McCullough AW, O'Brien JS, Sexton C
… +2 more, Dog Aging Project Consortium, Ruple A
Am J Vet Res
· 2026 May · PMID 42140268
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OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographics of dog owners and dogs with pet insurance enrolled in the Dog Aging Project (DAP), a large population of dogs in the US, and examine the impact of pet insurance on owners' percepti...OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographics of dog owners and dogs with pet insurance enrolled in the Dog Aging Project (DAP), a large population of dogs in the US, and examine the impact of pet insurance on owners' perception of their dog's health. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 47,444 dog owners' responses from the DAP initial enrollment survey, the Health and Life Experience Survey, were analyzed from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2023. Dog and dog owner demographic data were collected and compared using descriptive statistics. Owner-perceived health status of their dog was compared between insured and uninsured dogs using a χ2 test of significance. RESULTS: 10,127 of 47,444 DAP participants (21%) have a pet insurance policy. Insured dog owners were 25 to 44 years old, non-White, and professional degree earners compared to the overall DAP population. Insured dogs were young, single-breed dogs obtained from breeders for purposes other than companionship compared to the overall DAP population. Five thousand, five hundred and fourteen of 10,127 insured dogs (54%) and 17,979 of 37,317 uninsured dogs (48%) are perceived to be in excellent health, a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates that certain demographic factors are more common among insured dogs and dog owners. The health status of dogs with pet insurance is statistically different compared to those without it. Further investigation of this association is warranted. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This information can inform veterinary discussions with pet owners about pet insurance.
Baumruck R, Tagudar J, Doyle P
… +12 more, Durgempudi P, Cortner CN, Schestopol B, Hossl AK, Coulter C, Ruth JD, Nagy J, De Haan CE, Fields E, Uerling M, Savage M, Szlosek D
Am J Vet Res
· 2026 May · PMID 42140264
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OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of 17 clinically relevant thoracic radiographic findings in dogs and quantify interobserver variability among veterinary radiologists, with the hypothesis that findings would vary wi...OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of 17 clinically relevant thoracic radiographic findings in dogs and quantify interobserver variability among veterinary radiologists, with the hypothesis that findings would vary widely in prevalence while maintaining high interobserver agreement. METHODS: 4,000 lateral thoracic radiographic examinations created between May and December 2023 were randomly selected from IDEXX Telemedicine Consultants' electronic medical records. After exclusion, 2,761 examinations were ultimately evaluated for 17 preselected conditions by 5 board-certified veterinary radiologists, subsequently reduced to 3 to expedite the study. Prevalence for each condition was estimated using a latent class expectation-maximization approach. RESULTS: 2,761 studies were ultimately evaluated for 17 conditions by a total of 12 radiologists (1,367 studies evaluated in triplicate, and 1,394 studies evaluated in quintuplicate); the most prevalent conditions were abnormal pulmonary pattern (60.9%) and redundant tracheal membrane (29.4%). The least prevalent were heart base mass (0.5%) and esophageal foreign body (0.3%). Interobserver agreement was generally high for radiographically distinct conditions, such as esophageal foreign body, heart base mass, and pneumothorax, as each achieved an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 1.00, with a modest decrease for subjective or morphologically ambiguous conditions, such as suspected tracheal chondromalacia (0.76) and cranial mediastinal widening as a breed variant/fat deposition (0.78). CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic radiographic findings in dogs vary substantially in prevalence, with pulmonary abnormalities being the most common. Interobserver agreement is condition dependent, with the greatest variability among subjectively assessed findings. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prevalence estimates and agreement profiles provide a framework for clinical benchmarking and highlight categories where standardized criteria may improve consistency.
