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Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2024Hyperthyroid cats commonly have systemic hypertension, with a reported prevalence of 7% to 48%. Although hypertension might be expected to resolve once treatment...
BACKGROUND
Hyperthyroid cats commonly have systemic hypertension, with a reported prevalence of 7% to 48%. Although hypertension might be expected to resolve once treatment restores euthyroidism, it can persist or only first develop after treatment.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the proportion of hyperthyroid cats with hypertension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≥160 mm Hg), persistence or first development of hypertension after successful radioiodine treatment, and correlation of post-treatment hypertension with azotemia or hypothyroidism.
ANIMALS
Four hundred one hyperthyroid nonazotemic cats were included in the study.
METHODS
Prospective, cross-sectional and before-and-after studies. All hyperthyroid cats had SBP measured by Doppler; 255 had SBP rechecked 6 months after successful radioiodine (I) treatment.
RESULTS
Of untreated hyperthyroid cats, 108/401 (27%) were hypertensive. A higher proportion of hypertensive cats were nervous/excited compared with normotensive cats (47% vs 12%; P < .001). Of the initially hypertensive cats, 87/108 cats were reexamined after I treatment; 43/87 (49%) cats normalized SBP, whereas 44/87 (51%) remained hypertensive. Of the initially normotensive cats, 16/168 (9.5%) first developed hypertension after successful I treatment. 7/60 (12%) of the I-treated hypertensive cats were azotemic and 9/60 (15%) were hypothyroid. A higher proportion of cats remaining hypertensive had nervous/excited demeanor than did normotensive cats (50% vs 17%; P < .001).
CONCLUSIONS/CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
Hypertension, when present, resolves in many hyperthyroid cats after successful treatment. Hyperthyroid cats uncommonly develop new hypertension after treatment. Persistent or newly detected hypertension was unrelated to azotemia or iatrogenic hypothyroidism. More frequently perceived nervousness/anxiety in radioiodine-treated hypertensive cats suggests that many of these cats might have "situational" hypertension, as hyperthyroid-induced hypertension should resolve after treatment.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Cat Diseases; Iodine Radioisotopes; Hyperthyroidism; Hypertension; Male; Female; Blood Pressure; Prospective Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Azotemia; Hypothyroidism
PubMed: 38440934
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17032 -
New Zealand Veterinary Journal May 2024An outbreak of suspected Kikuyu grass () intoxication among dairy cattle occurred on the island of Terceira in the Azores (Portugal), in October 2022. The animals...
CASE HISTORY
An outbreak of suspected Kikuyu grass () intoxication among dairy cattle occurred on the island of Terceira in the Azores (Portugal), in October 2022. The animals affected were non-lactating dairy cows and heifers from five small farms grazing (free or tethered) a Kikuyu-dominant pasture. Of the 29 animals exposed, 17 were affected, and eight (five heifers and three adult cows) died, resulting in a morbidity rate of 58%, a mortality rate of 28% and a case mortality rate of 47%.
CLINICAL FINDINGS AND TREATMENT
The clinical signs were non-specific and inconsistent, and included dry faeces, some with dark red blood; apathy and prostration; abdominal dilatation; tachycardia; tachypnoea; pale or jaundiced mucous membranes; sham drinking; sialorrhoea; and moderate to severe dehydration. Symptomatic treatment was provided but was ineffective. Haematology and serum biochemistry revealed an acute inflammatory leukogram, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, decreased gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, and azotaemia.The most consistent necropsy findings were haemorrhages in the epicardium and endocardium, an enlarged liver with rounded edges, non-perforated abomasal ulcers, and haemorrhagic lesions in the small and large intestines. Histopathology indicated myocarditis, hepatitis, interstitial nephritis, enteritis and colitis.Several fungal species were isolated from grass samples taken from affected pastures including several spp., the genus implicated in Kikuyu toxicosis. Immediate removal of the animals from the pasture with Kikuyu was the only measure that prevented new cases and resulted in the recovery of some of the less affected animals.
DIAGNOSIS
The epidemiological features of this outbreak and the clinical signs and micro- and macroscopic lesions observed were highly suggestive of Kikuyu grass poisoning.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Although the weather conditions varied from other published cases, the grazing conditions (almost exclusive Kikuyu grass) and the post-mortem findings were very similar to those described in the literature, particularly the haemorrhages in the epicardium and endocardium. Kikuyu grass is very invasive and presents many desirable characteristics as cattle feed. Thus, an increase in cases of intoxication may be expected. Practitioners and farmers in areas where Kikuyu grass is abundant should be aware of the potential risks of grazing cattle exclusively on these pastures. They should also be aware of the early and subtle signs of Kikuyu intoxication to allow for timely removal of the animals from pasture.
