Research Articles (Companion Animal Clinical Studies)

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Management of dental disease in eared seals (family Otariidae) : a Delphi approach
Simeone , Claire A.; Schwitzer, Nora; Johnson, Shawn P.; Ruiz, José C. Almansa; Debosschere, Yves; Force, Judy; Forsayeth, Aaron; Gawor, Jerzy P.; Gracis , Margherita; Holmstrom, Steven; Legendre, Loïc; Mestrinho, Lisa A.; Sogorb, Arlete R.; Steenkamp, Gerhardus; Tucker , Rebecca; Tutt, Cedric; Urgel, Ignacio Velázquez; Woody, Allison (Frontiers Media, 2025-08-26)
OBJECTIVE : Published literature is sparse on topics associated with eared seal (otariid) dentistry. The objective of this study was to establish consensus on effective management of dental disease in otariids, using a Delphi approach. METHODS : A total of 25 veterinarians with experience managing dental disease in seven species of otariids participated in the Delphi process. RESULTS : Oral lesions and their contributing risk factors were ranked according to perceived frequency. Consensus statements for best practices were agreed upon for a variety of topics within the categories of planning and preparation, procedural details, intervention strategies, and postoperative care. Panelist comments were collated into a Supplementary File to assist clinicians in forming their own conclusions on topics for which no consensus yet exists. CONCLUSION : Opportunities for future research include factors associated with oral lesions, ideal anesthetic management, identification of ideal candidates for endodontic therapies, ideal local and regional anesthesia, ideal suture and closure techniques, particularly with the goal of reducing dehiscence as a postoperative complication, and ideal postoperative care options.
Median survival times are longer in azotemic cats that have a 25% or 50% reduction in creatinine at 24 or 48 hours, respectively, after subcutaneous ureteral bypass device placement
De Witt, Anika A.; Robinson, Genna F.; Zeiler, Gareth Edward; Berman, Chad Farryl; Elliott, Ross Christopher (American Veterinary Medical Association, 2026-02)
OBJECTIVE : To determine median survival time using predefined creatinine percentage changes after SC ureteral bypass (SUB) placement. METHODS : This was a retrospective cohort study. Data from cats admitted for SUB placement were collected between 2015 and 2022 from a single referral hospital. Serum creatinine values at presentation and at 24 and 48 hours after SUB placement and outcome data (dead or alive) were extracted, and percentage change was calculated. Cats with incomplete datasets or nonbenign obstruction were excluded. A priori decreases of 25% and 50% were regarded as acceptable changes at 24 or 48 hours, respectively. Median survival times were approximated using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS : Records from 21 of 30 cats (14 female, 7 male) that were a median of 8 (7 to 10) years old had complete datasets for analysis. Median survival times were 241 (8, 719) and 989 (989, 1,510) days for cats that did not and did achieve the predefined decrease at 24 hours, respectively. Median survival times were 225 (8, 387) and 989 (2, 1,510) days for cats that did not and did achieve the predefined decrease at 48 hours, respectively. The overall median survival time was 387 (119, 989) days regardless of achieving the predefined percentage decreases. CONCLUSIONS : The median survival time was significantly longer in cats that achieved or exceeded the predefined percentage reduction in creatinine at 24 or 48 hours after SUB placement. CLINICAL RELEVANCE : Evaluating percentage changes in serial serum creatinine after SUB placement can be useful to indicate survival and longevity.