Am J Vet Res
· 2026 May · PMID 42140262
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OBJECTIVE: To visualize and describe the anatomy of the lower respiratory system in obese and nonobese white cockatoos, red-tailed hawks, and New World vultures, and discuss the use of current body condition scoring (BCS...OBJECTIVE: To visualize and describe the anatomy of the lower respiratory system in obese and nonobese white cockatoos, red-tailed hawks, and New World vultures, and discuss the use of current body condition scoring (BCS) methods in avian veterinary practice. METHODS: Using micro-CT of live, sedated obese and nonobese birds, 3D anatomical models were built to visualize and extract air sac volumes. All live birds were imaged for clinical purposes unrelated to this specific study, and the DICOM image stacks were later donated to the project. RESULTS: Internal adipose tissue affected the volume and displacement of the air sacs in all obese birds examined. In obese and egg-bearing specimens, the caudal group of air sacs (abdominal and caudal thoracic) was compressed, resulting in a reduced total volume, while the cranial group of air sacs (cervical, interclavicular, and cranial thoracic) and their diverticula often expanded into the cervical and axillary regions. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of obesity on air sac volume and shape varied in the birds examined, and further work is needed to determine the functional implications of these differences. Additionally, current avian BCS methods do not account for internal adipose distribution or its potential anatomical effects in avian patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Excess internal adipose may alter air sac volume and displacement patterns, with potential implications for clinical and perioperative management. Species-specific BCS methods should be employed when possible to assess obesity in birds.
Eleftheriou A, Shaw D, Brayton KA
… +2 more, Park J, Poh KC
Am J Vet Res
· 2026 Jul · PMID 42127974
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Tick-borne diseases of animals and humans are becoming more problematic in the US. Consequently, there have been numerous investigations into several tick-borne disease systems, with Lyme disease or borreliosis being the...Tick-borne diseases of animals and humans are becoming more problematic in the US. Consequently, there have been numerous investigations into several tick-borne disease systems, with Lyme disease or borreliosis being the most investigated. At the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University, we study a variety of tick-borne disease systems relevant to animal and human health. Through our collective multidisciplinary expertise, our goal was to showcase what is known about systems we are most familiar with and outline research gaps in tick ecology, tick-borne disease epidemiology, and management of ticks and tick-borne diseases with a focus on the US.
Bezombes R, Poncet C, Bernard F
… +2 more, Videmont-Drevon E, Dumartinet C
Am J Vet Res
· 2026 May · PMID 42114562
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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical outcomes and postoperative complications associated with fusion podoplasty in dogs with chronic interdigital follicular cysts (CIFCs) unresponsive to multimodal medical management. METHODS...OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical outcomes and postoperative complications associated with fusion podoplasty in dogs with chronic interdigital follicular cysts (CIFCs) unresponsive to multimodal medical management. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, medical records from 2 referral hospitals were reviewed to identify dogs that underwent fusion podoplasty from 2005 through 2025. Included dogs were diagnosed with CIFCs presumed secondary to mechanical friction or trauma and refractory to medical management. Dogs with other causes of interdigital dermatitis were excluded. Data included signalment, clinical history, dermatologic findings, surgical procedures, and postoperative management. Partial fusion podoplasty (PFP) or total fusion podoplasty (TFP) was performed. Outcomes included time to wound healing, postoperative outcome classification, and complications categorized as minor or major. RESULTS: Eleven dogs met the inclusion criteria, with a median follow-up of 16 months. Total fusion podoplasty was performed on 9 paws and PFP on 7. All paws healed, with a median healing time of 28 days. Twenty complications occurred in 9 dogs, 18 minor and 2 major; partial incisional dehiscence was the most common (7 of 20). No wound complications occurred in the 5 TFP procedures in which a Penrose drain was placed. Long-term outcomes were excellent in 8 dogs, acceptable in 1, and poor in 2. CONCLUSIONS: Fusion podoplasty resulted in satisfactory long-term outcomes in most dogs with medically refractory CIFCs, with TFP associated with fewer postoperative complications than PFP. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Fusion podoplasty represents a valuable salvage option for dogs with refractory CIFCs and may be particularly beneficial when TFP is combined with passive drainage.
