key: cord-0014331-nq89sohv
authors: nan
title: RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS OF THE 30th ECVIM‐CA ONLINE CONGRESS: 2‐5 September 2020
date: 2020-10-17
journal: J Vet Intern Med
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15924
sha: c685212bd78027bb862b008224144551fb2da671
doc_id: 14331
cord_uid: nq89sohv

nan

ISCAID-P-4 Yu, Jane Pharmacokinetic profile of oral dosing of mefloquine to cats, as a potential treatment for FIP ISCAID-P-5 Baxarias, Marta Serological and molecular study of Borrelia infection in dogs from different areas in Spain ISCAID-P-6 Lizer, Josh A new in-clinic titer test detects antibodies to canine distemper, adenovirus type-2, and parvovirus in 10 minutes with high accuracy ISCAID-P-7 Brunet, Audrey Detection of pathogens implicated in feline upper respiratory infections in cats without respiratory signs hospitalized in a veterinary teaching hospital ISCAID-P-8 Silvestrini, Paolo Negative or low levels of antibodies in dogs with overt clinical disease associated with leishmaniasis; 12 cases ISCAID-P-9 Spitmann, Natascha Development and validation of a species-independent whole proteome tick-borne encephalitis virus antibody detection assay ISCAID-P-10 Monteiro, Marta Therapeutic approach to glomerulonephritis secondary to canine leishmaniosis in Portugal: a questionnaire-based survey pancreatic area, and patient age >6 years were also significantly associated with US positivity. DGGR-lipase and Spec cPL were significantly higher when rounded contours, an enlarged pancreas, hyperechoic mesentery, and peritoneal effusion were present. Only DGGR-lipase was significantly higher when a hypoechoic pancreas, and significantly lower when a normal pancreatic echogenicity was present.

Our findings might be useful when designing future studies assessing diagnostic performances of lipase assays in the absence of a gold standard.

No disclosures to report.

Hepatobiliary disorders and elevated blood urea nitrogen during the treatment are possible prognostic factors for feline pancreatitis K. Kusano 1 , K. Hayashi 1 , S. Ohashi 1 , S. Suzuki 1 , M. Okamura 1 , K. Shirai 1 , T. Kariya 1 1Kariya animal hospital group, Tokyo, Japan

Feline pancreatitis (FP) has been increasingly diagnosed using the feline pancreas-specific lipase (Spec-fPL) test in recent years. There are several reports on the prognostic factors for FP; however, the information on the utility of those factors or the association of the prognostic factors with other diseases is limited. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic impact of the laboratory findings in FP.

The medical records of patients with FP between September 2014

and July 2019 were reviewed. Seventy-eight patients hospitalized with FP were included in this study. The diagnostic criteria for FP included clinical signs, Spec-fPL results (>3.5 μg/L), and ultrasonographic findings. The presence of other gastrointestinal disorders or neoplastic diseases was ruled out via ultrasonography. Fisher's exact test was performed to determine the correlation between the mortality and the clinical signs, the findings of the physical examination, laboratory examination, or imaging. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

All patients underwent treatment; 68 patients eventually survived, while 10 died. Significant correlations were found between mortality and the following variables: hypothermia (P = 0.04), icterus (P = 0.025), or hyperechogenicity and enlargement of the liver (P = 0.004) at the first visit; increase in the value of alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.007), γ-glutamyltransferase (P = 0.015), or total bilirubin (P = 0.006) 3-5 days after the treatment; and elevated white blood cell (P = 0.006), total bilirubin (P = 0.03), or blood urea nitrogen (P = 0.03) during the treatment. There were no significant differences in the findings of blood examination between survivors and nonsurvivors at the first visit.

These results suggest that the increase in the value of hepatic enzymes during treatment is a possible prognostic factor and hepatobiliary disorders such as extrahepatic biliary obstruction, cholangiohepatitis, or hepatic lipidosis have an influence on the prognosis of FP. However, it is difficult to predict the prognosis of FP by blood examination at the first visit. Therefore, it is important to detect hepatobiliary disorders via ultrasonography and monitor hemodynamics and inflammation by continuous blood examination to predict the prognosis of FP.

No disclosures to report.

The effect of assisted enteral feeding on treatment outcome in dogs with inflammatory protein-losing enteropathy L. Economu 1 , A. Kathrani 1 1 The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, UK

Assisted enteral feeding can help improve perioperative outcome in humans with inflammatory bowel disease. The effects of assisted enteral feeding on treatment outcome have not been previously investigated in dogs with inflammatory protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) . Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if dogs with inflammatory PLE that had an enteral feeding tube placed had a better outcome to treatment compared to dogs with inflammatory PLE that did not have an enteral feeding tube placed.

A retrospective study design at a UK referral teaching hospital included 20 dogs with inflammatory PLE that had enteral feeding tube placement within 5 days of gastrointestinal biopsy. The comparison group consisted of 37 dogs with inflammatory PLE that did not have an enteral feeding tube placed. The minimum follow-up time required after date of diagnosis was 4 months. Positive outcome was defined as survival time greater than 4 months or death unrelated to PLE.

Negative outcome was defined as death related to PLE less than 4 months after diagnosis.

Dogs in the enteral feeding tube group had a significantly higher canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI) compared to dogs in the non-enteral feeding tube group (P < 0.001, median (range): enteral feeding tube group = 14 (7-19); non-enteral feeding tube group = 7 (4-13)) and significantly lower appetite scores (P < 0.001, enteral feeding tube group = 5 hyporexic, 14 anorexic, 1 unknown; non-enteral feeding tube group = 19 unchanged, 10 hyporexic, 7 anorexic, 1 unknown) at diagnosis. In the enteral feeding tube group, 75% (15/20) had a positive outcome compared to 46% (17/37) in the non-enteral feeding tube group. Assisted enteral feeding was associated with increased odds of a positive outcome in dogs with inflammatory PLE (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.0-10.5), with a trend towards significance (P = 0.054).

Despite statistical significance not being reached with treatment outcome between the two groups, a greater proportion of dogs in the enteral feeding tube group had a positive outcome compared to dogs in the non-enteral feeding tube group, despite the former group having a significantly higher CCECAI at diagnosis. Therefore, this study suggests assisted enteral support in dogs with inflammatory PLE could be associated with improved clinical outcome and hence should be actively addressed in these cases. However, larger studies that account for confounding variables such as disease severity and appetite are needed to definitively quantify the impact of assisted enteral feeding on treatment response and outcome in dogs with inflammatory PLE.

No disclosures to report.