Agreeing language in veterinary endocrinology (ALIVE) : hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, (Euglycaemic) diabetic ketosis/ketoacidosis, and diabetic remission-a modified Delphi-method-based system to create consensus definitions
Niessen, Stijn J.M.; Shiel, Robert; Wehner, Astrid; Campos, Miguel; Daminet, Sylvie; Fracassi, Federico; Graham, Peter; Korchia, Jeremie; Lathan, Patty; Leal, Rodolfo; Miceli, Diego Daniel; Mooney, Carmel T.; Perez Alenza, Maria De Los Doloros; Peterson, Mark E.; Schoeman, Johan P. (MDPI, 2026-01)
Companion animal endocrinology has benefited from international standardisation of disease terminology for diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome, and hypoadrenocorticism through Project Agreeing Language in Veterinary Endocrinology (ALIVE). A group of 14 experts and one chair convened for the third cycle of Project ALIVE, focusing on thyroid disease terminology. The cycle employed the modified Delphi approach from previous cycles, augmented by procedural refinements-such as inclusion of an off-site chair and stricter adherence to timelines -to improve efficiency and flexibility. Novel in this round was the integration of feedback from a previous cycle, which resulted in updated definitions for diabetes mellitus originally developed in ALIVE Cycle 1. Outcomes: A 100% consensus was achieved among panellists and 91.4-100% among 105 members of international veterinary endocrinology societies (32% of total memberships) over 78 thyroid-related terminology items and five revised definitions pertaining to diabetes mellitus. These standardised definitions are expected to facilitate clearer communication and education, enhance diagnostic consistency, support research comparability, and improve clinical care in feline and canine endocrine diseases. SIMPLE SUMMARY After having achieved international consensus over disease, diagnosis, classification, and monitoring concepts in the area of companion animal diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s syndrome, and hypoadrenocorticism, a group of 14 experts and one chair embarked on the third cycle of project “Agreeing Language in Veterinary Endocrinology” (ALIVE), this time focusing on thyroid disease terminology. This cycle’s methods followed, like previous ones, a modified Delphi-approach with small changes to improve efficiency and flexibility, including an off-site chair. For the first time, additionally, feedback on definitions of a previous cycle was incorporated, leading to an update of diabetes mellitus related definitions of ALIVE Cycle 1. This third cycle was completed successfully, accomplishing a majority-based consensus among panellists and international veterinary endocrinology society memberships over 78 thyroid related terminology and five updated diabetes mellitus definitions. As has been the case with the definitions created for other hormonal diseases, it is hoped this work will improve education, research, diagnosis, and treatment in cats and dogs with endocrine disease.
Biochemical and haemostatic variables associated with metastasis in dogs with carcinoma or sarcoma
Pazzi, Paolo; Fosgate, Geoffrey Theodore; Kristensen, Annemarie T.; Goddard, Amelia (Wiley, 2026-01)
OBJECTIVES : Identify alterations in biochemical and haemostatic variables between tumour-bearing dogs with and without metastasis that can be used to predict the presence of metastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS : Thirty dogs with sarcoma and 29 with carcinoma were included in the analysis. Serum biochemistry profiles and haemostatic variables (haematocrit value, platelet count, thromboelastography (TEG), fibrinogen, Factor X, VII, antithrombin activity and D-dimer concentration) were measured for all dogs. All dogs underwent complete post-mortem and histopathological evaluations. For tumour-bearing dogs without intracavitary haemorrhage, measured variables were compared between dogs with and without metastasis, and univariate and multivariable analysis were performed to identify predictors of metastasis. RESULTS : Metastasis was identified in 31 of 59 (53%) dogs, of which 5 of 31 (16%) had metastasis to the regional lymph node only and 26 of 31 (84%) had distant metastasis. Sodium, ionised calcium, TEG lysis % at 30 and 60 minutes (Ly60) were significantly lower in tumour-bearing dogs without intracavitary haemorrhage with metastasis compared to dogs without metastasis. Multivariable analysis identified sodium <142.5 mmol/L as 64% sensitive (CI95%:45% to 82%) and 63% specific (CI95%:44% to 81%); and Ly60 < 1.0% as 68% sensitive (CI95%: 49% to 88%) and 78% specific (CI95%:61% to 95%) for prediction of the presence of metastasis. Parallel interpretation of lower sodium and decreased Ly60 resulted in high sensitivity (96%) for the presence of metastasis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE : Sodium and TEG-based decreased fibrinolysis were associated with metastasis in tumour-bearing dogs without haemorrhage; when identified, they should prompt further diagnostics to detect possible metastasis of a primary carcinoma or sarcoma.