Am J Vet Res
· 2026 May · PMID 42114560
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OBJECTIVE: To characterize differences among body sites in skin morphological features of Beagles that may influence percutaneous drug penetration. METHODS: This exploratory study was conducted from November 2024 through...OBJECTIVE: To characterize differences among body sites in skin morphological features of Beagles that may influence percutaneous drug penetration. METHODS: This exploratory study was conducted from November 2024 through March 2025 with 6 Beagles. Skin samples were collected from 3 body sites-the dorsum, lateral trunk, and ventral abdomen. Skin samples were collected under sedation with local anesthesia. Epidermal thickness, the number of stratum corneum (SC) layers, and dermal vessel density were evaluated histologically. Follicular ostia density was evaluated using dermoscopic images. Data are presented as mean values with 95% CIs. RESULTS: Epidermal thickness showed only small differences among body sites. The number of SC layers also showed small differences (maximum mean difference, approx 0.3 layers). In contrast, follicular ostia density showed large differences among body sites and was highest in the dorsum, intermediate in the lateral trunk, and lowest in the ventral abdomen. Dermal vessel density showed moderate differences, with higher values in the ventral abdomen than in the dorsum and lateral trunk. CONCLUSIONS: In Beagles, epidermal thickness and the number of SC layers are relatively uniform across body sites, whereas follicular ostia density and dermal vessel density show clear differences among body sites. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings suggest that skin structural factors other than epidermal thickness and the number of SC layers may influence percutaneous drug penetration; however, this remains a hypothesis and requires further study.
Crawford LK, Church ME, Boudreaux KA
… +13 more, Lapin JN, Hahn LA, Solis LJ, Wilson R, Zetterberg H, Catacci Guimaraes F, Shen S, Toedebusch RG, Vernau K, Dupanloup A, Panek W, Cameron S, Toedebusch CM
Am J Vet Res
· 2026 May · PMID 42114558
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OBJECTIVE: To assess faculty interest in veterinary biospecimens, develop a standardized multi-institutional biological fluid repository across 3 veterinary institutions, and assess quality and fitness for purpose of arc...OBJECTIVE: To assess faculty interest in veterinary biospecimens, develop a standardized multi-institutional biological fluid repository across 3 veterinary institutions, and assess quality and fitness for purpose of archived samples. METHODS: We conducted a prospective multi-institutional biobanking and feasibility study from 2022 through 2025. Faculty from each institution were administered a voluntary and anonymous survey via email, and responses were recorded. Biological fluid specimens were collected and archived from the Neurology and Neurosurgery Services of each participating institution. A shared database (Freezerworks) was utilized by all 3 institutions to annotate each sample with clinical data and record the storage location. Selected serum (n = 12), CSF (n = 12), and urine (n = 9) samples were assessed for quality control and fitness for purpose by measuring concentrations of putative biomarkers via ELISAs and single-molecule array, respectively. RESULTS: Faculty surveys indicated widespread support for centralized institutional biobanking, with 94 of 170 respondents (55%) in favor of a combination of institutional and investigator financial support. Over 2,500 biological specimens from dogs and cats with neurological disease were collected during the 3-year study period. Sample quality across serum, urine, and CSF was consistent across institutions. Moreover, serum samples from randomly selected dogs with divergent diagnoses yielded robust and discriminatory concentrations of putative neurodegenerative disease proteins. CONCLUSIONS: Multi-institutional veterinary biobanking is feasible and productive, providing investigators with access to clinically annotated, high-quality biospecimens. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A common repository registry, wherein investigators have reciprocal access to standardized biospecimens, will connect investigators from all domains to promote rigorous, well-powered multicenter studies.
Rhim H, Godke A, Marrero-Acosta K
… +2 more, Aguilar MG, Mitchell MA
Am J Vet Res
· 2026 May · PMID 42114553
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OBJECTIVE: Ultraviolet B (UVB) guidelines for husbandry and therapeutic exposure remain limited for reptiles. We aimed to determine whether intermittent UVB exposure can elevate and maintain plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (...OBJECTIVE: Ultraviolet B (UVB) guidelines for husbandry and therapeutic exposure remain limited for reptiles. We aimed to determine whether intermittent UVB exposure can elevate and maintain plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3) concentrations in blue-tongued skinks (Tiliqua scincoides). METHODS: A prospective, randomized experimental study was conducted using 11 subadult skinks. Six skinks received 2 hours of UVB exposure every 3 days for 30 days, while 5 controls received none. Subsequently, the control skinks received 2 hours of UVB every 7 days for 28 days. Plasma 25-OHD3 concentrations were measured at baseline and post-UVB using chemiluminescent immunoassay. RESULTS: Both regimens significantly increased 25-OHD3 in a dose-dependent manner. Two-hour exposures every 3 days elevated median concentrations from 17 [13.8 to 25] to 587.5 [303.3 to 750] nmol/L, while 7-day exposures increased concentrations from 23 [17.5 to 27] to 51 [42 to 222.5] nmol/L, even with a change to new bulbs. CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent 2-hour UVB at 3- or 7-day intervals significantly elevated 25-OHD3 concentrations, demonstrating that UVB can be administered as a therapeutic dose tailored to species-specific requirements. More research is needed to determine species-specific 25-OHD3 reference intervals. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Periodic UVB dosing may offer a sufficient alternative to continuous daily exposure for maintaining vitamin D3 concentrations in captive blue-tongued skinks; this practical approach supports routine management while reducing the risk of prolonged artificial UVB-related concerns.
