Verifying the position of feeding tubes in neonate feline and canine patients

Etienne Furthner and others, University of Zurich, Switzerland

Tube feeding is commonly used in caring for weak or orphaned neonates and in cases where maternal lactation is inadequate. However; complications involving regurgitation of fluid into the lungs or perforation of the neonatal oesophagus will often occur. Current recommendations on tube placement were developed from studies in adult patients. So the authors used ultrasonography to assess the appropriate length and positioning of the tube, and to identify predictive anatomical markers in neonates up to one day old. They note that the volume of the stomach in puppies and kittens at this age is less than 2 mL per 100 g. Based on these observations. they developed a weight-based equation to help predict the appropriate positioning needed in individual patients. Further studies are needed to test whether the same linear correlation between tube position and weight occurs in older animals.

BMC Veterinary Research https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-021-02909-7

Associations between surgical start time and adverse events in cats and dogs

Marina McConkey and others, University of Florida, Gainesville

The ‘weekend effect' is a term used in human medicine to describe poorer patient outcomes when they receive out-of-hours care.This concept does not appear to have been explored previously in veterinary medicine. The authors examined the records from 474 dogs and 66 cats that underwent emergency surgery out-of-hours. They report that after-hours emergency surgery in dogs was not associated with an increased risk of morbidity or mortality Curiously feline patients having emergency surgery during normal day-time hours appeared to be at a higher risk of morbidity

Journal ofVeterinary Emergency and Critical Care https://doi.org/10.1111/vec.13066

Serum electrolytes in dogs and cats with acute heart failure

Marine Roche-Catholy and others, Ghent University, Belgium

Hypochloraemia is a strongly negative prognostic indicator in humans with congestive heart failure. While there is evidence of a link between chloride concentrations and chronic heart disease in dogs, there is little information on any association in acute disease. The authors examined serum samples from 46 dogs with early-stage acute cardiac disease. The most common electrolyte anomaly in these patients was hypochloraemia. This may therefore serve as a marker of disease severity and therapeutic response in dogs with acute heart failure.

Journal ofVeterinary Internal Medicine https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16187

Postoperative complications in bitches following mastectomy procedures

Philip Spare and others, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala

Mastectomy is the commonest treatment for bitches with mammary tumours but there is little data on the incidence of surgical site infections and other complications in these cases. The authors examined records from l35 dogs to identify potential risk factors. They found that 8.9% of bitches developed a surgical site infection, fewer than has previously been reported. Infections were more common in cases where two or more glands were excised. No dogs in the study received perioperative antimicrobials, so it appears that prophylaxis is unnecessary for single gland mastectomies in healthy dogs.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica https://doi.org/10.1186/s13028-021-00600-3

Radiation safety practices of equine vet techs using portable X-ray equipment

Alexandra Belotta and others, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

Developments in digital radiology have encouraged greater use of portable X-ray equipment in ambulatory equine practices in recent years. Recommendations on the use of these devices by equine vet-erinary technicians (i.e. VNs) in the United States have been issued by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. The authors questioned 221 vet techs on their compliance with these rules. They found that the use of safety equipment, such as lead aprons, thyroid shields and lead eye-glasses was ‘sub-optimal'. They highlight a need for further safety training for equine practice staff.

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 259(8), 9l9-9l6

Predatory play in cats kept permanently indoors

Muhzina Shajid Pyari and others, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary

Predation of birds and rodents in areas with a large pet cat population is said to have a significant impact on local ecosystems. Hence a better understanding of hunting behaviour in cats receiving regular meals might provide environmental benefits. The authors investigated predatory play behaviour in cats housed permanently indoors. They found that indoor- only cats were more interested in play predation with toys or other stimuli than those allowed to roam outdoors. They identify various theories that may explain these findings.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105373

Teaching veterinary students decision-making skills for end-of-life care

Kat Littlewood and others, Massey University Palmerston North, New Zealand

Managing the period leading up to a patient's death is one of the most important skills that a young veterinarian will need to learn. The authors investigated the teaching methods used for undergraduates at eight Australasian veterinary schools. Most institutions used a variety of methods to teach their students about the decisions that must be made in the run up to a euthanasia procedure. But two schools relied on the presentation of clinical cases for this training and so some students may not have sufficient opportunities to learn about, or assist in, euthanasia decisions.

Australian Veterinary Journal https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13077

Growth curves and energy intake in male and female cats

Monica Merenda and others, State University of Maringa, Brazil

Analysis of the growth of animals over time is important in determining their nutritional requirements at different phases of their lives. The authors compared the growth curves of male and female cats. In a prospective study the nutritional intake of l8 cats was monitored and their weight recorded before and after being neutered.Their results suggest that male cats require a higher metabolisable energy intake to maintain body weight than females. The latter also reach adult weight earlier than males and both sexes require less energy to maintain condition after neutering.

Topics in Companion Animal Medicine http://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcam.2021.100518

Clinical features in six cases of patellar luxation in rabbits

David Guillier and others, National Veteri
nary School, Maisons-Alfort, France

Patellar luxation is a common cause of intermittent lameness in dogs. It is reported less frequently in cats and the incidence in rabbits is unknown. The authors examined the records for l ,249 rabbits seen a university exotic animal clinic. Six cases of patellar luxation were reported, each presenting with acute onset hindlimb lameness. In all six cases the aetiology appeared to be trauma rather than a congenital defect. Three cases were managed conservatively and three underwent surgery. In five cases the rabbits made a full recovery but one treated conservatively developed recurrent lameness.

Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jepm.2020.ll.001

Free-living amoebae in domestic cats with naturally- acquired keratitis

Eric Ledbetter and others, Cornell University Ithaca, New York

Ulcerative and non-ulcerative keratitis is a common finding in cats and will often be attributed to a feline herpesvirus infection, even when tests for the virus are negative. There is emerging evidence that free-living amoeba can cause infectious keratitis in cats. The authors took corneal scrapings from 60 healthy cats and 60 with keratitis. Their findings confirm an association between keratitis signs and the presence in some cats of Acanthamoeba species. In some other cats Naegleria-like amoebae were isolated but it is not clear whether this organism was a cause of pathological signs.

The Veterinary Journal https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.202l.l057l2

Risk factors for becoming overweight in dogs receiving veterinary care

Camilla Pegram and others, Royal Veterinary College

Obesity is the common nutritional disorder in dogs in the UK and may lead to severe welfare consequences. The authors reviewed the records of more than 22,000 dogs to assess the prevalence and identify risk factors for an overweight status. Eight pedigree breeds were found to have an increased risk of becoming overweight compared with crossbreeds, with the highest incidence in Pugs, Beagles, Golden Retrievers and English Springer Spaniels. Being neutered, middle aged and insured were also associated with being overweight. They suggest that targeted obesity prevention strategies should be considered for the breeds most at risk.

Journal of Small Animal Practice https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13325

Causes and treatment of alopecia in guinea pigs

Renzo Venturo, Scientific University of the South, Lima, Peru

Dermatological conditions are the most frequently diagnosed diseases in guinea pigs with alopecia a particularly common finding. There are many possible underlying causes for this sign and so a thorough work up will therefore be advisable. The author examines the different aetiologies that may produce alopecia in this species, notably vitamin C deficiency, dermatophytosis, acariasis, pediculosis and ovarian cysts. He also provides advice on the diagnostic tests and treatment methods appropriate for each presentation.

Canadian Veterinary Journal 62(l), 77-80

Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 36 • December 2021