Swelling disease of Angora goats is characterised by panhypoproteinaemia, leukocytosis, and hyperaldosteronaemia
Parsons, Sven David Charles; Hobson, M.; Wepener, Melanie; Mtetwa, T.; Hooijberg, Emma Henriette; Clift, Sarah Jane (Medpharm Publications, 2025-10)
BACKGROUND : Swelling disease is a poorly understood clinical syndrome of South African Angora goats that is characterised by acute-onset diffuse oedema. Adrenocorticotropic hormone-stimulated aldosterone secretion has been proposed as a possible aetiology of swelling disease, but this hypothesis has not been tested. OBJECTIVES : To investigate aldosterone secretion in swelling disease by reanalysing data collected during a 2015 clinical investigation of the syndrome in which serum aldosterone and cortisol levels were measured along with standard clinical laboratory variables in affected and unaffected animals. METHODS : Goats affected with swelling disease, and unaffected herd-mates, were sampled for measurement of haematology variables, serum protein variables, and serum sodium, aldosterone, and cortisol. Results for affected and unaffected goats were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test, and the association between variables was investigated using Spearman’s rank-order correlation analysis. RESULTS : Goats affected with swelling disease had significantly higher white blood cell counts (WBC) and serum aldosterone than unaffected animals, and significantly lower total serum protein (TSP), albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin ratios. For all animals (n = 60), serum protein variables showed a significant and strong positive correlation with one another, and a negative correlation with serum aldosterone and WBC. CONCLUSION : Swelling disease of South African Angora goats is characterised by panhypoproteinaemia, a low A/G ratio, leukocytosis, and hyperaldosteronaemia. Causal relationships between variables could not be determined, however, the detection of hyperaldosteronaemia provides novel insight into the possible pathophysiological mechanisms of this syndrome.
Quantification of Angora goat beta chain haemoglobin variants using the Sebia Capillarys 2 Flex-Piercing system
Parsons, Sven David Charles; Vermeulen, A.; Hobson, M.; Hooijberg, Emma Henriette (Medpharm Publications, 2025-02)
This study aimed to evaluate the utility of the Sebia Capillarys 2 Flex-Piercing (C2FP) system for the quantification of the major caprine beta chain haemoglobin (Hb) variants, i.e. foetal Hb, neonatal Hb, and adult Hb. Blood samples were collected from six Angora kids at one, 11, and 20 weeks after birth, and analysed using the C2FP instrument and Capillarys Hemoglobin(E) kit. Electropherograms displayed three major peaks which showed consistent changes in relative magnitude as kids aged. At one week old, a peak at position ~75 was identified as foetal Hb, while in older animals, peaks at ~150 and ~170 were identified as neonatal Hb and adult Hb, respectively. In conclusion, this study has confirmed the utility of the Sebia C2FP system for the simple, rapid, and standardised quantification of the major beta chain Hb variants of Angora goats.
Etorphine induces pathophysiology in immobilized white rhinoceros through sympathomimesis that is attenuated by butorphanol
Boesch, Jordyn M.; Gleed, Robin D.; Buss, Peter Erik; Tordiffe, Adrian Stephen Wolferstan; Zeiler, Gareth Edward; Miller, Michele A.; Viljoen, Francois; Harvey, Brian H.; Parry, Stephen A.; Meyer, Leith Carl Rodney (Oxford University Press, 2025-04)
Please read abstract in the article. LAY SUMMARY White rhinoceros are a sentinel species for ecosystems in southern Africa. Their conservation is dependent on occasional immobilization with the ultra-potent opioid etorphine. Unfortunately, etorphine produces sympathetic nervous system upregulation and severe physiological perturbations that may cause morbidity and mortality. Attenuating its effects contributes to white rhinoceros conservation.