Gonzalez-Jassi HA, Dirikolu L, Liu CC
… +1 more, Tully TN
Am J Vet Res
· 2026 May · PMID 42097172
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OBJECTIVE: To obtain pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of a single dose of extended-release lipid buprenorphine (ER-B; 2 mg/kg SC) and evaluate its effects on body temperature (BT) in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ve...OBJECTIVE: To obtain pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of a single dose of extended-release lipid buprenorphine (ER-B; 2 mg/kg SC) and evaluate its effects on body temperature (BT) in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) (HAPs). METHODS: In this experimental PK study, ER-B was administered to laboratory-housed HAPs, and BT was measured using SC transponders. One week before the PK study, BT was measured at 0.25, 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours, so each bird could serve as their control (CTRL). A single dose of ER-B was administered, and blood collection and BT were obtained at the same time points over 72 hours. Signs of sedation or adverse effects were recorded. A PK analysis was performed. Statistical analysis for BT of the CTRL and ER-B groups was performed. An ANOVA with a mixed-effect model and a post hoc Tukey comparison was used. RESULTS: A PK profile from 15 parrots was obtained. Extended-release lipid buprenorphine was rapidly absorbed, with a mean time to maximum plasma concentration of 2.1 hours and a mean half-life of 13.8 hours. The ER-B plasma concentration was > 1 ng/mL for > 48 hours. Body temperature significantly decreased at 3 hours (ER-B, 39.7 ± 0.3 °C; CTRL, 40.7 ± 0.3 °C; mean difference, -1.06 °C; 95% CI, -1.97 to -0.1) and 6 hours (ER-B, 39.7 ± 0.3 °C; CTRL, 40.9 ± 0.3 °C; mean difference, -1.2 °C; 95% CI, -2.16 to -0.3) postadministration. CONCLUSIONS: Extended-release lipid buprenorphine in HAPs sustains plasma concentrations for > 48 hours, with mild sedation. Body temperature decreased at 3 and 6 hours postadministration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Extended-release lipid buprenorphine in HAPs has a prolonged plasma concentration and reduced BT postadministration. Further pharmacodynamic evaluation could be warranted.
Am J Vet Res
· 2026 May · PMID 42097171
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OBJECTIVE: To compare the proportion of lesions identified on cervical MRI in dogs based on weight. METHODS: Medical records from a tertiary referral hospital were reviewed for dogs that underwent cervical MRI to investi...OBJECTIVE: To compare the proportion of lesions identified on cervical MRI in dogs based on weight. METHODS: Medical records from a tertiary referral hospital were reviewed for dogs that underwent cervical MRI to investigate clinical signs consistent with cervical disease from August 30, 2019, through August 30, 2024. Dogs were grouped according to their weight (< 15 or ≥ 15 kg). Case details, including the patients' weight, breed, age, sex and neuter status, presenting clinical signs, and MRI findings, were recorded. RESULTS: There were 270 dogs included in the study. In dogs weighing < 15 kg, the proportion of intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) was 145 of 175 (82.9%) compared to 58 of 95 (61.1%) in dogs weighing ≥ 15 kg, and the odds of having IVDD were 68% less for dogs weighing ≥ 15 kg (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.57). There was no significant association between IVDD and weight in chondrodystrophic dogs. The odds of having neoplasia were 4.5 times higher for dogs weighing ≥ 15 kg (OR, 5.3; 95% CI, 2.1 to 15). The odds of cervical spondylomyelopathy increased with weight (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.16). The weights of dogs with atlantoaxial instability (AAI; median, 5.2; IQR, 2.8 to 6.9) were significantly less than dogs without AAI (median, 11.0; IQR, 6.4 to 25.5). The odds of congenital abnormalities were 97% higher for dogs weighing < 15 kg compared to dogs weighing ≥ 15 kg (OR, 0.03; 95% CI, < 0.001 to 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: Dogs weighing < 15 kg had significantly higher proportions of IVDD, AAI, and congenital abnormalities compared to dogs weighing ≥ 15 kg. Dogs weighing ≥ 15 kg had significantly higher proportions of neoplasia and cervical spondylomyelopathy compared to dogs weighing < 15 kg. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This knowledge can improve the initial consultation discussion with clients that are considering advanced imaging for dogs with cervical disease and subsequent diagnostics and treatments.