Short-term feeding with high-fat diet induces dysbiosis-associated changes of fecal metabolites consistent with changes in serum metabolomics in dogs Fecal samples were collected before (33% fat) and after (47% fat)

HFD feeding for 2 weeks in 8 healthy adult Beagle dogs. Untargeted metabolomics analysis was performed by the West Coast Metabolomics Center at the University of California. Analytes were separated using an Agilent 6890 gas chromatograph and mass spectrometry was performed on a Leco Pegasus IV time of flight mass spectrometer. Differences in the abundance of serum metabolites between study groups were evaluated using a Mann-Whitney test in Prism 5. For multivariate analysis, data were normalized to the sum of the total spectral integral, log transformed, mean centered, and divided by the standard deviation of each variable prior to multivariate analysis. PCA was performed and a Random Forest Analysis was generated using MetaboAnalyst 4.0.

A total of 684 metabolites were detected. Of those, 188 were identified metabolites, while 496 lacked full structural identification.

Twenty-five metabolites differed significantly between pre-and post-HFD treatment. Of these, 9 were identified metabolites, namely zymosterol, gamma-tocopherol, tocopherol-acetate, levoglucosan, glycerol, dihydrocholesterol, D-erythrosphingosin, beta-sitosterol, and cholesterol. The Random Forest analysis identified the compounds with the highest degree of separation between groups to be cholesterol, zymosterol, dihydrocholesterol, beta-sitosterol and gamma-tocopherol.

Pathway analysis revealed that 85 and 46 of differential metabolites were implicated in the steroid and the primary bile acid biosynthesis pathways, respectively. These results concur with our previous findings of reduced lipid metabolites in the serum after HFD in dogs.

This is the first report correlating fecal and serum metabolome in dogs after HFD. Our data show clear effects of HFD-induced fecal metabolome changes in the cholesterol and primary bile acid biosynthesis pathways, leading to related lipid metabolism changes in the serum.

No disclosures to report.

Histopathological concordance of concurrent duodenal and ileal biopsy specimens in dogs both sites in full-thickness biopsy specimens with those of endoscopic biopsy specimens. Therefore, our objective was to compare histopathological concordance in concurrent duodenal and ileal biopsies collected via endoscopy or surgical biopsy in all dogs undergoing this procedure.

A second aim was to determine if signalment, clinicopathological variables and ultrasound abnormalities helped to distinguish concordant from discordant samples at these two sites.

The electronic medical record database was searched for all canine cases that had both sites biopsied. One hundred and forty-one dogs were included, 128 underwent concurrent endoscopic biopsy of the duodenum and ileum and 13 underwent concurrent surgical biopsy of both sites. The histopathological concordance of inflammatory cell type (intraepithelial lymphocytes, lamina propria lymphocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils and neutrophils), neoplasia and severity (mild, moderate, severe) between the duodenum and ileum was assessed for each case. A board-certified veterinary pathologist reviewed all suitable cases. Comparison of signalment, clinicopathological variables and ultrasound abnormalities between concordant and discordant cases was performed using logistic regression.

Our results showed that 5 out of 13 (38%) full-thickness biopsy specimens were fully concordant in both cell type and severity compared to 62 out of 128 (48%) endoscopic biopsy specimens. Full discordance for both cell type and severity was demonstrated in 2 out of 13 (15%) fullthickness biopsy specimens and in 26 out of 128 (20%) endoscopic biopsy specimens. Four out of 13 (31%) full-thickness biopsy specimens demonstrated discordance in severity alone, whereas 2 out of 13 (15%) had discordant cell type alone. Nineteen of the 128 (15%) endoscopic biopsy specimens were discordant in severity alone, whereas 21 out of 128 (16%) cases were discordant in cell type alone; including 3 neoplasia cases solely in the duodenum (1 adenocarcinoma and 2 lymphoma) and 1 lymphoma case solely within the ileum. There were no significant signalment, clinicopathological variables or ultrasound abnormalities that distinguished concordant from discordant samples.

In conclusion, concordance was comparable for full-thickness and endoscopic biopsy specimens at both sites. However, the frequency of discordance seen in both full and endoscopic biopsy specimens necessitates sampling of both sites.

Dr Aarti Kathrani has received or is receiving funding for studies from PetPlan Charitable Trust, PetSavers, American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition and Waltham and Purina. Professor Simon Priestnall works as a consultant histopathologist for the Texas A&M University GI Lab.

Dr Sarah Caulfield has no disclosures to report.

Comparison of interpretation of fecal culture results between three different laboratories as well as the PCR-based Dysbiosis Index in dogs Fecal cultures were performed in 36 dogs (18 healthy and 18 with chronic diarrhea) and results interpreted to reflect either normobiosis or dysbiosis. Total bacteria and 7 bacterial groups (Faecalibacterium, Fusobacterium, Turicibacter, E. coli, Streptococcus, Blautia, C. hiranonis) were analyzed by qPCR to calculate the fecal DI. The agreement in interpretation of dysbiosis between the 3 laboratories as well as between the two different methods (i.e., fecal culture versus DI) was determined using the Cohen's Kappa test.

DI differed significantly between dogs with chronic diarrhea and healthy dogs (P = 0.0002), whereas fecal cultures did not show any significant difference between both groups. ĸ-values revealed no or only slight agreement between A/B (ĸ = 0.15), B/C (ĸ = -0.06), or A/C (ĸ = 0.07). Moreover, all three laboratories showed no agreement with the Dysbiosis Index (DI/A: ĸ = −0.21; DI/B: ĸ = −0.33; DI/C: ĸ = −0.25).

The inter-laboratory variation of bacteriological fecal culture results in this study population was high Also, the diagnostic value of fecal cultures to assess intestinal dysbiosis is low.

No disclosures to report.

Canine acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome: A retrospective evaluation of data for the identification of possible prognostic markers L. Nelkel 1 , I. Schwendenwein 2 , A. Tichy 3 , I. A. Burgener 1 , N. Luckschander-Zeller 1 1 Department for Companion Animals and Horses, Small Animal Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria; 2 Department for Pathobiology, Central Laboratory, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria; 3 Department for Biomedical Sciences, Biostatistics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) describes a syndrome of bloody, sometimes life-threatening diarrhea. However, there is currently no marker to distinguish uncomplicated from severe cases. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective study was the identification of prognostic factors from signalement, history, clinical symptoms (AHDS-score), laboratory results and therapeutic regime in order to predict the disease-course. 191 AHDS-cases from 2017 to 2018 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Inclusion criteria consisted of an acute onset of bloody diarrhea, no previous treatment and no other diagnosed condition causing bloody diarrhea. For statistical analysis, the SPSS statistic program was used. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The incidence of AHDS was higher during winter and springtime.

Middle aged and small dogs were overrepresented. Significantly longer hospitalization was observed in patients with decreased body temperature (P < 0,001), higher AHDS-score (P = 0,042), increased hematocrit (P < 0,001), reduced leukocyte concentration (P = 0,009) and toxic neutrophils (P < 0,001) at presentation. Older animals (P = 0,005), lower body temperature (P = 0,015), higher hematocrit (P = 0,001), lower leukocytes (P = 0,031) and a higher AHDS-score (P = 0,007) triggered antibiotic treatment. A plasma transfusion was more likely required in patients with lower bodyweight (P = 0,010), lower body temperature (P < 0,001), and haemoconcentration (P < 0,001).