Shape and variability of the normal medial coronoid process by computed tomography in young adult labrador retrievers
Van der Laan, Luzanne; Kirberger, Robert M.; Fosgate, Geoffrey Theodore; Le Roux, Christelle (Wiley, 2025-11)
Medial coronoid process disease (MCPD) is the most frequently observed cause of elbow dysplasia, resulting in lameness in young, fast‐growing large‐breed dogs, including Labrador Retrievers (LRs). Computed tomography (CT) is the diagnostic imaging modality of choice for evaluating the medial coronoid process (MCP), as it is noninvasive and eliminates superimposition of the process by the radial head. This retrospective descriptive study aimed to describe the shape of the normal MCP on CT, to assess its variability within the LR breed, and to determine the normal Hounsfield units (HUs) of the MCP, medial radial head (MRH), and lateral radial head (LRH). Normal elbow CT studies of 51 South African guide dog LRs were reviewed. Using a repeatable imaging alignment technique, three principal MCP shapes were identified: ovoid, triangular, and softly pointed and were found to be dependent on the level of assessment. Males had significantly lower mean MCP HU compared to females. The mean HU of the MRH was consistently higher than the LRH and was also greater in attenuation on subjective assessment. Measuring MCP and radial head HU too proximally was suboptimal, as volume averaging was frequently encountered. The results of this study showed that although different alignment techniques may result in HU variations, they will not affect the HU to such an extent that the MCP would be misclassified as abnormal.
Echocardiographic examination of 16 eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) and one red kangaroo (Osphranter rufus)
Carstens, Ann; Dutton, Geoffrey J.; Stannard, Hayley J.; Birckhead, Alice; Barkman, William D.; Connolly, Joanne H. (Wiley, 2025-09)
Habitat loss, road trauma, predation, disease, and natural disasters impact the health and survival of the family Macropodidae, including kangaroos. Cardiac disease has been reported, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), nutritional myodegeneration, valvular pathology, cardiovascular parasites, toxoplasmosis, and toxicities. Human research has evaluated macropod pericardium and aortic valves as possible bioprostheses. The goals of this prospective anatomic study were to echocardiographically evaluate opportunistically presented kangaroos: 14 clinically normal eastern grey kangaroos (EGK-Macropus giganteus), two sick EGKs, and one sick red kangaroo (RK, Osphranter rufus). Similar techniques as described in the dog were used. Standard B-mode images, M-mode mensuration, and Doppler measurements were attained; values were descriptively compared with published normal values. The clinically normal animals' M-mode values were similar to the closest weight-related kangaroo values. Most of the animals showed thicker-than-expected left ventricular and interventricular septal walls, and relative wall thickness (RWT) of 0.5 and 0.6; this may be the norm for macropods, but since an RWT>0.45 may indicate human HCM, this should be considered in the kangaroo. The sick animals were euthanized. Necropsy revealed highly suspect HCM in one EGK, and myxomatous mitral valve degeneration with suspect DCM in the other EGK and RK. In conclusion, there are weight-related similarities between previously published kangaroo values. More work is required on a larger number of weight and age cohorts of kangaroos. Subclinical HCM may be present in apparently normal animals. Findings can be used during clinical health assessments and for further research into macropod cardiac conditions.
Analytical and quality control validation of a novel symmetric dimethylarginine assay in dogs and cats
Mashego, Portia Tshidi; Hooijberg, Emma Henriette (Wiley, 2025-09)
BACKGROUND : An immunoturbidometric assay for symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) measurement on automated chemistry analyzers has recently become available. OBJECTIVE : To perform analytical validation of the EUROLyser SDMA assay in dogs and cats. METHODS : Method validation experiments were performed using stored canine and feline serum. Quality control validation was performed according to Westgard. Performance goals were derived from SDMA biological variation data for both species. RESULTS : Imprecision ranged from 3.7%-7.8% (dogs) to 6.0%-11.8% (cats) with a dispersion of ±35% for dogs and ±44% for cats. The assay showed linearity (up to 85 μg/dL [dogs], 75 μg/dL [cats]); the preliminary LoQ was 9.5 and 6.9 μg/dL, respectively. Recovery was 19.7% and 6.5%, respectively. Severe hemolysis resulted in a significant bias in both species. The EUROLyser method showed a significant negative proportional and constant bias in dogs and a significant positive proportional and negative constant bias in cats, compared to the comparative method. In dogs, the mean bias (-19.5%) and the bias at clinical decision limits exceeded the desirable bias; in cats, the mean bias (-4.0%) and the bias at clinical decision limits was < 8%. Because of high imprecision, the TEA that could be controlled for was 35%, with a 1-2.5 s rule using patient pools as quality control material. CONCLUSIONS : The novel SDMA assay showed acceptable analytical performance, but high dispersion has consequences for the interpretation of results at reference limits and serial measurements. Method-specific reference intervals and decision limits should be generated for both species, particularly for dogs, given the significant bias vs. the comparative method.
