Table of Contents and Abstracts

Objective
Neonatal skeletal articulations for research and display purposes are uncommon due to issues surrounding incomplete bone maturation and reduced structural integrity that affect the bone preparation and articulation procedures. The present project was designed to add to the veterinary literature on neonatal moose (Alces alces) osteological specimens, document the procedures of preparing and articulating a delicate specimen, and construct a 3-dimensional (3D) scan of the articulated skeleton that could be used for scientific and veterinary research and study worldwide.

Animal
A neonatal moose that had succumbed to capture myopathy resulting from entanglement in a barbed wire fence was the sole subject of this project.

Procedure
The neonatal moose carcass was degloved, the bones processed and cleaned, the skeleton articulated, and the articulated skeleton rendered into a 3D model using photogrammetry.

Results
The result was an articulated neonatal moose skeleton. The articulation is on display at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC); the 3D model is available on UNBC’s website.

Conclusion and clinical relevance
This project adds to the literature and makes available tools to study neonatal ungulate (A. alces) allometry, morphometry, osteology, and skeletal articulation. The documented processes and 3D model can be used as references in veterinary and biological research, study, and instruction. In addition, the 3D model is available to download (open source) for future projects from UNBC (www.unbc.ca/roy-rea/moose-calf-articulation).

A 16-year-old castrated male domestic medium-hair cat was referred for examination of multiple cutaneous mast cell tumors displaying epitheliotropism. Staging tests were negative for distant metastasis. Toceranib phosphate therapy was initiated. The cat improved clinically and had a strong partial response. Tumor progression was noted 13 wk later, at which time the cat was treated with lomustine. The cat was euthanized 11 d later. Epitheliotropism is an uncommon finding in mast cell tumors and may be associated with more aggressive behavior.

Key clinical message:
Feline cutaneous mast cell tumors displaying epitheliotropism may follow a more aggressive clinical course. Toceranib should be considered as an initial treatment for these tumors. Further research is needed to determine the prognosis for cats with epitheliotropic mast cell tumors.

A 9-year-old neutered male cairn terrier dog was initially presented because of inappetence, increased respiratory effort, and occasional coughing. A cavitary lung mass was diagnosed using CT and removed with lung lobectomy. Histopathology of the mass revealed necrosuppurative inflammation with acid-fast rod bacteria in macrophages, with Mycobacterium spp. a possible cause. Routine bacterial culture of a lung-lesion swab was negative for growth. The dog improved and did not show any clinical signs for 9 mo after the surgery, at which time a second recheck CT scan and bloodwork revealed diffuse hepatopathy and peritoneal effusion. The dog was hospitalized 3 d after this recheck because of signs of acute abdomen with vomiting, melena, polyuria, and polydipsia. Cytology of liver fine-needle aspirates revealed marked pyogranulomatous inflammation with acid-fast rod bacteria in histiocytes; phylogenetic analysis of hsp65 PCR amplicons from that tissue identified sequences identical to Mycobacterium heckeshornense. No other bacteria were isolated on a routine bacterial culture of a liver swab. Hepatic mycobacteriosis was treated with long-term enrofloxacin, clarithromycin, and doxycycline. The dog improved slowly, and the liver enzymes returned to normal after 4 mo of treatment. This is the first reported case of M. heckeshornense infection in a dog. Diseases caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria such as M. heckeshornense are generally not reportable due to low risk of transmission between and to humans, but the zoonotic potential warrants further research in the future.

Key clinical message:
Dogs without overt immunodeficiency can be at risk of M. heckeshornense infection and can develop life-threatening pathology affecting multiple organs. However, clinical resolution can be achieved even in a severely affected dog. If Mycobacterium is suspected, it is important to consult with diagnostic laboratories to ensure correct samples are obtained and correct analytical procedures are used.

This case report describes metacarpophalangeal (MCP)- and metatarsophalangeal (MTP)-level amputation and reconstruction of all 4 paws of a young female domestic shorthair cat. All 4 paws, the ears, and the distal portion of the tail underwent severe frostbite injury resulting in tissue death. Following MCP and MTP amputation, weight-bearing surface reconstruction was achieved using metacarpal and metatarsal paw-pad advancement flaps. Remaining open wounds on non-weight-bearing surfaces were reconstructed using full-thickness skin grafts. All limbs healed uneventfully, allowing return to weight-bearing function.

Key clinical message:
Good postoperative function can be achieved with the use of metacarpal and metatarsal paw-pad advancement flaps for reconstruction of multiple-limb MCP- and MTP-level amputations.

