Effects of nutrient-enriched water on fluid intake and hydration in cats

Brian Zanghi and others, Nestle Purina Research, St Louis, Missouri

Although cats that are fed dried food will take in less water per calorie than those given wet food, they will generally consume enough water from other sources to meet their daily requirements. However, cats with lower urinary tract disease may benefit from increasing their total water intake and urinary output. The authors evaluated the effects of drinking nutrient-enriched water (containing amino acids, glycerol and electrolytes) on water intake and hydration indices in cats fed a dry kibble diet. There was a significant increase in total liquid consumption in cats fed the nutrient-enriched water compared with control cats receiving tap water. Mean urine output was also significantly higher in the treatment group and their urine had lower urine specific gravity osmality and urine creatinine, phosphate and urea nitrogen concentrations. So nutrient-enriched water can improve measures of hydration in healthy cats and may offer benefits to some cats that may need to have a higher daily intake of water.

American Journal ofVeterinary Research 79(7), 733-744

Factors contributing to elevated noise levels in veterinary operating rooms

Josephine Dornbusch and others, University of Missouri, Columbia

Studies in operating theatres at human hospitals have identified situations in which the 55 decibel level recommended by the World Health Organization as the upper limit for noise levels in the workplace may be exceeded. The authors carried out the first published study of the auditory environment in a small animal veterinary hospital. They found that the mean, median and maximum decibel levels in a university hospital were 71.7, 69.4 and 90.3 dB, respectively Neurological surgeries and background music were associated with increased levels. They state that noise levels that exceed WHO recommended levels warrant further investigations to assess the effects on both surgical patients and clinical staff.

Veterinary Surgery 47(5), 678–682

Oral and dental abnormalities in brachycephalic cat breeds

Lisa Mestrinho and others, University of Lisbon, Portugal

As with dogs, brachycephalic cat breeds have gained in popularity among pet owners over the past few years. There appears to have only been one previous study looking at the incidence of dental disease in brachycephalic cat breeds that have similar anatomical changes to those associated with dental problems in dogs. The authors examined 50 purebred Persian and exotic cats. Malocclusions were identified in 36 (72 per cent) of the cases, numerical abnormalities (hypo- and hyperdontia) in 38 and periodontal disease in 44. Knowledge of the particular dental abnormalities common in brachycephalic cats may aid in the early detection and mitigation of dental disease in these animals.

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 253(1), 66-72

Effect of a hydrocolloid dressing on wound healing in cats

Vassiliki Tsioli and others, University of Thessaly, Greece

Hydrocolloid dressings consist of an adhesive, absorbent layer and an elastomeric layer which interacts with wound fluid to form a protective gel. The efficacy of these dressings in promoting wound repair have been evaluated in various domestic species but not previously in cats. The authors describe the results of treating experimental wounds on each side of the dorsal midline of cats with a hydrocolloid dressing and a conventional semi-occlusive pad. They found no significant differences in the subjective clinical examination of the wound area between the two sides but the hydrocolloid dressing does eliminate the need for daily bandage changes.

Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 54(3), 125-131

Value of a coaching workshop for managing stress associated with VN exams

Karen Dunne and others, Dundalk Institute ofTechnology, Ireland

Academic examinations are recognised as a significant cause of stress for those about to enter the veterinary professions. Investigations into the effects of this stress, and the methods employed to alleviate it, have largely concentrated on the experiences of veterinary students. The authors analysed the personality traits of 23 students studying for veterinary nursing degrees. The results showed no link between levels of anxiety and those with high neurotic personality traits in a standard test. Coaching was shown to be helpful in equipping students to manage their anxiety during the exam period.

Irish Veterinary Journal 71:15 (Open Access)

Influence of the protein composition of canned food on urine composition in cats

Nadine Passlack and others, Free University of Berlin, Germany

Previous studies have produced contradictory findings on the effects of high dietary protein levels or low protein quality on the formation of calcium oxalate uroliths in cats. The authors fed cats six canned food diets of varying composition for six weeks and measured the impact on magnesium ammonium phosphate levels and other urine components. Their results provide no evidence to suggest that a high protein concentration diet was a specific risk factor for calcium oxalate stone formation in these cats. High urine volume was observed in cats fed the higher protein diet which may counter any negative effects on renal calcium, oxalate and citrate excretion.