Older age and higher AHDS score at time of presentation predicted antibiotic use. Hypothermia, haemoconcentration and leukopenia are associated with more severe courses of AHDS and might serve as useful negative prognostic markers.

No disclosures to report. and E-wave transmitral peak velocity (E-vel) . Specific echocardiographic cut-offs were defined based on previous prognostic studies on MMVD, and severity scores were assigned as follows: mild (score: 4-5), moderate (score: 6-7), severe (score: 8-12), end-stage (score: [13] [14] . Clinical usefulness of this score was tested by evaluating the association with survival. Long-term outcome was assessed by telephone interviews with the owners. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves, logrank tests and Cox's proportional hazards. The ROC curve analysis and the Youden index were used to define the best cutoff score to predict cardiac mortality.

A total of 647 dogs with MMVD were included, 296 in ACVIM stage B1, 189 in ACVIM stage B2 and 162 in ACVIM stage C-D. Of these, 181 died for cardiac-related causes and 104 died for no cardiacrelated causes. Median survival time was significantly different (P < 0.05) between all the proposed severity classes: mild [2344 days, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1877-2810 days], moderate (1852 days, 95%CI 1145-2559 days), severe (710 days, 95%CI 597-819 days) and end-stage (171 days, 95%CI 107-235 days). A total score > 8 was predictive of cardiac death (AUC = 0.83, 95%CI 0.79-0.87; P < 0.0001; sensitivity 70% and specificity 82%). According to multivariable analysis, the independent predictors of cardiac mortality were LA/Ao [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.22; 95%CI 1.45-3.38; P = 0.0002], LVIDDn (HR 2.56; ; P = 0.0005), FS% (HR = 1.02; 95%CI 1.01-1.04; P = 0.0008) and E-vel (HR = 4.39; 95%CI 2.52-7.64; P < 0.0001).

In conclusion the MINE score, proposed as an echocardiographic severity classification of MMVD, has proven to be clinically effective since it is associated with survival. This classification provides prognostic information and could be useful for an objective echocardiographic assessment of MMVD.

No disclosures to report.

The longitudinal outcome of canine myxomatous mitral valve disease (LOOK-Mitral) study: Baseline characteristics 

The prognostic value of clinical, radiographic, echocardiographic variables and biomarkers levels for assessing risk of the onset of heart failure or cardiac death in dogs with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease: The DELAY Study M. Borgarelli 1 , The Delay Study Investigators 2 1 Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, USA; 2 DELAY study investigators, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, USA Introduction: The pre-clinical phase of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) includes a heterogeneous group of dogs and the identification of dogs at higher risk of developing heart failure (HF) or cardiac death is of clinical relevance. Objectives: to identify the prognostic value of clinical, radiographic and echocardiographic variables, as well as cardiac biomarkers N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponin I in dogs with preclinical MMVD.

Animals: 168 dogs with pre-clinical MMVD and left atrium to aortic root ratio (LA:Ao) >1.6 and normalized left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDDn) >1.7. Methods: Prospective, randomized, multicenter, single-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Clinical parameters radiographic and echocardiographic variables and cardiac biomarkers levels were compared at different time points. Using receiving operating curves analysis, best cut off for selected variables were identified and risk to develop the study end point at 6 months interval was calculated. Results: LA:Ao > 2.1 (hazard ratio [HR] 3.2 confidence interval [CI] 1.9-5.6), normalized left ventricular end-diastolic diameter > 1.9 (HR 6.3, CI 3.3-11.8) early transmitral peak velocity (E peak) > 1 m/sec (HR 3.9 CI 2.3-6.7) and NT-proBNP 1.500 ρmol/L (HR 5.7 CI 3.3-9.5) were associated with increased risk of HF or cardiac death. Dogs with LA:Ao >2.1, E peak > 1 and NT-proBNP > 1.500 ρmol/L have a higher risk to reach the combined end-point at 12 months. Conclusions: a model including echocardiographic variables and NT-proBNP can be used to identify dogs with preclinical MMVD at higher risk to develop HF or cardiac death at 12 month.

All the other authors have received funding from Ceva Santé Animale within the last 5 years for some or all of the following activities:

research, travel, speaking fees, consultancy fees, and preparation of educational materials. Assessment of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide was sponsored by IDEXX BioResearch, Vet Med Labor GmbH, Ludwigsburg, Germany

Prevalence of mitral regurgitation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with no or low-grade murmurs Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs) have a higher prevalence of myxomatous valvular degeneration (MMVD) compared to similarly aged dogs of other breeds. In this study, we report the prevalence and severity of mitral regurgitation (MR) (defined as presence of MR every cardiac cycle in at least one echocardiographic view), in CKCSs that have no or low-grade murmurs. CKCSs were screened as part of another study. Eligible dogs were older than 1 year of age, without concomitant cardiac disease, or heart murmurs >2/6. All dogs underwent cardiac auscultation and if a murmur ≤2/6 was heard, or there was no murmur, an echocardiogram was performed. The severity of MR was subjectively assessed by color Doppler echocardiography as trivial, trace, mild, moderate, or severe. 138 dogs were examined. On screening examination, murmur distribution was as follows: 95 = no murmur, 5 = 1/6, 20 = 2/6, 16 = 3/6, and 2 = 4/6. 120 CKCSs met inclusion criteria, 119 tolerated echocardiography and two of these had small, inaudible patent arterial ducts. MR severity distribution in the remaining 117 CKCSs was as follows: 40 = no MR, 4 = trivial, 6 = trace, 64 = mild, 3 = moderate. Intensity of murmur was significantly associated with severity of MR (P = 0.002) and age (P = 0.0004). 79% (37) of dogs older than 5 years of age and 94%

(16) of dogs older than 7 years of age had more than trivial MR despite no or low-grade murmurs. 55 (59%) CKCSs with no murmur had more than trivial MR. In conclusion, we report a high prevalence of echocardiographically detected MR in CKCSs with no or low-grade murmurs. C (n = 13). TaqMan genotyping assays were designed for the following polymorphisms: c.814insG; c.1192delT; c.1323A/G in the SERT gene.

Serum serotonin concentration was determined using ELISA and HPLC. Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess the influence of genotype, ACVIM group, sex and age on serum serotonin concentration. Spearman correlation, paired t-test and difference plot were used to compare serotonin ELISA and HPLC measurements.

