Yoshida S, Laudhittirut T, Cowan V
… +2 more, Meachem M, Cosford KL
Can Vet J
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41847487
Two domestic shorthair cats from the same household developed acute liver injury with exposure to human transdermal diclofenac cream. A 7-year-old spayed female cat (Cat 1) was brought to the Western College of Veterinar...Two domestic shorthair cats from the same household developed acute liver injury with exposure to human transdermal diclofenac cream. A 7-year-old spayed female cat (Cat 1) was brought to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) with anorexia, lethargy, and fever. The cat had markedly elevated ALT (10 549 U/L) and glutamate dehydrogenase (1456 U/L), and hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin: 16.7 μmol/L). Cat 1 improved with supportive care and was discharged. The following day, a 6-year-old spayed female cat (Cat 2) was presented with anorexia and lethargy. Laboratory tests also showed severe hepatocellular injury (ALT: 20 838 U/L, glutamate dehydrogenase: 2054 U/L) and hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin: 26.7 μmol/L). A blood smear revealed green to dark-blue cytoplasmic material in neutrophils, consistent with "critical green inclusions" in humans. Cat 2 developed progressive clinical deterioration and was euthanized. The caregiver reported having used 10% diclofenac cream for 3 mo. Drug screening liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry detected diclofenac in both cats (30 μg/mL in Cat 1, 42 μg/mL in Cat 2). The toxic threshold of diclofenac in cats is currently unknown. Although direct evidence linking acute liver injury to diclofenac exposure was lacking in this case, the report does highlight the potential risk to pet cats whose owners use topical diclofenac. Key clinical message: Topical NSAID formulations such as diclofenac are commonly used by pet owners to treat human pain. The risk to pets, particularly smaller animals exposed to human skin upon which transdermal medication has been applied, remains unknown. Pet owners should be made aware of the potential risks these products pose to animals. Also, to the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report to describe "critical green inclusions" in a cat with severe liver disease.
Deal K, Klostermann CA, Lasa A
… +3 more, Pisack EK, Sheley W, Hampton CE
Can Vet J
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41847485
A 3-year-old intact female American Guinea hog that was presented for an elective ovariohysterectomy appeared systemically healthy, with no overt medical conditions. Premedication with clonazepam, tiletamine-zolazepam, a...A 3-year-old intact female American Guinea hog that was presented for an elective ovariohysterectomy appeared systemically healthy, with no overt medical conditions. Premedication with clonazepam, tiletamine-zolazepam, and xylazine; anesthetic induction with propofol and maintenance with isoflurane with oxygen on spontaneous ventilation; a ketamine infusion; and morphine for analgesia were provided. Approximately 95 min after isoflurane was initiated, the pig acutely became hyperthermic and severely hypercapnic, with hyperkalemia, hyperlactatemia, and severe metabolic and respiratory acidosis. With high suspicion of malignant hyperthermia syndrome (MHS), isoflurane was discontinued, and active cooling, ventilatory support, dantrolene, aggressive fluid therapy, lidocaine, insulin, and dextrose were administered. The pig developed ventricular tachycardia with subsequent cardiopulmonary arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was attempted without success. Necropsy findings were suggestive of MHS and genetic testing confirmed a dimutant gene. Key clinical message: This is the first report of MHS in a subject from a porcine companion breed and of an atypical, delayed onset. As MHS is life-threatening, preanesthetic genetic testing and/or preemptive treatment with oral dantrolene should be considered for pigs undergoing inhalant-based anesthesia.
Bradycardia-induced cardiomyopathy is a reversible form of myocardial dysfunction caused by prolonged bradyarrhythmia, most commonly due to high-grade atrioventricular block or sinus node dysfunction. Although bradycardi...Bradycardia-induced cardiomyopathy is a reversible form of myocardial dysfunction caused by prolonged bradyarrhythmia, most commonly due to high-grade atrioventricular block or sinus node dysfunction. Although bradycardia-induced cardiomyopathy is well recognized in human medicine, it remains underreported in veterinary literature. This case series describes 3 dogs diagnosed with 3rd-degree atrioventricular block that presented with clinical signs including exercise intolerance, syncope, and cardiomegaly. Each dog underwent comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, including physical examination, thoracic radiography, echocardiography, and electrocardiography. Bradycardia-induced transient myocardial dysfunction was suspected, based on the presence of bradyarrhythmia in conjunction with cardiac enlargement and preserved systolic function. All dogs were treated with permanent pacemaker implantation. Postoperative follow-ups documented marked clinical improvement, with resolution of exercise intolerance or syncope. Radiographic and echocardiographic reassessments demonstrated reductions in atrial and ventricular internal dimensions, supporting the reversibility of myocardial remodeling once normal heart rate was restored. No major complications were observed during follow-up periods that ranged from several months to > 4 y. Key clinical message: These findings supported the presence of bradycardia-induced transient myocardial dysfunction in dogs and underscored the importance of recognizing bradyarrhythmia as a potentially reversible cause of cardiomyopathy. Early diagnosis and timely pacemaker implantation can result in substantial clinical and structural cardiac recovery.