Beluque T, Endrighi M, Lucina SB
… +6 more, Rodrigues A, Braz JB, Zacché E, de Oliveira LB, Froes TR, Sousa MG
Am J Vet Res
· 2026 May · PMID 42097169
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OBJECTIVE: To compare previously described radiographic measurements to identify dogs in stage B2, cutoff values, propose a new measurement and evaluate their ability to predict survival in dogs with mitral valve disease...OBJECTIVE: To compare previously described radiographic measurements to identify dogs in stage B2, cutoff values, propose a new measurement and evaluate their ability to predict survival in dogs with mitral valve disease (MVD). METHODS: This observational, retrospective, and prospective study included dogs without heart disease (control) or diagnosed with MVD by Doppler echocardiography. Radiographic measurements included left atrial width (LAwidth), radiographic left atrial dimension (RLAD), vertebral left atrial size (VLAS), modified VLAS (M-VLAS), vertebral left atrial ventral (VLAV), and vertebral heart score (VHS). All dogs underwent complete echocardiographic and radiographic examinations. Dogs with hemivertebrae, cardiac or pulmonary neoplasia, or poor-quality examinations were excluded. Examinations performed between November 2017 and April 2024 were evaluated. RESULTS: Examinations were evaluated in 191 dogs. VLAS, M-VLAS, LAwidth, and RLAD differed between stages B1, B2, and C/D. VLAV differed between control and stage B1 from stages B2 and C/D. VLAV accurately identified dogs with stage B2 MVD, showing good diagnostic performance (AUC, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.76-0.88), and was similar to the other measurements. Cutoff values for identifying left cardiomegaly were defined for all measures (VLAS > 2.48; M-VLAS > 3.4; LAwidth > 2.11; RLAD > 2.7; VLAV > 2.99). Repeatability and reproducibility were good to excellent. CONCLUSIONS: VLAS and M-VLAS reliably identified increased LA/Ao ratio and suspected stage B2 MVD. Higher values of VLAS, M-VLAS, LAwidth, and VLAV were associated with shorter survival, with VLAV ≥ 3.0 indicating an unfavorable outcome. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These measures may be considered to screen which patients will undergo echocardiography and to assist in predicting survival time.
Am J Vet Res
· 2026 May · PMID 42091082
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OBJECTIVE: Investigate effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on recovery of deep pain perception (DPP) in dogs after hemilaminectomy for thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). METHODS: Records of client-o...OBJECTIVE: Investigate effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on recovery of deep pain perception (DPP) in dogs after hemilaminectomy for thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). METHODS: Records of client-owned dogs with absent DPP in pelvic limbs after hemilaminectomy for IVDD from January 2014 through December 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy were divided into groups: received HBOT (HB) and no HBOT (NHB). Modified Frankel scores were assigned between 0 (absent DPP in either pelvic limb) and 5 (spinal hyperesthesia) preoperatively, postoperatively, and at recheck examination. Outcomes were compared using the Pearson χ2 test. Regression analysis assessed if other factors were associated with improvement in Frankel score. RESULTS: 110 dogs with absent DPP had thoracolumbar hemilaminectomies, 45 in HB group and 65 in NHB group. Thirty-three of 45 HB cases (73.3%) and 39 of 65 NHB cases (60%) improved neurologically by recheck examination (P = .21). There were no differences in neurological improvement between groups at any time point (P = .32). Multivariable regression analysis revealed worse odds of improvement for thoracolumbar relative to lumbar lesions (OR, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.0008 to 0.49; P = .04). Improvement odds with thoracolumbar lesions were lower in NHB than HB group (contrast OR, 0.029; 95% CI, 0.027 to 0.031; P = .01). HBOT session amount was not associated with improvement (P = .65). CONCLUSIONS: HBOT did not impact recovery of DPP after hemilaminectomy. Thoracolumbar lesions had lower odds of neurological improvement than lumbar lesions. Odds were improved with HBOT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings may predict return to ambulation.