A single-centre retrospective study of surgical site infection following equine colic surgery (2013-2021)
Griessel, Theunis Steyn; Moran, Juan Alberto Munoz; Byaruhanga, Charles; Smit, Yolandi (Wiley, 2025-05)
BACKGROUND : Surgical site infection (SSI) is a significant cause of postoperative morbidity following equine laparotomy. Therefore, if risk factors for SSI can be identified, morbidity may consequently be reduced. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of SSI in horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy at a single hospital over an 8-year period (2013‒2021), investigate the risk factors associated with SSI and report on the bacterial isolates identified. METHODS : The medical records of horses that had an exploratory laparotomy performed at the teaching hospital due to colic were retrospectively reviewed. SSI was defined as any purulent or serous discharge from the laparotomy incision for more than 24 hours duration during hospitalisation. Pre-, intra- and postoperative risk factors for SSI were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS : A total of 143 horses met the criteria for inclusion in the study, of which 38 developed an SSI (26.6%, 95% confidence interval: 19.5–34.6%). Multivariable analysis revealed that the application of a postoperative abdominal bandage was significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of SSI (odds ratio = 0.29, p = 0.026). LIMITATIONS : As this was a retrospective study performed at a single hospital, the findings may have limited generalisability. CONCLUSIONS : The application of a postoperative abdominal bandage is protective against SSI in horses following exploratory laparotomy for colic.
Household hostilities : a descriptive study of inter-dog aggression requiring veterinary treatment of dog bite wounds in Pretoria, South Africa
Hanekom, Josef Derek; Thompson, P.N. (Peter N.); Schoeman, Johan P.; Van Vollenhoven, Elize (Elsevier, 2025-11)
Inter-dog aggression (IDA) places a high burden on the dogs involved, their owners and their households. Treating dog bite wounds (DBW) accounts for a substantial proportion of small animal veterinary practice caseload. This study aimed to identify potential risk factors of IDA in dogs presented for the treatment of DBW at a veterinary teaching hospital in Pretoria, South Africa. Veterinary staff completed a survey regarding wound severity, distribution, treatment, and outcome of 126 dogs treated for DBW. A separate, but related survey was completed by 124 owners of dogs presenting for DBW, describing the fighting event, dogs involved, and the household context where these fighting dogs lived. Control household data was collected from surveys completed by 71 owners of dogs being treated for alternative conditions, where no household dogs had been treated for DBW by a veterinarian. Most fighting between dogs occurred on the owner’s property (85.4 %) and between household dogs (68.5 %). From the 83 household pairs where the sex and sterilisation status were known, fighting was more common between dogs of the same sex (71 %) and sterilisation status (53 %). Fighting pairs were most frequently both intact male (25 %) or both sterilised female dogs (16 %). Compared to control households, dog bite households kept on average significantly more dogs (4.14 compared to 3.44 dogs, p = 0.029) and significantly more male intact dogs (1.04 compared to 0.66 dogs, (p = 0.043). Breeds over-represented in dog bite households were Boerboels (p = 0.043), German Shepherd dogs (p = 0.034) and Pitbull Terriers (p = 0.002) compared to control household. Breeds under-represented in dog bite households were Dachshunds (p = 0.046), Labrador Retrievers (p = 0.026), Miniature Poodles (p = 0.016) and Schnauzers (p = 0.032) compared to control households. Few biting incidents occurred during supervised walks (4 %), which differs substantially from previous studies, which reported that most fights between dogs occurred in public spaces involving unleashed dogs. Based on our study findings, the following locally relevant IDA prevention measures are indicated: limiting the number of household dogs to three or fewer, reducing the number of male intact dogs, mixing sexes, and avoiding Boerboels, German Shepherds and Pitbull Terriers breeds in multidog households. HIGHLIGHTS • Most dog fights occurred on the owners’ property between household dogs. • Dog bite households owned more male intact dogs and more dogs than control households. • The majority of fights were between dogs of the same sex and sterilisation status. • Breeds over-represented in fighting were Pitbull terriers, Boerboels and German Shepherd dogs. • Several factors influencing fighting between South African dogs varied from Western studies.