Mahjoub HA, Greenwood S, Murphy N
… +4 more, Lichtenberger J, Wood J, McCarthy T, Conboy G
Can Vet J
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41847483
Animal welfare benefits associated with international pet rescue and adoption are somewhat offset by increased potential for introduction and spread of foreign pathogens. This report describes clinical and parasitologica...Animal welfare benefits associated with international pet rescue and adoption are somewhat offset by increased potential for introduction and spread of foreign pathogens. This report describes clinical and parasitological findings in an adopted stray cat imported from Thailand. The cat was presented to a veterinary clinic for veterinary care 5 d after arrival in Canada. The cat was dewormed and passed a large mass of tapeworms on the following day. Fecal and blood samples were submitted to Diagnostic Services at the Atlantic Veterinary College (Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island). Eggs of spp. and spp., oocysts of spp., and a metastrongyloid 1st-stage nematode larva (L) were seen on microscopic examination of fecal flotation. Additional L recovered using the Baermann technique were molecularly characterized using small subunit rRNA-PCR, and DNA sequencing identified the larvae as The cat was treated with a 2-day course of milbemycin oxime (10.7 mg/kg) and praziquantel (26.8 mg/kg), followed 5 d later by a 5-day course of fenbendazole (50 mg/kg). Posttreatment fecal examinations showed no evidence of parasitic infection. The cat resumed shedding spp. eggs 40 d later and was given a second 2-day course of milbemycin oxime and praziquantel. Fecal examinations conducted at 7 and 35 d after treatment did not reveal any parasitic eggs or cysts. The occurrences of and spp. are reported and diagnosed for the first time in Canada. The risk of foreign pathogen spread into a new geographical region was minimized by timely diagnoses, appropriate veterinary care, and the cooperation of conscientious owners biocontainment by isolation of the cat and proper feces disposal. Key clinical message: Knowing the clinical and travel history of an animal is critical for making an accurate diagnosis. Molecular confirmatory testing is valuable when diagnosing parasitic infections with similar morphologies.
Goda Y, Hanazono K, Hori A
… +12 more, Torisu S, Isaka M, Yamazaki H, Kadosawa T, Endo Y, Yamamoto S, Harada H, Kato K, Sano T, Itami T, Yamashita K, Miyoshi K
Can Vet J
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41847482
OBJECTIVE: Thymoma and mediastinal lymphoma (ML) are the most common cranial mediastinal masses in cats. Considering differences in treatment and prognosis, accurate antemortem diagnosis is essential. However, fine-needl...OBJECTIVE: Thymoma and mediastinal lymphoma (ML) are the most common cranial mediastinal masses in cats. Considering differences in treatment and prognosis, accurate antemortem diagnosis is essential. However, fine-needle aspiration can be inconclusive. Computed tomography (CT) is often used as a diagnostic tool, though apparently no previous studies have directly compared CT findings for thymoma and ML. This pilot study was a preliminary investigation of using CT to differentiate thymoma from ML in cats. ANIMALS AND PROCEDURE: Six cats diagnosed with either thymoma or ML underwent triple-phase contrast-enhanced CT. Parameters assessed included changes in CT attenuation across contrast phases and enhancement patterns. RESULTS: Thymomas exhibited peak enhancement during the equilibrium phase with heterogeneous contrast patterns, whereas MLs enhanced rapidly in the arterial phase and peaked in the venous phase with homogeneous contrast distribution. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We suggest that the contrast-enhancement patterns and variations in CT values in triple-phase contrast-enhanced CT scans may be key to differential diagnosis of thymoma ML in cats. However, this pilot study had a small sample size and the objective of proposing hypotheses. Large-scale studies are needed to test this hypothesis.