Rosa-Padilla NL, Fuller B, Schumacher C
… +4 more, Lux C, Thieman K, Biehl K, Ham K
Am J Vet Res
· 2026 May · PMID 42086066
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OBJECTIVE: To report the proportion of cases, causes, and definitions of recurrent and persistent hypercalcemia in dogs following surgical removal of autonomously functioning parathyroid tissue. METHODS: Retrospective re...OBJECTIVE: To report the proportion of cases, causes, and definitions of recurrent and persistent hypercalcemia in dogs following surgical removal of autonomously functioning parathyroid tissue. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records from 3 academic veterinary hospitals (2012 to 2022) identified dogs with surgically treated primary hyperparathyroidism. Data included signalment, clinical signs, diagnostics, treatment, histopathology, and outcomes. Dogs were categorized by follow-up: ≤ 6 months (group 1) or > 6 months (group 2). Descriptive statistics were performed. The Mann-Whitney U test compared preoperative ionized calcium and parathyroid hormone between dogs with persistent versus resolved hypercalcemia. RESULTS: 202 dogs met the inclusion criteria. Group 1 included 123 dogs, and group 2 included 79 dogs. Mean age was 10.7 ± 2.23 years, with no sex predilection. Hypercalcemia-associated clinical signs occurred in 68% (138 of 202) of dogs. Histopathology revealed parathyroid adenoma (58% [135 of 233]), hyperplasia (24% [56 of 233]), and carcinoma (7% [10 of 233]) as most common. Persistent hypercalcemia occurred in 25 of 202 dogs (12.4%), primarily due to incorrect surgical removal or multiglandular disease. Preoperative ionized calcium and parathyroid hormone did not differ between persistent and resolved cases. Recurrent hypercalcemia occurred in 1 of 79 (1.3%) dogs in group 2, associated with a new mass. Fifteen dogs underwent a second surgery; 1 dog required a third surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent and recurrent hypercalcemia were uncommon (12.4% and 1.3%, respectively). Multiglandular disease and incorrect surgical excision were the leading causes of persistent hypercalcemia. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study emphasizes that persistent and recurrent hypercalcemia are uncommon but require diligent perioperative planning and monitoring.
Huber AL, Picavet PP, Hamon M
… +1 more, Renberg WC
Am J Vet Res
· 2026 May · PMID 42081925
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OBJECTIVE: To measure hip flexion, abduction, and internal rotation in a static standing position with the limb maintained with a traditional Ehmer sling (TES), compare these with a commercially available vest-based slin...OBJECTIVE: To measure hip flexion, abduction, and internal rotation in a static standing position with the limb maintained with a traditional Ehmer sling (TES), compare these with a commercially available vest-based sling (VBS), and describe short-term tolerability of the VBS in healthy dogs. METHODS: 12 healthy client-owned dogs were prospectively enrolled between June 2024 and August 2025. A TES and a VBS were sequentially applied to the same hindlimb. Hip flexion, abduction, and internal rotation were measured. Dogs were monitored for VBS tolerability and complications for up to 14 days at home, based on predefined study end points. RESULTS: Compared with the TES, the VBS resulted in greater hip flexion, reflected by a lower mean angle (53° ± 13° vs 66° ± 11°), and greater hip abduction (15° ± 5° vs 8° ± 6°). Internal rotation did not significantly differ between devices (TES: median, 1°; IQR, -5° to 5°; VBS: median, 6°; IQR, 4° to 10°). Only 1 dog completed the intended 14-day wear period. Four dogs reached a study end point due to device-related issues, 2 due to owner noncompliance and 5 due to poor tolerability. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides reference goniometric values for hip positioning achieved with a TES and demonstrates that a VBS results in greater hip flexion and abduction, with limited short-term tolerability in healthy dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Establishing expected hip joint positioning may help guide clinical application and evaluation of Ehmer slings following reduction of hip luxation. Limited tolerability of the VBS may affect clinical applicability.