A 4-year-old neutered female domestic shorthair indoor cat was presented with sudden onset of abnormal and painful tail-carriage. The tail was held horizontally for the first centimeters from the base and a flaccid paralysis was evident more distally. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine and tail revealed a lesion located in the right sacrocaudalis dorsalis lateralis and medialis muscles along the 1st coccygeal vertebrae. The lesion was poorly defined, T2-weighted hyperintense, and T1-weighted isointense compared to surrounding and contralateral muscles and had a strong homogeneous contrast enhancement. The cat began receiving prednisolone and clinical signs progressively improved and disappeared within 2 wk. Clinical presentation and MRI findings were comparable to those previously described in dogs with limber tail syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, limber tail syndrome has not been reported in cats. However, based on this case, we inferred that limber tail syndrome may occur in cats.

Key clinical message:
Limber tail syndrome could be considered among the differential diagnoses in both dogs and cats presented with acute and flaccid tail paralysis. Limber tail syndrome is essentially a clinical diagnosis. An animal with suspected limber tail syndrome should initially be treated conservatively and, if no improvement or further deterioration are observed, MRI could be considered to refine the diagnosis, as it allows identification of tail muscles and can detect lesions affecting these structures.

Canine systemic protothecosis is an uncommon disease caused by Prototheca spp., which are saprophytic algae occurring ubiquitously in nature. Infection occurs most commonly in immunocompromised animals. Most infected dogs have chronic large-bowel diarrhea, ocular lesions, neurologic deficits, or a combination thereof, but various tissues can be affected. This case highlights a unique presentation of protothecosis in a dog, in which lameness resulting from osteomyelitis was the predominant clinical sign.

Key clinical message:
Although osteomyelitis is an atypical manifestation, protothecosis can be a differential diagnosis for an aggressive bony lesion and is particularly worthy of consideration in immunocompromised dogs.

A 6-year-old Labrador retriever dog with a history of pneumonia was presented because of an acute onset of dull mentation and coughing. Diagnostic imaging and cytology revealed a pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pleural effusion, consistent with pyothorax. The dog underwent exploratory sternotomy for lung lobectomy of the right cranial and middle lung lobes. Persistent pneumothorax and pleural effusion were present after surgery, and the sternotomy site dehisced 6 d postoperatively. A second CT scan revealed persistent consolidation of the left cranial lung lobe and continued pneumothorax and pleural effusion. A left cranial lung lobectomy was done on the 8th day following initial surgery. An incisional infection was determined to be associated with multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli infection. Due to persistent pleural and incisional drainage, a third exploratory sternotomy was required, which revealed dehiscence of the surgical site and an unstable sternal repair with fractured sternebrae. The sternotomy site was left partially closed and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was applied. No complications with NPWT were encountered, and the incision healed appropriately.

Key clinical message:
This is the first documented description of the use of NPWT in a dog to successfully manage a partially closed sternotomy and resolve a multidrug-resistant infection of the sternotomy site.

The FreeStyle Libre (Abbott) is a human continuous glucose monitor sensor that has been used to monitor glucose concentrations in dogs and cats with diabetes. This sensor and other similar continuous glucose monitoring sensors are increasingly popular in veterinary medicine, specifically for management of diabetes mellitus. The sensor decreases veterinary visits and reduces the stress (and expense) of multiple blood sample collections needed to produce glucose curves. However, there are no established guidelines for sensor placement in small animals and, to date, no substantial complications have been reported. A 15-year-old neutered male cairn terrier dog with a history of diabetes and suspected inflammatory bowel disease with progressive weight loss was presented with acute dyspnea < 24 h after placement of a FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor. He was diagnosed with a continuous pneumothorax suspected secondary to a FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor placement. Multiple thoracocenteses were completed but further treatment was declined, and the dog was euthanized.

Key clinical message:
This case highlights the importance of sensor placement selection, especially in small animals, and documents the first reported pneumothorax suspected to be secondary to a continuous glucose monitor placement. This specific complication has apparently not been documented previously.

Background
Limited reports exist on the antemortem presumptive diagnosis and treatment of feline neurocuterebriasis. A 3-day treatment protocol reported for 3 cats had no adverse effects. This protocol comprised ivermectin (0.4 mg/kg), diphenhydramine (4 mg/kg), and dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg) given q24h.

Objective
To describe the treatment outcomes for cats that received the 3-day ivermectin protocol and antemortem diagnostic methods used before.