A 10-year-old spayed female golden retriever was referred with clinical signs of spinal cord disease. The dog had a 2-month history of progressive ambulatory tetraparesis, ataxia, and proprioceptive deficits that were co...A 10-year-old spayed female golden retriever was referred with clinical signs of spinal cord disease. The dog had a 2-month history of progressive ambulatory tetraparesis, ataxia, and proprioceptive deficits that were confirmed on clinical examination. Magnetic resonance images revealed a compressive intradural-extramedullary mass at C4 to C5. A cervical hemilaminectomy with marginal excision was completed. Initial histopathological assessment suggested metastatic carcinoma, but further immunohistochemical analysis and lack of a primary tumor on CT imaging led to a revised diagnosis of a grade II metaplastic meningioma. The dog experienced rapid tumor regrowth (confirmed on CT imaging 54 d after surgery) and neurological deterioration. Despite palliative-intent radiation therapy (5 Gy weekly for 4 wk), the dog was euthanized 159 d after MRI diagnosis. Necropsy confirmed a persistent grade II meningioma with increased mitotic activity post-irradiation. We present the first report of a canine grade II spinal meningioma treated with a palliative-intent radiation protocol. The tumor's rapid regrowth and limited response suggest that higher doses of radiation or stereotactic radiation protocols may warrant consideration for grades II or III spinal meningiomas. In addition, there may be potential need for early initiation of adjuvant therapy in these high-grade meningiomas. Key clinical message: Metastatic carcinoma in the spinal cord is rare; therefore, metaplastic meningioma should be considered as a differential diagnosis given its atypical architecture on histopathology.
BACKGROUND: Acute lead toxicosis is a leading toxic etiology in western Canadian cattle herds. Automotive batteries are commonly accepted as the main source of lead for grazing cattle. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to cha...BACKGROUND: Acute lead toxicosis is a leading toxic etiology in western Canadian cattle herds. Automotive batteries are commonly accepted as the main source of lead for grazing cattle. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to characterize cases of acute lead poisoning in cattle in western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) based on submissions to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory from 2014 to 2024. PROCEDURE: This study was a diagnostic records review. RESULTS: From January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2024, 352 cattle were poisoned from 233 herds. Cases occurred annually (median: 33 cases, 13 herds). Most submissions occurred in June ( = 110); however, cases were documented monthly (median: 18 cases, 21 herds). Cases and herds affected were most frequent in Saskatchewan (51 and 49%, respectively), followed by Alberta > Manitoba > British Columbia. Diagnosis was made most often on a postmortem basis, particularly with fresh liver ( = 213; range: 1.7 to 1663 mg/kg wet weight). There were 128 cases diagnosed antemortem using whole blood (range: 0.33 to 6.5 mg/L). Most herds affected were beef breeds (98%). Poisoning was most frequently diagnosed in calves ( = 174). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Acute lead poisoning continues to be a regular occurrence in western Canada. Pre-weaned calves during the months of May through July were at the greatest risk of lead poisoning in this study population.
Kornya M, Kashevska-Gozdek M, Sun Y
… +1 more, Bersenas A
Can Vet J
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41716509
is a yeast that is a commensal of mucosal surfaces and can cause opportunistic infection in several species. Unlike other species, it is commonly resistant to azoles. pneumonia has been reported in humans, with unclear...is a yeast that is a commensal of mucosal surfaces and can cause opportunistic infection in several species. Unlike other species, it is commonly resistant to azoles. pneumonia has been reported in humans, with unclear prevalence, but is very rare in dogs. This report describes an 11-year-old spayed female Dogo Argentino dog with megaesophagus that was managed with mechanical ventilation for aspiration pneumonia. The dog had been treated previously with omeprazole and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid for 2.5 wk. Airway cytology showed inflammation and numerous yeast organisms most consistent with . Therapy with fluconazole was initiated, but the dog's condition deteriorated and it was euthanized. and polymicrobial infection were identified on airway culture and postmortem culture of lung tissue. Histologic examination of the lungs showed severe pneumonia with yeast organisms present within macrophages, consistent with infection. Key clinical message: should be considered as a possible contributing agent in dogs with aspiration pneumonia, especially those treated with antimicrobials and gastroprotectants.
