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Proficiency with instrumental analysis via GC-MS is an important skill for chemistry students. The application of analytical techniques and fundamental theoretical principles to real-world problems can be valuable learning exercises for undergraduates which can also improve their analytical thinking skills. Xylitol is generally considered safe for human consumption and is frequently used in sugar-free gum; however, it is extremely toxic to dogs. In this laboratory experiment, upper-level undergraduate chemistry students extract xylitol from both fresh and chewed gum sticks followed by direct aqueous injection GC-MS analysis. Students learn the proper steps and techniques required for sample extraction and preparation and GC--MS analysis, and they determine concentrations of xylitol present in gum samples. Identification and quantification of the chemical components in gum extract occurs via GC-MS analysis; however, other GC detectors could be used. Students also compare external and internal standard calibration methods for xylitol quantification. Upon quantification of xylitol in chewed and unchewed gum samples, students are able to calculate the level of hazard for dogs upon ingestion.

Abstract Background This study evaluated the exposure of dogs to three different Ehrlichia spp. in the south and central regions of the United States where vector-borne disease prevalence has been previously difficult to ascertain, particularly beyond the metropolitan areas. Methods Dog blood samples (n = 8,662) were submitted from 14 veterinary colleges, 6 private veterinary practices and 4 diagnostic laboratories across this region. Samples were tested for E. canis, E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii specific antibodies using peptide microtiter ELISAs. Results Overall, E. canis, E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii seroprevalence was 0.8%, 2.8%, and 5.1%, respectively. The highest E. canis seroprevalence (2.3%) was found in a region encompassing Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. E. chaffeensis seroreactivity was 6.6% in the central region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma) and 4.6% in the southeast region (Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia). Seroreactivity to E. ewingii was also highest in the central region (14.6%) followed by the southeast region (5.9%). The geospatial pattern derived from E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii seropositive samples was similar to previous reports based on E. chaffeensis seroreactivity in white-tailed deer and the distribution of human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) cases reported by the CDC. Conclusions The results of this study provide the first large scale regional documentation of exposure to E. canis, E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii in pet dogs, highlighting regional differences in seroprevalence and providing the basis for heightened awareness of these emerging vector-borne pathogens by veterinarians and public health agencies.

Some dogs develop a form of diabetes mellitus (DM) similar to that seen in children (juvenile, or Type 1 DM). It is characterized by concurrent high blood glucose (BG) and urine glucose concentrations. Elevated breath acetone concentrations have been observed in Type 1 DM in humans, though a quantitative correlation between breath acetone and BG has yet to be determined. The study of breath acetone in diabetic dogs might allow the use of breath acetone as a biomarker for diabetes in both humans and animals. We report on breath acetone analysis of 51 dogs (37 nondiabetic dogs and 14 diabetic dogs). Breath samples were collected and simultaneous BG levels (if applicable) were measured. Breath acetone tests were conducted using a real-time breath acetone analyzer that is based on the cavity ringdown spectroscopy technique. Absolute breath acetone concentrations (upper limits) were determined without the need for breath sample preconcentration and measurement calibration. For the 37 nondiabetic dogs, their exhaled breath acetone concentrations ranged from 0.16 to 2.42 parts per million (ppm). For the 14 diabetic dogs, breath acetone concentrations ranged from 0.17 to 5.80 ppm with a BG range of 30-750 mg/dL. The mean breath acetone concentration in the 14 diabetic dogs is 1.25 ppm, which is higher than that in the 37 nondiabetic dogs, i.e., 0.60 ppm. The mean breath acetone concentration in nondiabetic dogs, 0.60 ppm, is close to the mean breath acetone concentration in healthy humans. Although diabetic dogs exhibit elevated mean breath acetone concentration, as in human Type 1 DM, no correlation was found between breath acetone concentration and BG level in the diabetic dogs in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To investigate safety and effectiveness of velagliflozin oral solution as sole therapy in naïve and previously insulin-treated diabetic cats., Animals: 252 client-owned cats receiving ≥ 2 doses of velagliflozin; 214 (85%) naïve diabetics and 38 (15%) insulin-treated diabetics., Procedures: Prospective, baseline-controlled, open-label clinical field trial. Cats received velagliflozin orally, once daily. Physical examinations and blood collections were performed days 0, 3, 7, 30, 60, 120, and 180., Results: Data are median (range). Screening blood glucose (BG) was 436 mg/dL (272 to 676 mg/dL). On days 30, 60, 120, and 180, single BG after receiving velagliflozin was 153 mg/dL (62 to 480 mg/dL), 134 mg/dL (64 to 414 mg/dL), 128 mg/dL (55 to 461 mg/dL), and 125 mg/dL (77 to 384 mg/dL), respectively. Screening fructosamine was 538 µmol/L (375 to 794 µmol/L). On the same recheck days, fructosamine was 310 µmol/L (204 to 609 µmol/L), 286 µmol/L (175 to 531 µmol/L), 269 µmol/L (189 to 575 µmol/L), and 263 µmol/L (203 to 620 µmol/L). At day 180, 81% of 158 cats remaining had BG and/or fructosamine within reference ranges; 88.6% (124 of 140) and 87.7% (121 of 138) showed improvement in polyuria and polydipsia, respectively. Ketonuria developed in 35 cats (13.9%), including 18 (7.1%) that had ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis was less common in naïve diabetic cats (11 of 214 [5.1%]) compared to insulin-treated diabetic cats (7 of 38 [18.4%]). At ketoacidosis diagnosis, 14 of 18 cats (77.8%) were euglycemic (ie, BG < 250 mg/dL). Most episodes of ketosis or ketoacidosis (30 of 35 [85.7%]) occurred within the first 14 days of treatment. Insulin-treated diabetic cats were less likely to complete the trial. No clinical hypoglycemia occurred., Clinical Relevance: Velagliflozin improved glycemic parameters and clinical signs in diabetic cats. Velagliflozin provides an alternative to insulin as a stand-alone treatment of diabetic cats.