Taqman analyses revealed no polymorphisms in any of the selected locations of the SERT gene in the CKCS. ACVIM group, age and sex did not influence serum serotonin concentration except for males (432.5 [358.2;535 .2] mg/mL), who had higher serum serotonin concentrations, measured by HPLC analysis, compared to females (342.7 (250.7-454. 3) mg/mL) (P = 0.03). Serum serotonin concentration measured by ELISA correlated with HPLC measurements (ρ = 0.87 (P < 0.0001)) but was lower (mean difference = -22.00; P = 0.02). The difference was independent of serum serotonin concentration (P = 0.2).

In conclusion, the selected SERT SNPs associated with MMVD in Maltese dogs were not found in CKCS dogs and are therefore unlikely to impact MMVD pathophysiology or serum serotonin concentration in this breed. ELISA and HPLC serum serotonin measurements indicated good correlation but ELISA underestimated serotonin concentrations (constant systematic error) compared to HPLC.

No disclosures to report.

Accuracy of deep learning enabled software to measure vertebral heart size in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease K. T. Sykes 1 , S. Gordon 1 , J. Craig 2 , J. Vitt 3 , M. Rishniw 4 1 Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA; 2 EponaTech, LLC, Paso Robles, USA; 3 Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA; 4 Veterinary Information Network, Davis, USA Clinicians routinely assess cardiomegaly by measuring vertebral heart size (VHS) from a right lateral radiograph. Although this method has limitations, many clinicians consider it a first line diagnostic test for staging myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). One of these limitations is related to the skill of the clinician in consistently identifying the appropriate landmarks for measurement, both on the cardiac silhouette and on the vertebrae. Deep-learning-enabled software has been developed and validated in many medical imaging fields including veterinary medicine and in some fields it is recommended over human measurements due to improved accuracy and repeatability.

Thus, such software may be capable of measuring VHS for clinicians without the need to identify the landmarks.

The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of novel deeplearning-enabled software (DL, MetronMind) to measure VHS in dogs with MMVD.

One trained observer measured VHS from right lateral radiographs of 349 dogs with MMVD of varying severity using two methods. The first method was the same as that reported in many clinical studies and annotated as the traditional method (VHS-T), the second method was modified to mimic the method utilized by the DL and annotated as modified (VHS-M). The modification involved using a single measurement of 5 thoracic vertebrae starting at the cranial aspect of the 4 th vertebra, which was then divided by 5 to establish the average length of 1 vertebra. This vertebral average length was used to scale the length of the long and short axis dimensions and summed to yield the VHS-M. All other landmarks were identical between these two VHS measurement methods. The VHS measured by DL is annotated as VHS-DL and utilized the same landmarks as the VHS-M method. These results demonstrate good agreement between VHS-T and VHS-M performed by a human. There was also good agreement between the VHS-DL method and both the VHS-M and the VHS-T.

MetronMind DL software measurement of VHS in dogs with MMVD represents a novel clinically useful tool. Enlargement of the teaching set of radiographs used by the DL software may improve agreement between methods.

John Craig is the Vice President of EponaTech LLC, dba MetronMind.

Correlation between radiographic vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size and echocardiographic measurements of left heart size in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease Thoracic radiographs are often utilized as a screening tool to assess heart size in dogs, with vertebral heart size (VHS) and vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) reported as objective measurements of global heart size and left atrial size, respectively. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) are predisposed to developing myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), with radiographs frequently used to screen for evidence of left-sided cardiomegaly secondary to MMVD. Normal VHS in CKCS (10.8 +/-0.5) is reportedly higher than non-breed-specific cut-offs (9.7 +/-0.5). Breed-specific VLAS cut-offs have not been reported in CKCS.

If available, use of breed-specific radiographic cut-offs is recommended by the 2019 ACVIM MMVD consensus statement. Four standard CV-POCUS views were assessed by a blinded non-cardiologist, who had received a 2-hour theoretical PHS-training. A score of 0 to 2 was assigned for 1) right atrial (RA) and/or ventricular (RV) enlargement; 2) RV hypertrophy; 3) interventricular septum (IVS) flattening; 4) pulmonary trunk enlargement; and 5) right-sided congestive signs, resulting in a global score between 0 and 10. Global scores were compared between C1 to C4 and G1 and G2 using nonparametric tests. A receiver-operating characteristic curve was established to determine the ideal cutoff value to differentiate G1 from G2. Data are expressed as median and range.

Fifty dogs, (C1 = 15, C2 = 5, C3 = 10, and C4 = 20) were included, resulting in G1 = 20 and G2 = 30 dogs, respectively. Global score was significantly higher for C4 (9;7-10) than C1 (0;0-4) (P < 0.001), C2 (4; 1-5) (P = 0.008) and C3 (4.5;2-8) (P = 0.023). Global score for C3 was significantly higher than C1 (P = 0.023), but not C2. Global scores of G2 (8;2-10) G2 were significantly higher than G1 (0.5;0-5) (P < 0.001).

Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for PHS indicated a cut-off value of 5 discriminated G2 from G1 with a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 100% (AUC: 0.944; P < 0.001).

Moderate to severe PCPH can be detected with good accuracy by non-cardiologists using a 10 point CV-POCUS PHS score.

No disclosures to report.

Rapid atrial ectopic firing in dog: a retrospective study in 10 cases D. M. Porteiro Vázquez 1 , S. Battaia 2 , M. Perego 2 , R. A. Santilli 2 1 Cardiology, Hospital Veterinario Puchol, Madrid, Spain; 2 Cardiology, Clinica Veterinaria Malpensa, Samarate, Italy

Rapidly focal atrial activity is one of the main mechanisms responsible of atrial fibrillation (AF) onset in human medicine. The pulmonary veins (VPs) are the main source of focal activity, although other sites of focal activity have been described. These foci trigger AF by a burst or firing of rapid discharges. Multiple electrophysiologic mechanisms have been proposed as the basis for focal PV firing, including abnormal automaticity, triggered activity, and micro-reentry. Autonomic tone and atrial stretch play an important role on PV activity. The aim of our study was to describe electrocardiographic appearance of rapid atrial ectopic firing in the dog. A total of 10 Holter tracings recorded in dogs with ectopic atrial firing were retrospectively analyzed. The sample group included dogs of different breeds with an average age of 9.7 years (range 2-14), M/F 7:1 and an average body weight of 32.7 Kg (range 7-50). Five out of ten dogs presented underlying structural heart disease with variable grade of cardiac remodeling and congestive heart failure (suspected myocarditis, degenerative mitral valve disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and heartworm disease) while the remaining had normal cardiovascular system. All 24-hour tracings showed a sinus rhythm interrupted by numerous episodes of selflimiting or sustained runs of focal atrial tachycardia (FAT) throughout the recording (average 451 episodes; range 18-2502). Focal atrial tachycardias were characterized by an average duration of 183 beats (range 3-364) and an average cycle length of 233.3 ms (range 190-250 ms). Episodes of paroxysmal firing atrial activity (range 1 ->800 per 24 hours) with an average duration of 67.16 seconds (range 0.65-2460) were identified in all recordings. These episodes were characterized by a rapid atrial activity with an average atrial cycle length duration of 150.18 ms (range 90-260), short RP' (average 116.9 ms; range 50-250), different atrioventricular conduction ratios (range 1:1 to 12:1), variable atrial depolarization morphology in the orthogonal system (prevalent positive in all leads) and irregular cycle length. Episodes were triggered by a sinus beat, premature ventricular ectopic beat or a supraventricular ectopic beat. Three episodes induced AF. AF was persistent in one case and paroxysmal in 2 cases (6 and 59 min respectively). Electrophysiologic mapping was available in one case, showing the site of firing at the level of left superior pulmonary veins. The present study described, as it was reported previously in human medicine, a rapid ectopic atrial firing as possible mechanism of AF onset in dogs.