Genome assembly and annotation of Babesia rossi, a protozoan parasite for canine babesiosis
Redekar, Neelam; Wang, Xu; Neves, Luís C.B.G.; Brooks, Steven; Lack, Justin; Leisewitz, Andrew L.; Ackerman, Hans (BioMed Central, 2025-07)
BACKGROUND : Apicomplexan parasite, Babesia rossi, is an Ixodid tick-transmitted pathogen that causes the most severe form of canine babesiosis disease. Compared to other Babesia pathogens of dogs, B. rossi exhibits unique pathophysiology, virulence, and a responsiveness to drugs that differs from the small Babesia parasites. RESULTS : Here we report the first near-complete chromosome-level assembly of Babesia rossi strain PMB – isolated from a sick dog from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Assembly with long-read HiFi data yielded 21.06 Mbp genome size, spanning across five gene-dense chromosome-level scaffolds, a single apicoplast scaffold, and a remaining 54 unplaced low gene density scaffolds with 1.32 Mb N50 and 96.6% BUSCO Apicomplexan completeness. The genome annotation identified a total of 3,098 protein-coding genes, 71 tRNA, and 16 rRNA genes. The mitochondrial genome (6.4 Kbp) was also identified. Genome assemblies of two additional field isolates of B. rossi were also reported. Comparative genomic analyses revealed four syntenic genomic inversions and multiple polymorphisms across three B. rossi isolates, although SNP and indel density was higher within the gene desserts of the genomes. Despite these differences, three B. rossi isolates’ genome assemblies showed 99% conserved orthologous gene sets. About 76% of protein-coding genes of Babesia rossi isolate PMB were shared with four other Babesia species. CONCLUSION : This report provides valuable genomic information that is crucial to comprehend B. rossi evolution, virulence, and potential drug targets for canine babesiosis.
Radiological landmarks as an aid in the interpretation of rodent skull extra-oral projections
Norval, Quintin; Tordiffe, Adrian Stephen Wolferstan; Steenkamp, Gerhardus (Wiley, 2025-05)
Knowledge of the radiographic anatomy of rodent skulls is essential for accurately interpreting extra-oral radiographs, a non-invasive diagnostic tool commonly used in veterinary practice. Due to the complexity of the skull and the potential for distortion in two-dimensional views, a systematic evaluation of anatomical structures is necessary. This study identifies the most clinically relevant anatomical landmarks on standard extra-oral radiographic views of the skull and mandible in various rodent species, including a cane rat, two woodchucks, and seven common mole rats. Specimens were evaluated with bone and soft tissue intact, as well as dried skulls, to identify key anatomical features. The findings highlight distinct species-specific variations despite general similarities in skull structure. These landmarks were catalogued to aid veterinary professionals in interpreting rodent radiographs. Improved recognition of these structures enhances diagnostic accuracy, enabling better assessment of normal anatomy and potential pathological conditions in rodent patients.
Development of populational female thorax sizes and body habitus categories using computed tomography (CT) images
Pape, R.; Xie, G.; Zheng, X.; Carstens, Ann; West, C.; Cowling, C. (Elsevier, 2025-08)
INTRODUCTION: Positioning of the breast during mammography examination is critical to producing optimum quality images. However, the variation in female thorax and body habitus may affect mammography positioning for best image quality. This study aims to establish populational female thoracic (rib cage) sizes and quantify female body habitus categories. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 347 female computed tomography (CT) chest axial scans was retrieved from an open access database to establish female rib cage sizes. Dimensions of the rib cage were measured digitally across six cross sections with six anterior rib landmark points and recorded in millimetres (mm). A Bayesian Network (BN) model was developed to establish the relationships of information extracted from the rib cage image data to quantify and categorise female body habitus. RESULTS: Female body habitus (thoracic size) were classified into three cohort categories: lean (20.5 %),norm (55.6 %) and curvaceous (23.9 %). The mean values (115–126 mm) and the corresponding 80 %prediction interval ranges for the healthy female rib cage size were obtained through the BN scenario analysis. CONCLUSION: The significance of this study is that it categorised 55.6 % of female thoracic sizes as being normal on a larger group of female population. This study contributed to a good understanding of the range of female body habitus (thoracic size) to improve positioning practice and maximize image quality. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study used a BN model to establish a range of female thorax sizes using CT chest images to support improved positioning practices. These ranges of thorax sizes should be integrated as a body habitus criterion in the current image evaluation system to maximise image quality and subsequent breast cancer diagnosis.