Hypoadrenocorticism (HOAC; Addison's disease) is an endocrine condition seen in small animal practice. Dogs with this disease can present in a variety of ways from acute hypovolemic collapse to vague, chronic, waxing, and waning clinical signs. In the most common form of this disease, animals have both mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid deficiency, resulting in hyponatremia and hyperkalemia, and signs of cortisol deficiency. The etiology may be immune-mediated destruction of the adrenal cortex, drug-induced adrenocortical necrosis (mitotane), enzyme inhibition (trilostane), or infiltrative processes such as neoplastic or fungal disease. Much less commonly, dogs have signs of cortisol deficiency, but no electrolyte changes. This is referred to as atypical HOAC. The veterinarian needs to have a clinical suspicion for HOAC to make a diagnosis in a timely manner. Treatment of dogs with an acute presentation prioritizes correcting the hypovolemia, hyperkalemia, acidosis, and hypoglycemia. Fluid therapy addresses most of these issues, but other directed therapies may be required in the most severe cases. For chronic management, all patients with Addison's disease will require replacement of glucocorticoids (usually prednisone), and most patients require replacement of mineralocorticoids with either desoxycorticosterone pivalate or fludrocortisone. Atypical Addisonians do not require mineralocorticoid supplementation, but electrolytes should be monitored in case the need arises in the future. The prognosis for dogs treated for HOAC promptly and appropriately is excellent; most patients die from other diseases. However, if the diagnosis is missed, patients may die as a consequence of HOAC. Thus, knowledge of the hallmarks of Addison's disease is imperative., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

This combined retrospective-prospective study evaluated the correlation between canine urine color (UC) and urine specific gravity (USG). Urine color was positively correlated with USG, but the relationship was not significantly improved by use of a UC chart. Urine color as an indicator of USG is limited as 20% of dark-yellow samples had a USG < 1.030.

Insulin therapy is still the primary therapy for all diabetic dogs and cats. Several insulin options are available for each species, including veterinary registered products and human insulin preparations. The insulin chosen depends on the individual patient's requirements. Intermediate-acting insulin is usually the first choice for dogs, and longer-acting insulin is the first choice for cats. Once the insulin type is chosen, the best method of insulin administration should be considered. Traditionally, insulin vials and syringes have been used, but insulin pen devices have recently entered the veterinary market. Pens have different handling requirements when compared with standard insulin vials including: storage out of the refrigerator for some insulin preparations once pen cartridges are in use; priming of the pen to ensure a full dose of insulin is administered; and holding the pen device in place for several seconds during the injection. Many different types of pen devices are available, with features such as half-unit dosing, large dials for visually impaired people, and memory that can display the last time and dose of insulin administered. Insulin pens come in both reusable and disposable options. Pens have several benefits over syringes, including improved dose accuracy, especially for low insulin doses., Competing Interests: Disclosure LF has received honoraria for educational seminars convened by MSD Animal Health during the past 3 years, but has no other financial interest in companies that make insulin or insulin pens. LF has also received honoraria for educational seminars and advisory committees on behalf of companies in the general veterinary field. PL has received an unspecified grant from Merck Animal Health for diabetic cat research. AT has no financial interest in companies in the general veterinary field or in those that make insulin or insulin or pens.