Pinho RH, Pang D, Leriquier C
… +3 more, Gagnon D, Benito J, Freire M
Can Vet J
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41716508
BACKGROUND: Sedation scales are commonly used to assess sedation levels in dogs, but no threshold scores exist to guide decisions on the need for additional sedatives. OBJECTIVE: The objectives were to determine sedation...BACKGROUND: Sedation scales are commonly used to assess sedation levels in dogs, but no threshold scores exist to guide decisions on the need for additional sedatives. OBJECTIVE: The objectives were to determine sedation score thresholds for obtaining orthopedic radiographs without restraint, evaluate inter-rater reliability, and compare video and real-time scoring. ANIMALS AND PROCEDURE: Dogs (N = 64) sedated for obtaining various orthopedic radiographs were scored using a validated sedation scale, both in real time (1 rater) and video assessment (3 raters). Sedation threshold scores were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves and the Youden index based on a rater opinion (yes or no) of whether radiographs could be completed without restraint. Two thresholds were calculated: 1 for all radiograph types and 1 specifically for stifle radiographs. Discrimination between adequately and inadequately sedated dogs was evaluated the area under the curve (AUC). Inter-rater reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient, and agreement between scoring methods was analyzed using the Bland-Altman approach. RESULTS: The threshold sedation scores were ≥ 16/21 (AUC = 0.71) for all radiographs and ≥ 12/21 (AUC = 0.77) for stifle radiographs, both indicating moderate ability to distinguish between adequately and inadequately sedated dogs. The inter-rater reliability of combined scores was very good (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.81) for all raters, and the mean bias between video and real-time scoring was -0.08. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The determined threshold scores can assist clinicians in determining whether additional sedation is necessary. The sedation scale demonstrated high reliability and accuracy, particularly when scored video.
OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to determine effectiveness of bovine coronavirus (BCoV) vaccination of neonatal calves in the face of natural respiratory infection in a commercial herd. ANIMALS: At a privately owned...OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to determine effectiveness of bovine coronavirus (BCoV) vaccination of neonatal calves in the face of natural respiratory infection in a commercial herd. ANIMALS: At a privately owned ranch in north-central Alberta with a history of bovine respiratory disease (BRD), beef calves of mixed sex and breed were randomized into a clinical vaccine trial. PROCEDURE: At birth, 447 calves were enrolled into the vaccine (VAC) group and administered an intranasal dose of BCoV vaccine, and 439 calves were enrolled as controls (CON). Most VAC calves ( = 389) also received an intramuscular dose of BCoV vaccine at an average of 49 d (SD: 7 d). Treatment for BRD and total mortality were recorded until pasture turnout. Weaning weights were collected at the end of the grazing season. A partial budget comparison included costs of vaccination and treatment, as well as potential revenues using weaning weights and regional sale summaries. RESULTS: Calves in the CON group were more likely than VAC calves to be treated before turnout vaccination (OR: 1.50; = 0.048) and calves born in the 2nd cycle were more likely than 3rd-cycle calves to be treated for BRD (OR: 2.90; = 0.01). The odds of mortality for CON calves born in the 2nd cycle were higher (OR: 4.8; = 0.001) than for VAC calves. Weaning weights were higher for VAC calves ( = 0.04) and, despite increased costs due to vaccination, revenue for VAC calves was an average of $10.50/head higher. CONCLUSION: Vaccination of neonatal calves with BCoV vaccine reduced the frequency of BRD treatment and total mortality and improved weaning weights and revenue potential in this herd. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Vaccination with commercial BCoV vaccines could be an important tool to control neonatal BRD, particularly in herds with a history of disease not responsive to other BRD vaccines.
A 13-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was presented to the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine (Madison, Wisconsin, USA) because of severe, persistent fecal impaction following chol...A 13-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was presented to the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine (Madison, Wisconsin, USA) because of severe, persistent fecal impaction following cholecystoduodenoplasty performed 4 d earlier. The impaction did not resolve with common medical management, prompting initiation of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES, GoLYTELY; Braintree Laboratories) esophageal feeding tube. The cat showed rapid improvement, and PEG-ES was discontinued following resolution of the impaction. However, 23 d later, the cat was re-presented with chronic constipation. Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution was reintroduced esophageal feeding tube as a long-term therapy and resulted in successful management of symptoms. This case demonstrates the efficacy of PEG-ES in managing both acute fecal impaction and chronic constipation in a cat. Key clinical message: Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution should be considered for cats with fecal impaction or chronic constipation, particularly in cases that are refractory to traditional therapies or cats that have an esophageal feeding tube placed. Its use may help avoid more invasive procedures while offering a safe and effective alternative for colonic evacuation.
