance of drug-induced phospholipidosis in people and other animals. The objective of this study was to compare concentrations of urine di-docosahexaenoyl (22:6)-bis(monoacylglycerol)phosphate (BMP), a biomarker of drug-induced phospholipidosis, in dogs with DCM eating high-pulse (HP) diets, dogs with DCM eating low-pulse (LP) diets, and healthy controls (control-HP and control-LP). METHODS In this cross-sectional study, voided urine was collected from client-owned dogs with DCM from September 2018 through March 2020. Urine di-22:6-BMP was measured by LC-MS-MS and normalized to urine creatinine. Normalized di-22:6-BMP concentrations were compared among groups using mixed-effects-model analysis. RESULTS 53 dogs were included: DCM-HP (n = 25), DCM-LP (n = 4), control-HP (n = 10), and control-LP (n = 14). Mixed-effects models adjusted for age and sex showed that HP diet was significantly associated with higher normalized urine di22:6-BMP concentrations. A 1-way ANOVA identified a significant difference among the 4 groups, with Tukey post hoc analysis showing that the DCM-HP group had significantly higher normalized urine di-22:6-BMP concentrations compared to the control-LP group. Normalized di-22:6-BMP concentrations were significantly positively correlated with diet pulse scores (r = 0.52). CONCLUSIONS High-pulse diets were significantly associated with higher normalized urine di-22:6-BMP concentrations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results support the possible presence of primary or secondary phospholipidosis in dogs with diet-associated DCM and provide a plausible mechanism for further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common disease in pet cats, affecting 10-15% of the pet cat population. The similarity to human HCM, the rapid progression of disease, and the defined and readily determined endpoints of feline HCM make it an excellent natural model that is genotypically and phenotypically similar to human HCM. The Maine Coon and Ragdoll cats are particularly valuable models of HCM because of myosin binding protein-C mutations and even higher disease incidence compared to the overall feline population. The cat overcomes many of the limitations of rodent HCM models, and can provide enhanced translation of information from in vitro and induced small animal models to human clinical trials. Physicians and veterinarians working together in a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach can accelerate the discovery of more effective treatments for this and other cardiovascular diseases affecting human and veterinary patients.

Simple Summary: While sildenafil is commonly used in humans and dogs with cardiopulmonary disease, the literature on its use in cats is limited to single case reports or small case series of cats with congenital heart disease, primary respiratory disease, and parasitic disease, and limited information is available regarding the tolerability and adverse effects in cats. Given the significant benefits of sildenafil in other species, our goal was to evaluate the use of sildenafil in a larger population of cats with various cardiopulmonary diseases and to report on the tolerability and adverse effects. This retrospective study included 55 cats that received sildenafil for ≥24 h between 2009 and 2021. Forty-three cats had primary cardiac disease (acquired, n = 28; congenital, n = 15) and 12 had primary respiratory disease. Side effects possibly attributed to sildenafil included systemic hypotension (n = 1) and polydipsia (n = 1). Sildenafil was discontinued in the cat with hypotension and in three additional cats for lack of improvement in clinical signs. Median duration of sildenafil administration was 87 days (range, 2–2362 days). Sildenafil appeared to be generally well-tolerated in cats, but studies are needed to determine whether it improves the quality of life or survival times. Sildenafil is a drug used to successfully manage a variety of cardiopulmonary disorders in people and dogs, but there is limited information on its use in cats. The objective was to review the medical records of cats that received sildenafil as part of their clinical management. Medical records and pharmacy databases were searched for cats that received sildenafil for ≥24 h between 2009 and 2021, and data were collected from medical records. Fifty-five cats received sildenafil for ≥24 h and were included in the study: 43 with primary cardiac disease (acquired, n = 28; congenital, n = 15) and 12 with primary respiratory disease. Side effects possibly attributed to sildenafil were identified in two cats (systemic hypotension, n = 1; polydipsia, n = 1), and sildenafil was discontinued in the cat with hypotension. Sildenafil was discontinued in an additional three cats due to a lack of improvement in clinical signs. No cat was documented to develop worsening pulmonary edema within 72 h of starting sildenafil. Median duration of sildenafil administration was 87 days (range, 2–2362 days). Sildenafil administration in cats appeared to be generally well-tolerated. Studies are needed to determine whether sildenafil administration to cats with cardiopulmonary disease improves the quality of life or survival times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reading skills are an important component of academic success for school-age youth, and are associated with increased academic performance and positive attitudes about school. The presence of an animal appears to reduce stress during reading. Therefore, the goal of this study was to assess the feasibility and effects of a 6-week after-school canine-assisted reading program in a public elementary school setting. Second-grade students were randomized to either an intervention group (n = 14) in which they read to a registered therapy dog for 30 min once weekly for 6 weeks or a control group (n = 14) with a standard classroom curriculum. Children's reading skills were assessed biweekly and attitudes about reading were assessed pre- and post-intervention. The 6-week after-school canine-assisted reading program was feasible. Reading skill scores did not change significantly for either group. Although scores on recreational reading attitudes also did not change significantly for either group, the academic reading attitudes scores increased significantly in the intervention group (p = 0.002), but not in the control group (p = 0.06). These results support the benefits of an animal-assisted intervention for child literacy on children's attitudes about reading and can inform future programs evaluating reading programs that include dogs.