Animals and procedure
Medical records from a single veterinary referral centre were searched to identify cats treated with the 3-day protocol. Variables extracted included signalment, season, history, neurological examination findings, and advanced diagnostic tests, as well as outcomes based on follow-up.

Results
Thirteen cats were diagnosed based on advanced imaging. Ten of 13 also underwent cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Other diagnostic factors included season (July through September), signalment (young to middle-aged), lifestyle (outdoor access), history (7/13 cats showed upper respiratory signs preceding neurological deficits), and clinical signs (central neurological deficits). After being treated with the 3-day ivermectin protocol, 10/13 cats improved. Three cats were euthanized after showing worsening clinical signs.

Conclusion and clinical relevance
Outcomes using the 3-day ivermectin protocol appeared favorable. This provided insight about a treatment option for a periodic cause of feline encephalomyelopathy that has potential for deployment in first-opinion practice.

Objective
To determine the prevalence of fecal microorganisms and parasites in a population of sheltered cats, and to identify specific animal factors associated with infection.

Animals
A total of 79 sheltered cats and kittens in Guelph, Ontario.

Procedure
A fecal sample was collected from each animal upon shelter entry. A second sample was collected following deworming treatment. Microorganism and parasite prevalence was assessed by PCR assays. A linear mixed model was used to determine the relationships between animal factors (intake source, age, sex, body condition score, time between deworming and sample collection, and fecal consistency) and fecal microorganisms and parasites, as well as to compare samples taken before and after deworming.

Results
Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin gene and feline coronavirus (FCoV) DNA were the most common abnormalities identified. Giardia spp., C. perfringens enterotoxin, and Campylobacter jejuni were rare. Clostridium perfringens prevalence was negatively associated with increasing age (P = 0.04) and FCoV prevalence was positively associated with softer stool (P = 0.02). Hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms were uncommon, and prevalence was not affected by any animal factor. Parasite prevalence decreased after deworming (P = 0.04).

Conclusion and clinical relevance
There do not appear to be durable relationships between C. perfringens and FCoV prevalence and animal factors in cats. A larger population of cats is required to identify potential relationships between microorganism and parasite prevalence and animal-specific demographic factors.

Objective
The objective was to assess whether cholesterol concentration at admission was associated with outcome and disease severity in dogs with sepsis, and to determine whether there was a significant difference in cholesterol between dogs with gram-positive versus gram-negative sepsis.

Animals and procedure
Electronic medical records of dogs diagnosed with sepsis at a tertiary teaching hospital from 2012 to 2022 were evaluated. A total of 299 dogs were included. Data obtained included signalment, comorbidities, cholesterol concentration, culture results, duration of hospitalization, cost of hospitalization, and outcome. An acute patient physiological and laboratory evaluation fast score (APPLE_fast) was calculated for every included dog.

Results
In septic dogs, there was no significant difference in cholesterol concentration between survivors and non-survivors. Cholesterol concentration was not significantly associated with disease severity in dogs with sepsis and there was no significant difference in cholesterol concentration between dogs with gram-positive versus gram-negative sepsis. However, a higher cholesterol concentration was associated with longer duration of hospitalization in surviving dogs.

Conclusion and clinical relevance
There were no significant correlations between cholesterol concentration and outcome, disease severity, or bacterial type in dogs with sepsis. Therefore, cholesterol does not appear to be a reliable biomarker of sepsis in dogs. Further research is warranted to understand the role of lipids in response to sepsis in dogs.

Background
As numbers of dogs entering Canada from abroad are increasing, it is essential to understand the scope, challenges, and risks associated with canine importation. Canadian veterinarians’ collective experience with and clinical knowledge of imported dogs can provide valuable insights into this practice.

Objective
To describe Canadian veterinarians’ experiences with, and perspectives of, imported dogs in clinical practice.

Procedure
An anonymous, online survey was circulated to Canadian veterinarians, via national and provincial veterinary associations, from April to June 2021. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariable logistic regression, and content analysis.

Results
A total of 524 responses were included. Veterinarians reported imported dogs mainly originating from the United States (89%) and imported via rescue organizations (92%). Few reported imported dogs arriving with core vaccines or parasiticides administered. Despite infectious disease concerns, only 14% routinely implemented enhanced infection-control practices with imported dogs in clinics. Resources outlining country-specific disease risks, foreign disease screening, and client education were deemed highly valuable for supporting clinical practice.

Conclusion and clinical relevance
Canadian veterinarians’ experiences reinforced gaps in the healthcare of imported dogs, highlighted inconsistencies in clinical management of these dogs, and identified areas in which educational resources could improve animal health and the practice of importing dogs.