No disclosures to report.

Comparison of temporary pacing techniques in dogs undergoing permanent pacemaker implantation I. Prado Checa 1 , G. Culshaw 2 , Y. Martínez Pereira 2 1 Cardiology, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK; 2 Cardiopulmonary, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK Temporary cardiac pacing is commonly performed in bradycardic dogs immediately prior to permanent pacemaker implantation. This maintains adequate cardiac output under general anesthesia. Transvenous temporary pacing (TVTP) starts before anesthetic induction and requires fluoroscopy. Transthoracic temporary pacing (TTTP), after anesthetic induction, does not need fluoroscopy, is less invasive, and is technically simpler but may be less reliable in larger dogs.

Although well described in dogs, there are no published studies comparing TVTP and TTTP directly. We hypothesized that TTTP decreases procedure and fluoroscopy times compared with TVTP, but also increases risk of failure to capture in larger dogs. Our aim was to analyses surgical and anesthesia records of pacemaker procedures in dogs, and compare the success and complication rates associated with both temporary pacing methods.

Records of patients fitted with a pacemaker in a single referral institution between December 2012 and June 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included demographics, type of bradyarrhythmia, method of temporary pacing employed, duration of implantation procedure (pre-medication to switching off anesthetic vaporizer), fluoroscopy times, temporary pacing events (failure to capture, iatrogenic tachyarrhythmia), anesthetic events (spontaneous arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, hypotension, hypothermia, hypercapnia, hypocapnia, excessive muscle twitching), intra-and post-operative complications, and morbidity and mortality.

A total of 60 dogs were included for analysis. One third of these had TTTP (n = 20, 33.66%) compared to two thirds with TVTP (n = 40, 66.33%; P = 0.013) and the TTTP dogs were lighter (TTTP 9.2 kg (6.38-12.02); TVTP 26 kg (17.1-34.9); P < 0.001). However, temporary pacing events were similar for both groups (TTTP, 5/20 (25%); TVTP, 8/40 (20%); P = 0.65).

Although TTTP decreased premedication to induction time ); TVTP 105 min (86.5-123.5); P < 0.001) and the total procedure duration ; TVTP 235 min (203.5-266.5); P = 0.015), it did not decrease fluoroscopy time (TTTP, ); TVTP, 295 min (157-433); P = 0.302) and was associated with an increased rate of anesthetic events (TTTP, 15/19 (78.9%) ; TVTP, 17/35 (48.6%); P = 0.03).

Both forms of temporary pacing are reliable. Compared to TVTP, TTTP reduces the time it takes to implant a pacemaker in a dog. This is mainly because it reduces the delay between pre-medication and anesthetic induction rather than the duration of fluoroscopy. However, this advantage is offset by increased risk of anesthetic events. Importantly, though, in this retrospective study, the potential influence of bodyweight cannot be discounted.

No disclosures to report.

Noninvasive electrocardiographic parameters to assess interventricular dyssynchrony in dogs with bundle branch blocks S. Battaia 1 , M. Perego 1 , C. Perciballi 1 , R.A. Santilli 1 1 Cardiology, Clinica Veterinaria Malpensa -Anicura, Samarate (VA), Italy

Bundle branch block (BBB) is an anomaly of the conduction of the electrical impulse along the intraventricular specialized conduction system. The electrocardiographic diagnosis of BBB in dogs is based on the abnormal duration (>80 ms), axis and morphology of the QRS complex. In humans, the analysis of R-peak time (RPT) in precordial leads has been used to differentiate right from left BBB. In case of BBB, interventricular dyssynchrony (interD) is present and can be assessed using ECG parameters. The aims of this study were to define electrocardiographic features of complete BBB in dogs and the utility of RPT to evaluate interD.

12-lead electrocardiographic tracings of 40 privately-owned dogs (20 with right BBB and 20 with left BBB) were retrospectively reviewed. Each ECG was recorded using the Wilson's precordial lead system modified by Santilli et al. For each tracing, duration, morphology and QRS complex mean electrical axis (MEA) on the frontal plane and RPT duration in precordial leads (V 1 -V 6 ) were analyzed using three randomly selected consecutive beats. To evaluate interD, the interD index (IDI) was calculated using the formula V 5 RPT-V 1 RPT/QRS duration (%) as previously reported in human medicine. Normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilcoxon W-test. To evaluate differences between leads, nonparametric analysis of variance was performed by Kruskal Wallis test, as data were not normally distributed. Data are expressed as median and range.

In right BBB, QRS complex duration was 104 ms (81-139), MEA was -111 (-73.3 -+142), the commonest morphology in lead II was qrS, and RPT (ms) in V 1 was 61 (48-82), V 2 25 (12-45), V 3 25 (12-45) V 4 24 (11-44), V 5 25 (11-42), V 6 25 (11-43). In left BBB, QRS complex duration was 107 ms (81-135), MEA was 75.6 (+23.5 -+86.3), the commonest morphology in lead II was qR, and RPT (ms) in V 1 was 17 (10-39), V 2 49 (17-73), V 3 48.5 (23-77), V 4 52 (31-78), V 5 53 (30-78), V 6 55 (30-78). In right BBB, RPT was significantly longer in V 1 than in V 2 -V 6 (P < 0.05) and in left BBB RPT was significantly longer in V2-V6 than V 1 (P < 0.05). The IDI was significantly increased: -33% in case of right BBB and 32% in case of left BBB. This study defines ECG features and RPT in dogs with right and left BBB. Like in human beings, RPT and IDI can be used to define interD in dogs.

No disclosures to report.

Comparison of three two-dimensional echocardiographic methods of assessing left ventricular size in Doberman Pinschers reported. While it is suspected that these measurements are similar, no study has directly compared all of these measurements in the same dog. The purpose of this study was to directly compare linear dimensions in a population of Doberman Pinschers.