Evaluation of subjective assessment of right heart size and function using standard 2D-echocardiographic recordings in horses with and without pulmonary hypertension
Van Spijk, Julia N.; Junge, Hannah K.; Eberhardt, Christina; Wolf, Natalie; Vogt, Debora; Zscherpe, Paula; Herger, Elena; Straub, Manon; Schwarzwald, Colin C. (Wiley, 2025-07)
BACKGROUND : Echocardiographic evaluation of right heart (RH) size and function in horses is challenging and relies on subjective assessment. OBJECTIVES : Evaluate inter- and intra-rater agreement of subjective assessment of RH size, RH function, and the presence of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) in horses. Assess subjective RH changes with and without PHT and the influence of observer experience. ANIMALS : Healthy horses (n = 30) and horses with Doppler measurements suggesting the presence or absence of PHT (n = 30 each). METHODS : Nine standard echocardiographic recordings were analyzed by experienced (n = 4) and inexperienced (n = 5) observers. RH size, RH function, pulmonary artery (PA) size and distensibility, and the presence of PHT were subjectively assessed as normal, mildly, moderately, or severely changed. Inter- and intra-rater agreement was calculated using percentual agreement (% agree) and kappa (k). Sensitivity and specificity to detect PHT were calculated. RESULTS : Overall inter-rater agreement in all observers was low with 61% perfect agreement and k of 0.21; it was higher in experienced observers (k = 0.34, 77% agree) than in beginners (k = 0.18, 52% agree). Intra-rater agreement showed % agree > 80% in experienced observers (k = 0.35–0.76) and < 80% in beginners (k = 0.33–0.54). RH size and function were more commonly abnormal in the PHT group, with high specificity but low sensitivity to detect PHT. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE : Rater agreement of subjective RH assessment was low and influenced by observer experience. Subjective absence of RH changes does not allow ruling out PHT, while the presence of characteristic RH changes suggests PHT.
A multi-modal investigation into the prevalence and diagnostic evaluation of vector-borne pathogens and retroviruses in domestic cats throughout Namibia
De Villiers, Lourens; Penzhorn, Barend Louis; Schoeman, Johan P.; Molini, Umberto; De Villiers, Mari; Byaruhanga, Charles; Makgabo, Sekgota Marcus; Collins, Nicola E.; Zealand, Samantha; Baines, Ian J.M.; Stoltsz, Wilhelm Heinrich; Thompson, P.N. (Peter N.); Oosthuizen, Marinda C. (Elsevier, 2025-08)
Neglected, but economically significant, tropical diseases may be prevalent in domestic cats of Namibia. A multi-centre prevalence field study was conducted across Namibia to assess the distribution of vector-borne pathogens and retroviruses from domestic cats. Samples of blood and serum from 280 cats in 15 towns across eight regions (22–51 cats per region) were analysed. Screening for Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Babesia, and Hepatozoon species, as well as feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), was conducted using light microscopy, point-of-care serology, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. Haematology and serum biochemistry analyses were also performed. Several pathogens were identified in Namibian cats using these diagnostic tools. Comparatively, pathogen detection rates varied by modality, namely light microscopy (5 %), serology (42 %), and qPCR (27 %). More specifically, microscopy revealed an overall prevalence (3 %) for inclusions resembling large Babesia parasites, serology indicated a seroprevalence for FIV antibodies (4 %) and FeLV antigen (40 %), and an overall prevalence determined by qPCR for E. canis (2 %) and H. canis (26 %). The investigation also demonstrated the associations between tick presence, pathogen infection, and disease manifestations in Namibian cats. A particular significant positive association was found between H. canis infection and FeLV antigen seroprevalence (P = 0.005). Overall, the study highlighted the difference of various diagnostic tools for detecting pathogen prevalence in cats. Appropriate diagnostic testing - informed by known associations with disease manifestation - should be key in guiding responsible treatment strategies and evaluating potential zoonotic risks linked to domestic cats of Namibia. HIGHLIGHTS • First comprehensive survey of vector-borne diseases and retroviruses in domestic cats across several Namibian regions. • First confirmed detection of Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis in domestic feline blood across several regions of Namibia. • Demonstrated significant associations between pathogen infection, tick presence, and disease manifestation.