Cooper BL, O'Donnell K, Hickman E
… +2 more, Bayless R, Sheats MK
Am J Vet Res
· 2026 May · PMID 42081923
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OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of a commercially available docosahexaeonic acid (DHA) supplement (DHA, methylslfonylmethane, and mushroom blend) on equine alveolar macrophage metabolism and lipid and protein profiles...OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of a commercially available docosahexaeonic acid (DHA) supplement (DHA, methylslfonylmethane, and mushroom blend) on equine alveolar macrophage metabolism and lipid and protein profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) supernatant. METHODS: This was a prospective, sequential, placebo-controlled study using 10 healthy adult horses. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected at baseline, following 45 days of oral placebo administration, and following 45 days of oral commercially available DHA supplement, with a 14-day washout. Whole blood was collected following placebo and DHA supplementation. Bronchoalveolar lavage samples were collected for airway cytology. Adherent cells were isolated from BAL cell pellets and used to measure alveolar macrophage oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate. Protein and lipid profiles were measured in BAL supernatant. RESULTS: 7 horses completed the study. The DHA supplementation significantly decreased the whole-blood ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids and significantly increased the ratio of DHA to arachidonic acid. Following DHA supplementation, mean alveolar macrophage basal and maximal respiratory capacity increased, and protein and lipid profiles in BAL supernatant were altered. There was no significant change in BAL cytology during any study period. CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of a DHA supplement increased alveolar macrophage oxygen consumption rate and altered lipid and protein profiles in BAL supernatant. Changes in alveolar macrophage metabolism may indicate a greater population of M2 (anti-inflammatory) alveolar macrophages. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings suggest that oral DHA supplementation may promote an anti-inflammatory profile in the lower airway, which could be beneficial for horses with subclinical airway inflammation and horses routinely exposed to airway-triggering environments.
Uzuka Y, Katoh M, Nagumo T
… +2 more, Yamazaki A, Hoshino Y
Am J Vet Res
· 2026 May · PMID 42081922
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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of medetomidine, midazolam, and butorphanol (MMB) anesthesia with oxygen supplementation for neurological procedures. METHODS: Five adult male rabbits underwent a randomized crossov...OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of medetomidine, midazolam, and butorphanol (MMB) anesthesia with oxygen supplementation for neurological procedures. METHODS: Five adult male rabbits underwent a randomized crossover study comparing oxygen (OG; 3 L/min via mask before and during anesthesia) and air (AG; room air) groups (experiment 1) during IM MMB (medetomidine, 0.15 mg/kg; midazolam, 1.0 mg/kg; and butorphanol, 1.5 mg/kg), with atipamezole and flumazenil as antagonists. Arterial blood gases, oxygen saturation, and anesthesia scores were assessed. In experiment 2, MRI and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection were performed under the same protocol to evaluate feasibility. RESULTS: All rabbits recovered uneventfully. In experiment 1, oxygen saturation remained at 98% to 100% in the OG but was significantly lower in the AG (least median, 86%; IQR, 78.5% to 91.5%). The Pao2 was markedly higher in the OG, whereas it remained below 88 mm Hg, which has been defined as hypoxemia, in the AG. Hypoxemia occurred only in the AG, and 4 of 5 rabbits required supplemental oxygen. The Paco2 was significantly higher both in the OG and in the AG after 5 minutes post-MMB administration. Adequate immobilization was achieved in both groups, and all rabbits recovered from the antagonist. In experiment 2, MRI and CSF procedures were successfully completed under MMB with oxygen supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: Intramuscular MMB anesthesia with preoxygenation and continuous oxygen supplementation prevents hypoxemia while providing adequate immobilization for MRI and CSF examinations in rabbits. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This protocol may be useful for performing MRI and CSF examinations in rabbits.