One hundred and forty screening echocardiograms between 2017-2019 were analyzed. The LVIDd and LVIDs were evaluated using leading edge to leading edge technique from the right parasternal short axis view at the level of the papillary muscles (SA-MM and SA-2D). These measurements were also evaluated using the right parasternal long axis four chamber view using either Mmode or anatomic M-mode (LA-MM). Finally, monoplane Simpson's SMOD was used to determine end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular volumes from the right parasternal long axis view. All measurements were repeated over three cardiac cycles. Data were tested for normality using Shaprio-Wilk and a Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's multiple comparisons was used to compare the mean rank difference between modalities. Bias was evaluated via Bland-Altman and correlation was evaluated using Spearman's correlation.

The averages of three linear measurements were compared with SMOD and sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing occult DCM were determined.

The mean rank differences were significantly different between all linear dimensions in both diastole and systole. Short-axis 2D measurements had significant bias compared with SA-MM (diastole +1.19 mm, systole +1.65 mm) and LA-MM (diastole +4.36 mm, systole +3.87 mm) as did SA-MM compared with LA-MM (diastole +3.17 mm, systole +2.22 mm). All linear dimensions had moderate positive correlation with SMOD in both diastole and systole. The sensitivity and specificity of each linear measurement to detect DCM was as follows:

SA-2D (sensitivity 72.0%, specificity 88.5%), SA-MM (sensitivity 52.0%, specificity 92.0%), and LA-MM (sensitivity 37.5%, specificity 99.1%) using SMOD as a reference standard.

Results of this study suggest that while all the linear measurements are correlated with each other, there is significant bias between measurements, and they should not be used interchangeably.

No disclosures to report. Patients (n = 40) had been longitudinally evaluated at a research clinic (2004) (2005) (2006) (2007) (2008) (2009) (2010) (2011) (2012) (2013) (2014) (2015) (2016) (2017) and paired residual serum samples were selected from visits in ACVIM stage B1: asymptomatic disease without cardiomegaly, and stage C: congestive heart failure (CHF). Samples were processed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and lipid profiles compared using linear mixed effects models.

Using an adjusted P value (Q < 0.05), 169 UPLC-MS features were associated with disease progression. From these, 20 molecules were annotated by comparing tandem-MS data to reference databases. In CHF, quantities of some circulating acylcarnitines, lysophosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphoinositols and sphingomyelins increased. Concentrations of some ceramides and lysophosphatidylcholines decreased.

These results are consistent with altered myocardial metabolism in advanced disease and certain findings may reflect an accumulation of acyl-coAs secondary to reduced ß-oxidation. There is a need for further research, as therapeutic interventions could be used to ameliorate metabolic derangement prior to the onset of CHF. When considering only cases of CHF, the differences remained in the MR cases (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons). In dogs with CHF secondary to PDA, diastolic dimensions and volumes did not differ between ESS and non-ESS but ESS had larger systolic dimensions and volumes than non-ESS dogs (P < 0.05).

ESS have greater LV dimensions when exposed to chronic MR, compared with BC and LR, but not when exposed to volume overload from a PDA. However in PDA cases with CHF, ESS have greater LV systolic dimensions than Non-ESS dogs. These data suggest that ESS as a breed have a different LV remodeling phenotype compared with two other similarly sized athletic breeds, supporting the idea that the ESS has a unique cardiac morphotype.

No disclosures to report.

Evaluation of cardiac troponin I as a predictor of mortality in critically ill cats [0.005-0.041] ng/mL) (P < 0.0001). Serum cTnI was higher in the subgroups of cats with serum amyloid A >5 mg/L or structural cardiac disease than in cats without these respective characteristics (P = 0.009, P = 0.0008). Neither serum cTnI for all cats or the subgroups (0.562; 95% CI 0.449-0.676 (n = 118); 0.506;0.360-0.652 (n = 86); 0.625;0.387-0.863 (n = 27)), APPLE (0.594;0.479-0.709 (n = 100)), nor the combined model (0.615;0.498-0.732 (n = 100)) were significant prognosticators for mortality.

Increased serum cTnI was common in critically ill cats compared to healthy controls. Importantly, unlike for dogs, cTnI was not a useful prognosticator for mortality.

This study was funded by Agria and the Swedish Kennel Club´s Research Fund.

Increased cardiac troponin I is a clinically useful indicator of infective endocarditis Records from two referral centers were reviewed for dogs diagnosed with endocarditis, MMVD or IMD. Dogs were included if it was possible to measure serum cTnI at time of diagnosis. Dogs with MMVD were excluded if they had ever experienced CHF and dogs with IMD were excluded if they were non-steroid responsive. Comparisons were explored using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Receiver operator curve analysis was performed to investigate cTnI cut-off values. Cox proportional hazards was used to investigate the association between cTnI and survival.

Seventy-two patients were included (endocarditis n = 29; MMVD n = 27; IMD n = 16). Serum cTnI measurements were significantly higher in the endocarditis group (0.69 ng/mL) than the MMVD (0.05 ng/mL) and IMD groups (0.05 ng/mL), (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in serum cTnI concentration between the control groups (P = 0.28). Increased cTnI could differentiate endocarditis from MMVD and IMD with moderate accuracy (AUC 0.857, P < 0.001). A cut-off of 0.6ng/mL had 100% specificity and 52% sensitivity, which was considered practically useful. There was no association between cTnI concentration and survival time (P = 0.201) in patients with endocarditis.

Our study suggests that in patients with a compatible clinical presentation, a cTnI concentration ≥0.6ng/mL should increase the suspicion of endocarditis.

No disclosures to report.

CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering to model the R820W mutation effects in iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes L. Dutton 1 , J. Dudhia 1 , D. Guest 2 , D. J. Connolly 1 1 Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK; 2 Stem Cell Research, The Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats, often leading to congestive heart failure and death.

Although some causative mutations, such as MYBPC3/R820W in Ragdoll cats, have been identified, the underlying pathological processes driving disease remain unclear. Using primary cardiomyocytes as a disease model is limited as they survive poorly in culture. This has been overcome by the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) into cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CM). CRISPR/Cas9 based gene editing of iPSCs allows comparison between isogenic cell lines therefore controlling for background genetic factors. These disease models have led to significant advancements in the understanding and treatment of human HCM. The development of similar models would represent a substantial benefit for feline medicine.

Our aim was to study the effects of the R820W mutation using CRISPR/Cas9 engineering in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes.

IPSCs were nucleofected with Cas9 protein, template DNA and guide RNA. In total 576 single cells were cloned, expanded and genotyped.

Next-generation sequencing identified 34 cell clones that were homozygous (R820W +/+ ) and 35 clones that were heterozygous (R820W +/-).

Six clones (three R820W +/+ and three R820W -/-) were differentiated into cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs). Homozygous (R820W +/+ ) iPSC-CMs had a larger cell area compared to WT cells (2804 ± 120 μm 2 vs. 2170 ± 112 μm 2 , mean ± SEM, P < 0.001), indicating hypertrophy of mutant cells. Immunocytochemistry showed cells in both groups expressed cMyBPC at the protein level and this was incorporated into the A-band of sarcomeres as expected. Interestingly motion analysis of contracting cardiomyocytes showed that mutant cells had a longer relaxation phase (i) initial ACEi prescription (Visit 1); (ii) next follow-up (~15 days after Visit 1); and (iii) long-term follow-up for dogs with cardiac disease.