McCord MA, Holsworth I, Casna B
… +7 more, Ash K, Kieves NR, Leasure J, Bahr A, Stewart SD, Peycke LE, Schulz KS
Can Vet J
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41716502
The objective of this report was to describe arthroscopic findings in dogs with concurrent cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) and medial meniscal tears in which severe, focal articular cartilage pathology was ident...The objective of this report was to describe arthroscopic findings in dogs with concurrent cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) and medial meniscal tears in which severe, focal articular cartilage pathology was identified on the medial femoral condyle (MFC). Medical records, radiographic findings, and arthroscopic images of dogs with cartilage lesions of the MFC and medial meniscal tears were reviewed retrospectively. Outerbridge scores were retrieved from operative reports and confirmed by the authors review of arthroscopic images. Twelve dogs with 13 affected stifles were included in this study. All stifle joints had complete CCLRs, medial meniscal tears, and focal grade III to IV cartilage lesions of the MFC. Twelve stifles had a displaced vertical longitudinal tear (bucket handle tear) and 1 stifle had a displaced complex tear of the medial meniscus. The cartilage lesions appeared to be in direct contact with the displaced portion of the meniscal tear. It was concluded that medial bucket handle and complex meniscal tears may be associated with an increased risk of focal cartilage defects. An association between meniscal tears and severe cartilage lesions of the MFC would emphasize the importance of evaluating the stifle joint and debriding the torn meniscus during surgical repair of CCLR. Rapid diagnosis and management may limit the amount and severity of cartilage damage. Key clinical message: This case series demonstrated severe focal cartilage defects on the MFCs of 13 stifles with concurrent CCLR and medial meniscal tears.
Gupta A, Girard T, Bowling H
… +2 more, Morrison B, Slavic D
Can Vet J
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41716501
Infectious coryza (IC) is an economically important, acute, and highly contagious respiratory disease of chickens caused by . A case of 27-week-old table egg layers was submitted to the Diagnostic Services Unit, Faculty...Infectious coryza (IC) is an economically important, acute, and highly contagious respiratory disease of chickens caused by . A case of 27-week-old table egg layers was submitted to the Diagnostic Services Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary (Alberta). The chickens had a history of swollen faces, eyelids, combs, and wattles; lacrimation; and nasal discharge with increased mortality and an acute drop in egg production of up to 14%. was cultured from infraorbital sinuses and wattle samples. Whole-genome sequencing based multilocus sequence typing identified sequence type-8, and genomic analysis of gene predicted Page serovar C. In the same time frame, IC outbreaks were also recorded in 3 other flocks in Alberta and some flocks in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. In addition to IC, infectious bronchitis virus was identified. The disease was linked to the introduction of subclinically infected pullets from another province into this flock of naïve birds. This is the first reported case of IC in recent times in Alberta. Screening birds for infectious disease status should be a critical practice if a carrier state exists in long-lived birds. Key clinical message: This outbreak underscores the need for strict biosecurity. Avoid introducing new birds to closed flocks. If necessary, rule out infections with carrier states through appropriate screening.
Rausch Q, Geddes N, Liao TP
… +1 more, Van Patter L
Can Vet J
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41716498
BACKGROUND: Organizations across private and not-for-profit sectors are increasingly seeking and mobilizing tools to increase accessibility of veterinary care. There is limited understanding of the barriers faced by Cana...BACKGROUND: Organizations across private and not-for-profit sectors are increasingly seeking and mobilizing tools to increase accessibility of veterinary care. There is limited understanding of the barriers faced by Canadian organizations, especially from the perspectives of providers themselves. OBJECTIVE: This research sought to illustrate barriers to delivering accessible veterinary care faced by Canadian veterinary providers, using qualitative data from focus groups and interviews. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: A total of 18 individuals participated in 3 focus groups and 4 interviews. Transcripts were qualitatively analyzed, using NVivo 14 software (Lumivero), by 2 independent coders employing a combination of emergent and coding. RESULTS: Three codes and 17 subcodes, including structural (., restrictive organizational policies, lack of funding), regulatory (., additional requirements or approvals), and relational (., challenges with continuity of care) barriers, were identified by participants. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Barriers experienced by participants were interrelated and paralleled those reported by American animal welfare organizations and Canadian human healthcare and social service sectors. Mitigation of these barriers requires multilevel and coordinated changes and could be addressed through resource sharing and collaboration with human healthcare and social service sectors. Understanding structural/regulatory barriers from service providers' perspectives offers a foundation for dialogue and action to mitigate these barriers.