BMC Veterinary Research 14:225 (Open Access)

Caregiver burden in clients of general veterinary practice

Mary Beth Spitznagel and others, Kent State University Ohio

Caregiver burden is a phenomenon found in many clients with chronically or terminally ill companion animals. It is associated with poorer psychosocial function in the client and greater utilisation of non-billable veterinary services. The authors analysed the responses of 119 clients in the first and 602 clients in the second phase of the study Symptoms in affected clients may include depression/anxiety personality changes and excessive sleeping/lethargy They emphasise the importance for clinical staff of understanding these effects and suggest that supporting the client's sense of control may help alleviate this burden when efforts to ameliorate the patient's condition may not be feasible.

The Veterinary Journal 236(1), 23-30

Preliminary assessment of a 14-day electrocardiographic adhesive patch monitor

Jonathan Lichtenberger and others, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada

Cardiac arrhythmias in veterinary patients are often transient and may not be detected using conventional electrocardiographic techniques. An adhesive patch monitor has been developed which uses a single lightweight lead and provides up to 14 days of continuous ambulatory ECG recordings. The device was tested in four boxer dogs. One dog removed the device after two days but in the other dogs, the trace was analysable for more than 93% of the total wear time. The recordings were unambiguous in resting dogs but walking, running and playing did cause some motion artefacts which could affect interpretation.

Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 54(3), 138-143

Efficacy and dermal tolerance of a novel alcohol-based skin antiseptic in hors
es

Victoria Tannahill and others, University of Bristol

Aseptic preparation of the skin of surgical patients is an essential step in preventing postoperative infections. Alcohol-based products have been used widely to eliminate bacteria on the surgeon's hands but have not been widely used on their patients. The authors investigate the efficacy of an alcohol-based skin antiseptic containing propan-2-ol and benzalkonium chloride. The results of using this product in 25 healthy horses compared favourably with standard chlorhexidine gluconate preparations. The new product offers an efficacious, fast-acting and well-tolerated option when preparing the skin for equine surgery

Veterinary Surgery 47(4), 572-577

Use of a commercial dietetic food product in dogs with osteoarthritis

Undine Christmann and others, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg

Weight management of obese dogs is an important element in the multimodal treatment of canine osteoarthritis. The authors report a study of 38 overweight/obese client-owned dogs which were maintained for six months on a new dietetic food product (Metabolic + Mobility Canine: Hills). The study confirmed the effectiveness of the diet in achieving weight loss and improving clinical signs of osteoarthritis. Both owners and veterinarians reported significant improvements in OA-related parameters with no evidence of any negative side-effects.

International Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine 16(1), 81-93

Early detection of postoperative complications after cruciate ligament surgery

Karin Lofqvist and others, AniCura Animal Hospital, Hassleholm, Sweden

Surgical site infection is a common complication following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy, a procedure widely used for the treatment of cranial cruciate rupture in dogs. The authors investigated the use of two systemic inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA), as early indicators of infection. They found that both markers were significantly elevated at six days post-surgery in those patients that developed complications. They suggest threshholds of 43.9 mg/L for CRP and 63.8 mg/L for SAA as reliable indicators of postoperative infections.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 60:30 (Open Access)

Role of private practitioners in reducing the numbers of homeless cats and dogs

Sam Phillips and others, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California

It is estimated that 80% of the 1.5 million cats and dogs euthanased each year in US animal welfare shelters are healthy potentially adoptable animals. In a comment piece, the authors outline the various ways that private veterinary practitioners in the US and other countries could help to reduce that toll. They point out that veterinary staff have the knowledge and skills that can make a substantial difference to the numbers of healthy animals being euthanased locally They suggest that a useful initial step would be to identify and discuss priorities for action with the managers of animal shelters in the neighbourhood.

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 253(4), 404-408

Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 33 • October 2018