Topics: Cattle; Animals; Female; Cenchrus; Azores; Portugal; Poaceae; Hemorrhage; Animal Feed; Cattle Diseases
PubMed: 38438184
DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2024.2319101 -
The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La... Mar 2024To describe the findings, treatment, and outcome of small intestinal volvulus (SIV) in 47 cows.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the findings, treatment, and outcome of small intestinal volvulus (SIV) in 47 cows.
ANIMALS AND PROCEDURE
Retrospective analysis of medical records. Comparison of the findings for 18 surviving and 29 non-surviving cows.
RESULTS
The most common abnormal vital signs were tachycardia (68.0%), tachypnea (59.6%), and decreased rectal temperature (51.1%). Signs of colic occurred in 66.0% of cows in the study. Rumen motility was reduced or absent in 93.6% of cows, and intestinal motility in 76.6%. Clinical signs on ballottement and/or percussion and simultaneous auscultation were positive on the right side in 78.7% of cows. Transrectal examination showed dilated small intestines in 48.9% of cows. The rectum contained little or no feces in 93.6% of cows. The principal laboratory abnormalities were hypocalcemia (74.1%), hypokalemia (73.8%), azotemia (62.8%), hypermagnesemia (61.6%), and hemoconcentration (60.0%). The principal ultrasonographic findings were dilated small intestines (87.1%) and reduced or absent small intestinal motility (85.2%). Forty-one of the 47 cows underwent right flank laparotomy and the SIV was reduced in 21 cows. When comparing the clinical and laboratory findings of 18 surviving and 29 non-surviving cows, the groups differed significantly with respect to severely abnormal general condition (16.7 37.9%), rumen stasis (22.2 79.3%), intestinal atony (16.7 48.3%), serum urea concentration (6.5 9.8 mmol/L), and serum magnesium concentration (0.98 1.30 mmol/L). In summary, 38.3% of the cows were discharged and 61.7% were euthanized before, during, or after surgery.
CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
An acute course of disease, little or no feces in the rectum, and dilated small intestines were characteristic of SIV in this study population.
Topics: Humans; Female; Cattle; Animals; Pregnancy; Intestinal Volvulus; Retrospective Studies; Intestine, Small; Rectum; Feces; Magnesium; Cattle Diseases
PubMed: 38434172
DOI: No ID Found -
Biological Trace Element Research Feb 2024Copper (Cu), an essential trace element in the metabolism of mammals, plays a central role in various metabolic processes. However, overdosing can lead to severe...
Copper (Cu), an essential trace element in the metabolism of mammals, plays a central role in various metabolic processes. However, overdosing can lead to severe symptoms and even fatalities. Chronic Cu intoxication continues to be a problem in grazing and domestic animals, with sheep being particularly sensitive. There are few comparative studies on its impact on South American camelids (SACs). Therefore, this work presents the results of literature research combined with a case report on a 3-year-old female vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) presented to the clinic from a zoological garden in northern Germany. The animal showed reduced food intake, recumbency, bruxism, icteric mucous membranes and sclera. Auscultation revealed atony of the third compartment and the digestive tract. Similar to cases described in the literature, the animal showed rapid deterioration of its condition with unspecific symptoms of liver failure and rapid death. However, in contrast to descriptions in sheep, clinical icterus has not been previously reported in cases of other SACs. Laboratory findings from EDTA and serum samples revealed neutrophilia with a left shift, hypoproteinaemia, lymphopaenia, azotaemia, elevated levels of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) in the serum. Hyperbilirubinaemia and significantly elevated serum and liver Cu levels were observed. Subsequent blood samples from the remaining vicuñas and alpacas in the same enclosure showed no remarkable abnormalities. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this case report represents the first documented case of Cu intoxication specifically in vicuñas.
PubMed: 38421580
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04102-x -
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic... Mar 2024A flock of 48 sheep in Argentina grazing on a pasture of hybrid (formerly ) Mulato II ( × × ) developed facial dermatitis, severe jaundice, and weakness...