ObjectiveTo compare the nutrient composition of commercially available dog milk replacers with that of dog milk.DesignProspective, cross-sectional study.Sample5 dog milk samples and 15 samples of commercial dog milk replacers.ProceduresDog milk and milk replacers were analyzed for concentrations of total protein, essential amino acids, sugars, total fat, essential fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorus. Energy density was calculated. Results from milk replacers were compared with the range of the concentration of each nutrient in milk samples from mature dogs as well as the National Research Council (NRC) recommendations for puppy growth.ResultsMilk replacers varied widely in caloric density and concentration of nutrients such as calcium, protein, and fat. Calcium concentration was lower in 14 of 15 milk replacers than in the dog milk samples. Docosahexaenoic acid was undetectable in 12 of 15 milk replacers but present in all dog milk samples. All milk replacers had numerous essential nutrients outside of the range of the dog milk samples, and many had concentrations of amino acids, essential fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorus less than the NRC minimal requirement or recommended allowance. Compared with NRC recommendations, some dog milk samples had concentrations of total protein, linoleic acid, calcium, or phosphorus less than the recommended allowance.Conclusions and clinical relevanceResults suggested that there was substantial variation in nutrient composition of 15 dog milk replacers and that some products were closer approximations of dog milk than others. Nearly all products would benefit from more appropriate calcium, amino acids, and essential fatty acids concentrations and better feeding directions.

One of the persistent challenges in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education is increasing interest, learning, and retention, particularly with regard to girls and students in underserved areas. Educational curricula that promote process and content knowledge development as well as interest and engagement in STEM are critical in supporting student success and pathways to careers in STEM-related fields. One new and innovative method for promoting STEM learning is animal-based curricula, which can provide the opportunity to introduce students to science and engineering principles in an active, engaging way that promotes an optimal learning environment. The goal of this study was to pilot test the effectiveness of animal-based curricula in motivating middle-school students' interest in science and engineering, as a gateway to them learning more broadly about science and engineering careers. The present study used data from two veterinary medicine-based out-of-school time STEM programs for middle school students. Students in both programs reported a significant increase in scores on interest in engineering after completing the program, but no significant difference in science interest scores. The findings from these pilot data provide exploratory information about the potential effectiveness of animal-based STEM education as a strategy for increasing interest in STEM careers for middle school students.

PURPOSE The increased availability of reliable diagnostic technologies has stimulated debate about the utility of physical examination in contemporary clinical practice. To reappraise its utility, we explored family physicians' experiences. METHODS Guided by principles of phenomenology, we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews exploring 16 family physicians' experiences of conducting physical examination: 7 (44%) men and 9 women (56%) whose clinical experience varied widely, from 11 (69%) urban and 5 (31%) rural locations. We recorded the interviews, transcribed them verbatim, and identified initial themes using template analysis. We worked reflexively, critiquing our own and other team members' interpretations, in order to synthesize and write a final interpretation. RESULTS Participants described 2 facets of physical examination: making diagnoses and estimating prognoses rationally and objectively; and responding subjectively and intuitively to patients' illnesses, which formed relationships between doctor and patient that enacted medical care in the moment. Physical examination allowed physicians to use their own bodies to experience patients' illnesses. Performing physical examination was integral to being a family doctor because it promoted rapport and developed trust. CONCLUSIONS Physical examination is part of the identity of family physicians. It not only contributes diagnostic information but is a therapeutic intervention in and of itself. Physical examination contributes to relationship-centered care in family practice., INTRODUCTION The role of physical examination in contemporary medicine is debated (1-4) because clinical skills, like other aspects of practice, are being scrutinized for supporting evidence. Critics draw attention to [...]