Dogs receiving ACEi treatment prior to Visit 1 were excluded. Data were analyzed using linear regression methods for continuous variables, logistic regression for categorical variables, and Cox proportional hazards models for survival data. P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

The majority of dogs received enalapril (>80%) and B.I.D dosing (58%) at inclusion, with a median initial daily dose of 0.65 mg/kg ACEi. Study results showed a mild dose-response effect of ACEi on BP in dogs, with higher doses (and/or B.I.D dosing) resulting in an averagẽ 15mmHg decrease in BP (P < 0.04), compared to~5mmHg decrease for lower doses (and/or S.I.D dosing) . This effect was most pronounced in proteinuric dogs. In the subgroup of hypertensive dogs, B.I.D dosing was associated with a greater decrease in urine protein:

creatinine ratio compared to S.I.D dosing (P = 0.03). In dogs with cardiac disease, both ACEi dose and frequency had a significant effect on prolonged survival from Visit 1 to all-cause mortality. This retrospective study also confirmed the safety and tolerability of ACEi across a wide dosing range, with only4.3% incidence of dose decrease or discontinuation due to side effects.

Overall, these results suggest that higher dose and/or more frequent dosing of ACEi are associated with positive short-term and long-term outcomes in dogs with cardiac and non-cardiac diseases. Further research is warranted to determine whether these effects are primarily driven by an increase in ACEi dose amount or frequency.

No disclosures to report.

Pharmacological properties of torasemide in healthy cats M. Roche-Catholy 1 , F. Woehrlé 2 , A. Alcala 3 , A. Hellemans 1 , D. Paepe 1 , P. Smets 1 1 Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; 2 Vetoquinol, France; 3 AvogadroLS, France

In dogs, torasemide has been shown to have a more potent and longer-lasting diuretic activity compared to furosemide. Very little information is available regarding the pharmacological properties of torasemide in cats. We aimed to describe the basic pharmacokinetic parameters of torasemide in healthy cats, along with the effects of its oral and intravenous administration on diuresis, blood pressure, electrolyte concentration, creatinine and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation.

Six healthy cats were included in a randomized crossover design, and divided into 4 dosing groups of torasemide, administered either per os (PO) at 0.1, 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg or intravenously (IV) at 0.2 mg/kg. Laboratory and clinical parameters were assessed at regular intervals for 48 hours following single administration.

Maximum plasma concentration was reached 30-45 min after PO administration. Torasemide administration lead to a dose-dependent diuresis, with a peak effect between 2 and 8 hours after dosing, depending on the dose and route of administration. A transient dosedependent decrease in serum potassium concentration was observed.

After 24 hours, torasemide administration was associated with a significant increase in urinary aldosterone-to-creatinine ratio in most groups. There was no significant change in blood pressure or serum creatinine after administration and no difference between groups. No adverse effects were observed.

This study shows absence of adverse effects after single administration of torasemide up to 0.4 mg/kg and provides new insight into its pharmacological properties in healthy cats. The results are a stepping stone for future studies in cats with congestive heart failure.

This study was financially supported by Vetoquinol. High dietary phosphorus (P), particularly added as soluble salts, may contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats. There is currently no guidance for safe maximum limits of P in cat foods. Consequently it is important to establish safety for different dietary P sources. The aim of this study was therefore to establish the safety of P supplied at 1g/1000kcal from a highly soluble P salt, at two different total P levels, in feline diets.

Seventy-five healthy adult cats (n = 25/group) were fed either a low P control diet with no P salt added (1.4g/1000 kcal; Ca:P 0.97) or a test diet formulated with either moderate (Test 1 -4g/1000 kcal; Ca:P 1.04) or high (Test 2 -5g/1000 kcal; Ca:P 1.27) total P for a period of 30 weeks in a randomized parallel design. Both test diets contained sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) providing 1gP/1000 kcal of total P. Blood, urine and faces samples were collected, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) determined, and renal ultrasound and bone density (DXA) scans performed at baseline and at regular time points to assess health. Following transition back to a commercial diet (total P -2.34g/1000kcal, Ca:P 1.3), further blood and urine samples were collected after 4 weeks. Responses were analysed via linear mixed effects models with fixed effects of diet group, time point (weeks), and their interaction, including cat as a random effect.

There was no significant effect of diet on GFR, DXA or ultrasound data and all blood and urine parameters remained within physiological reference ranges. However, urea, creatinine and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) significantly increased in cats fed test diets from week 2 onwards (P < 0.001, P ≤ 0.041 and P ≤ 0.028, respectively). P and calcium balance were increased in the test diet groups at week 27 (P < 0.001). On transition back to a commercial diet, data indicated that plasma urea, creatinine, FGF-23 and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were all influenced by the diet change.

The present data suggest that feline diets containing 1gP/1000kcal from STPP and providing a total phosphorus level of 4 and 5g/1000kcal were safe to feed for 30 weeks. Differences in physiological parameters observed during the trial were most likely regulatory responses needed to maintain mineral homeostasis and/or differences in dietary factors other than P levels. These data will assist industry, regulators and professional bodies in developing guidance on safe maximum dietary levels of P for healthy adult cats.

All authors were employed or contracted by Mars Petcare at the time of this study.

Maintenance energy requirements of cats with obesity after a period of controlled weight reduction A. J. German 1 , G. R. T. Woods 1 , J. Flanagan 2 , V. Biourge 3 1 Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK; 2 Royal Canin Research Center, Royal Canin, Aimargues, France; 3 Royal Canin, Aimargues, France Weight regain after successful weight loss is a well-known phenomenon both in humans and companion animals with obesity, and a possible reason for this is that energy requirements after weight reduction are less than they were. The aim of the current retrospective observational study was to estimate post-weight reduction maintenance energy requirements (MER) in a group of pet cats with obesity that had successfully lost weight and whose weight remained stable during the subsequent weight maintenance phase.

The study protocol was approved by two different Research and Ethics Committees from two institutes, and all owners gave informed written consent. For inclusion, at least 2 months of follow-up data (including bodyweight and food intake via owners' diary records) had to be available for review, and weight had to remain stable during the weight maintenance period (within ±2% of the weight recorded at the end of weight reduction). Post-weight-loss MER was indirectly estimated from records of dietary energy intake during this stable weight period. All owners measured dry food using electronic gram scales, whilst wet food was fed as whole pouches. The Friedman test was used to compare bodyweight and energy intake at different stages of weight management, whilst simple and multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with post-weightreduction MER. [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] kcal per kg IBW, P = 0.148). Using simple and multiple linear regression, the only factor that was significantly associated with MER during the maintenance period was the mean energy intake during weight reduction (R 2 = 0.349, P = 0.008).