A flock of 48 sheep in Argentina grazing on a pasture of hybrid (formerly ) Mulato II ( × × ) developed facial dermatitis, severe jaundice, and weakness after brief physical activity. Blood biochemistry of 3 animals revealed azotemia, elevated aspartate aminotransferase activity, and increased direct, indirect, and total bilirubin concentrations. The urine was markedly turbid and contained large concentrations of bile pigments and protein. At autopsy of 2 animals, there was severe jaundice and subcutaneous submandibular edema. The livers were enlarged, intensely yellow, and had a marked acinar pattern. Gallbladders were distended, and the kidneys were diffusely dark in one animal and yellow-green in the other. Microscopically, there was lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic cholangiohepatitis with abundant crystals in the lumen of bile ducts and in the cytoplasm of macrophages. The proximal and distal convoluted renal tubules had protein casts in their lumens, and crystals were observed in the lumen and epithelial cells. Lectin histochemistry showed strong affinity for agglutinin in hepatic macrophages. In the one sheep that was tested for heavy metals, copper concentrations in the liver and kidney were within the RIs. Despite the immediate change of pasture, morbidity and mortality were 100% within 3 mo. The association between the consumption of this pasture, and the clinical, biochemical, pathology, and lectin histochemistry findings confirmed intoxication with hybrid Mulato II. To our knowledge, intoxication by this hybrid of has not been reported previously.
Topics: Sheep; Animals; Argentina; Poaceae; Brachiaria; Liver; Jaundice; Kidney; Lectins; Sheep Diseases
PubMed: 38362676
DOI: 10.1177/10406387241228905 -
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2024Outcomes of dogs with acute kidney injury secondary to leptospirosis (AKI-L) treated using renal replacement therapies (RRT) are poorly characterized.
BACKGROUND
Outcomes of dogs with acute kidney injury secondary to leptospirosis (AKI-L) treated using renal replacement therapies (RRT) are poorly characterized.
HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES
Describe survival to discharge, short (≤30 days) and long-term (≥6 months) outcomes of AKI-L dogs receiving RRT and determine if there is a significant difference in maximum blood urea nitrogen (maxBUN), maximum creatinine (maxCr), maximum bilirubin (maxBili) and the number of body systems affected between survivors and non-survivors.
ANIMALS
Twenty-two client-owned dogs with AKI-L receiving RRT.
METHODS
Retrospective medical record review of dogs with AKI-L that received RRT between 2018 and 2021.
RESULTS
Sixteen of 22 (73%) dogs survived to discharge. Of the survivors, 13 (81%) were alive >30 days from discharge and 12 (75%) were alive at 6 months from discharge. Factors significantly higher in non-survivors included number of body systems affected (survivors: 1 (19%), 2 (50%), 3 (25%) and 4 (6%) vs non-survivors: 3 (33.3%), and 4 (66.7%); P = .01) and median maxBili (survivors: 1.9 mg/dL; range, 0.1-41.6 vs non-survivors: 21.0 mg/dL; range, 12.3-38.9; P = .02). There was no significant difference in median maxBUN (survivors: 153.0 mg/dL; range, 67-257 vs non-survivors: 185.5 mg/dL; range, 102-218; P = .44) and median maxCr (survivors: 9.8 mg/dL; range, 6.2-15.9 vs non-survivors: 9.8 mg/dL; range, 8.4-13.5; P = .69) between survivors and non-survivors.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
Regardless of azotemia severity, dogs with AKI-L receiving RRT have a good survival rate to discharge. The number of body systems affected and hyperbilirubinemia might be associated with worse outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Dogs; Animals; Retrospective Studies; Renal Replacement Therapy; Acute Kidney Injury; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 38334229
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16998 -
The Veterinary Record Mar 2024The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiographical and laboratory findings in pet rabbits with gastric dilation (GD) and identify prognostic parameters.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiographical and laboratory findings in pet rabbits with gastric dilation (GD) and identify prognostic parameters.
METHODS
One hundred and fifty-five rabbits with GD were included for the radiographical analyses and 75 for the laboratory analyses. A vertebral stomach score (VSS) was established to determine the extension of the stomach on lateral radiographs. In addition, the caudal limit of gastric distention and the extension and position of gas accumulation in the stomach were recorded.
RESULTS
The VSS was significantly higher in rabbits with GD than in healthy rabbits (p = 0.001). Extensive amounts of gas accumulation in the stomach (p = 0.001) and a ventral or central location of gas accumulation (p = 0.023) were associated with significantly increased mortality. Azotemia (51%), hyperglycaemia (44%) and hyponatraemia (37%) were the most frequent biochemical alterations in rabbits with GD.