A persistent hymen resulting in an open cervix but closed pyometra and pyocolpos in a mixed-breed female domestic dog
Kruger, Taylor June; Kitshoff, Adriaan Mynhardt; Schoeman, Johan P.; Hoepner, Sara Nicolene; Hanekom, Josef Derek (Wiley, 2025-12)
A rescued mixed-breed (Africanis type), entire, female dog, approximately 2 years old, with an unknown history, presented with a prominent perineal swelling between the anus and vulva. Ultrasound identified it as a fluid-filled structure, and an aspirate revealed an exudate consisting of degenerate neutrophils, bacterial cocci and rods. A vaginal exam showed a persistent hymen, while an abdominal ultrasound revealed distended, fluid-filled uterine loops consistent with a pyometra. Under general anaesthesia, an ovariohysterectomy was performed, and the persistent hymen was resected via an episiotomy to allow drainage of the purulent material. The surgery and recovery were without complications. This report describes an unusual presentation of a pyocolpos and ‘closed’ pyometra because of a persistent hymen.
Editorial : Comparative cranial morpho-physiology applied to domestic and wild animals
Magalhaes , Henrique Inhauser Riceti; De Assis Ribeiro, Lucas; Steenkamp, Gerhardus; Verstraete, Frank J.M. (Frontiers Media, 2024-06-24)
No abstract available.
Effects of haemorrhage and lactated Ringer's solution or tetrastarch 130/0.4 resuscitation on colloidal osmotic pressure and osmolality in cats
Michaletos, Anthea; Breytenbach, Marinell; Zeiler, Gareth Edward (Sage, 2025-04)
OBJECTIVES : To determine the effects of haemorrhage and fluid over-resuscitation on colloidal osmotic pressure of albumin (COP albumin), plasma (Posm) and effective (Eosm) osmolality in anaesthetised cats. METHODS : A total of six cats were given three treatments once, at 2-month intervals, in a randomised, crossover haemorrhage-resuscitation study. The treatments were divided into two phases, a controlled haemorrhage phase and a fluid resuscitation phase, as follows: (1) NoHR = no controlled haemorrhage and no resuscitation; (2) LRS = controlled haemorrhage followed by lactated Ringer’s solution infusion (60 ml/kg/h); and (3) TS = controlled haemorrhage followed by 6% tetrastarch 130/0.4 suspended in 0.9% saline infusion (20 ml/kg/h). The resuscitation fluids were administered for 120 mins. Data were collected before haemorrhage, before resuscitation and at 30 min intervals until 120 mins. Variables were calculated at each time point as follows: COP albumin = albumin concentration (g/l) × 0.57; Posm = (2 × sodium) + glucose + blood urea nitrogen; and Eosm = (2 × sodium) + glucose. All Posm and Eosm concentrations were measured as mmol/l. Data were compared using a general linear mixed model (significance: P <0.05). RESULTS : Mean ± SD total haemorrhage volumes for NoHR, LRS and TS were 10.2 ± 2.3, 29.3 ± 9.0 and 29.1 ± 6.3 ml/kg, respectively. The COP albumin decreased over time in all treatments regardless of volumes of blood lost and fluid administered. The decrease in COP albumin was profound and clinically relevant in LRS and TS (both P <0.001). There were no statistical differences in Posm and Eosm over time except in LRS at 90 (P = 0.004) and 120 ml/kg (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE : The COP albumin decreased in all treatments but to low and clinically relevant concentrations in LRS and TS, putting the cats at risk of fluid overload. There were no clinically relevant derangements in Posm and Eosm.

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