LIMITATIONS
Due to the retrospective nature of the data, the cause of GD could not be determined in all animals.
CONCLUSION
Rabbits with GD and severe alterations in glucose, creatinine and sodium concentrations, ventral or central gas accumulations and a large amount of gas in the stomach had a poor prognosis.
Topics: Animals; Rabbits; Gastric Dilatation; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Lagomorpha; Radiography
PubMed: 38317435
DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3827 -
Kidney Medicine Feb 2024Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a hematologic malignancy affecting the bone marrow and resulting in peripheral blood monocytosis. Kidney and urinary tract... (Review)
Review
Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a hematologic malignancy affecting the bone marrow and resulting in peripheral blood monocytosis. Kidney and urinary tract involvement is common and can present dramatically with life-threatening consequences. Kidney involvement can be the result of direct or indirect mechanisms, including prerenal azotemia, glomerular disease, tubulointerstitial involvement, and renovascular disorders. Urinary tract involvement, electrolyte and acid-base disorders, as well as nephrotoxicity from treatment of the disorder can also occur. Given this multifactorial pathogenesis involving several mechanisms concomitantly, nephrologists must exercise heightened awareness and maintain a low threshold for kidney biopsy. There is a pressing need for future research endeavors to elucidate and target the manifestations of CMML that involve the kidneys with the ultimate goal of augmenting overall prognosis and therapeutic outcomes.
PubMed: 38313809
DOI: 10.1016/j.xkme.2023.100769 -
JNMA; Journal of the Nepal Medical... Oct 2023Primary systemic amyloidosis is a systemic disease characterised by the deposition of misfolded proteins extracellularly in different organs without any known cause in...
UNLABELLED
Primary systemic amyloidosis is a systemic disease characterised by the deposition of misfolded proteins extracellularly in different organs without any known cause in the background, eventually leading to multiorgan dysfunction and death. The incidence of primary amyloidosis is estimated at 5.1-12.8 cases per million, with a poor prognosis. We report a case of a 69-year male with lower back pain, shortness of breath, and anasarca diagnosed as primary systemic amyloidosis by serum-free light chain assay and kidney needle biopsy. He was started on intravenous bortezomib and dexamethasone. Though he adhered to his medications, with time he developed renal insufficiency marked by azotemia following which hemodialysis was performed. Primary systemic amyloidosis is a rare clinical condition with a very poor prognosis. Further studies are needed to understand the proper pathophysiology and treatment of the disease.
KEYWORDS
cardiomyopathies; case reports; primary amyloidosis.
Topics: Humans; Male; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Amyloidosis; Bortezomib; Renal Insufficiency; Prognosis
PubMed: 38289775
DOI: 10.31729/jnma.8297 -
AME Case Reports 2024Pleural effusion is a common pulmonary condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Pleural effusion of extravascular origin (PEEVO) pertains to a pleural...
BACKGROUND
Pleural effusion is a common pulmonary condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Pleural effusion of extravascular origin (PEEVO) pertains to a pleural effusion that does not originate from the pulmonary vasculature. True prevalence of PEEVO, such as urinothorax, is unclear in view of the absence of clear diagnostic criteria. However, it has been observed to follow a bimodal age distribution, with a higher frequency in the age groups of 41-50 and 61-70 years. Additionally, it was more likely to have a unilateral right-sided presentation and occupy over two-thirds of the hemithorax. Pseudo-azotemia is a condition that causes elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) levels without actual kidney dysfunction.
CASE DESCRIPTION
We report an uncommon case of right-sided urinothorax in a middle-aged female presenting with symptoms of postoperative ileus after undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy. She subsequently developed pseudo-azotemia and right-sided pleural effusion. The patient was successfully treated with thoracentesis and chest tube placement, with prompt resolution of effusion and pseudo-azotemia.
CONCLUSIONS
We aim to provide insights into the underlying pathophysiology as well as diagnostic and therapeutic modalities of urinothorax. Prompt recognition and intervention can improve outcomes by decreasing respiratory complications and shorten or avoid intensive care unit stays. Physicians should consider PEEVO within their differential when intrathoracic causes of pleural effusion have been excluded and be equipped to manage it appropriately.
PubMed: 38236466
DOI: 10.21037/acr-23-146