Maintenance energy requirements after weight reduction in cats with obesity, are typically only 20% greater than energy intake at the end of the weight reduction period, and not significantly different from energy intake at the start of weight reduction. As a result, it is advisable to feed a diet with a lesser energy density to provide low energy requirements during this phase. 

Urinary liver-type fatty acid binding protein and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in hyperthyroid cats before and after radioiodine treatment Progressive azotemia can occur in cats after radioactive iodine treatment of hyperthyroidism. This process can contribute to reduced survival times in cats with iatrogenic hypothyroidism. Effective parameters to predict progressive azotemia in feline hyperthyroidism are lacking. Liver-type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) are promising biomarkers for detection of early kidney insult in humans and cats. The objective of this study was to assess urinary L-FABP (uL-FABP) and urinary NGAL (uNGAL) in hyperthyroid cats before and after radioiodine treatment.

Blood and urine samples from 49 cats at 3 different time points i.e. before (T0) (n = 49), 1 month after (T1) (n = 49) and 11-29 months (T2) (n = 26) after radioiodine treatment were analysed. Urinary L-FABP-to-creatinine ratio (uL-FABP/Cr) and urinary NGAL-tocreatinine ratio (uNGAL/Cr) were compared between T0, T1 and T2 using Wilcoxon signed-rank test using median [min-max] (76.41 μg/g), while the second azotemic cat had relatively low uL-FABP/Cr both at T0 (0.88 μg/g) and T2 (0.17 μg/g). There were a moderate and significant correlation between uL-FABP/Cr and TT4 (rs = .33; P < .001) and between uL-FABP/Cr and GFR (rs = .49; P = .003). Serum Cr was negatively correlated with uL-FABP/Cr (rs = −.28; P = .001). Urinary NGAL/Cr was not correlated with sCr, TT4, and GFR.

Urinary L-FABP is upregulated in hyperthyroid cats suggesting ischemic/oxidative stress in feline kidneys during hyperthyroidism. However, uL-FABP is not present in all hyperthyroid cats and resolved when euthyroidism was obtained. Therefore, the ability of uL-FABP to predict progressive azotemia in hyperthyroid cats remains unclear.

Also, uNGAL is not a reliable biomarker for the detection of early kidney injury in hyperthyroid cats.

No disclosures to report.

The effect of the ghrelin-receptor agonist capromorelin on glucose metabolism in healthy cats Somatostatin secretion from islet delta-cells is important in maintaining low glycemic variability (GV) by providing negative feedback to beta-cells and inhibiting insulin secretion. Capromorelin is a ghrelin-receptor agonist that activates the growth hormone secretagogue receptor on delta-cells. We hypothesized that in cats, capromorelin administration will result in decreased GV at the expense of reduced insulin secretion and glucose tolerance. Seven healthy cats were treated with capromorelin from days 1-30. After the first day, fasting blood glucose increased (+13 ± 3 mg/dL, P < 0.0001), insulin decreased (+128 ± 122 ng/dL, P = 0.03) and glucagon was unchanged. Blood glucose was increased throughout an intravenous glucose tolerance test on day 1 with blunting of first phase insulin response ([FPIR] 4931 ± 2597 ng/L/15min) compared to day -3 (17437 ± 8302 ng/L/15min, P = 0.004). On day 30, FPIR was still blunted (9993 ± 4285 ng/L/15min, P = 0.045) but glucose tolerance returned to baseline. Mean interstitial glucose was increased (+19 ± 6 mg/dL, P = 0.03) on days 2-4 but returned to baseline by days 27-29 (P = 0.3). On days 2-4 GV was increased (SD = 9.7 ± 3.2) compared to baseline (SD = 5.0 ± 1.1, P = 0.02) and returned to baseline on days 27-29 (SD = 6.1 ± 1.1, P = 0.16). In summary, capromorelin caused a decline in insulin secretion and glycemic control and an increase in glucose variability early in the course of treatment, but these effects diminished towards the end of 30 days treatment.

The senior author has served as a consultant to Aratana Therapeutics. This study was partially funded by Elanco Animal Health

A novel once-a-week feline recombinant insulin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats There were no significant changes in fructosamine (-61 ± 199 mmol/ L, P = 0.5) and mean IG concentrations (median [range] change = -6.2 [-9 .3 -+3.1] mmol/L, P = 0.2). There were no adverse reactions associated with AKS-267c administration. In conclusion, successful maintenance of glycemia was achieved with this once-weekly novel insulin therapy. The efficacy and safety of this novel formulation should be further assessed in a large clinical trial.

Disclosures: Akston Biosciences has donated materials for this study and has funded another study performed by the authors.

Performance of a flash glucose monitoring system in cats C. Gilor 1 , J. Pires 2 , A. Herndon 3 1 University of Florida, Gainesville, USA; 2 University of California, Davis, Davis, USA; 3 University of Queensland, Australia

The FreeStyle Libreâ (Abbott Laboratories) is a flash glucose monitoring system (FGMS) that measures interstitial glucose (IG) and stores this data onboard until scanned by the reader. The sensors are factory-calibrated, and the system is user-friendly, inexpensive, and could be extremely useful for monitoring diabetes but has not yet been validated for use in cats. We compared blood glucose (BG) concentrations (measured by AlphaTrakâ) to IG (measured by the FreeStyle Libre ® ), during 16 IV glucose tolerance tests (IVGTT) in seven purpose-bred laboratory cats, across the eu-and hyperglycemic range (184 samples). Correlation between BG and IG was assessed using Pearson's r and the accuracy was assessed against BG as the reference standard using the Bland-Altman method. In the immediate 30 minutes following intravenous bolus of glucose when BG concentrations were declining rapidly (@ 2%/min), IG increased slowly, resulting in a difference of as much as 32.2 mmol/L (579 mg/dL), and no positive correlation between BG and IG. At baseline and between minutes 45-180 of the IVGTT, when BG was stable or rate of decline slow (@ 0.5%/min), there was a strong positive correlation between BG and IG (r = 0.97 [95% CI = 0.96 -0.98]) with a consistent bias (across the BG range) towards underestimating BG by the Libre (mean ± SD bias 1.3 ± 1.0 mmol/L [23.3 ± 18.1 mg/ml]). In conclusion, the FreeStyle Libre ® may be appropriate to monitor diabetic cats, but consideration should be made for the lag between IG and BG during periods of rapid change.

No disclosures to report.

A novel once-a-week canine recombinant insulin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in dogs RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) is an unbiased technique for examining the transcriptome of a tissue, to identify genes that are differentially expressed between tissues. We hypothesised that thyroids from hyperthyroid and euthyroid cats would have a different transcriptome and that differentially expressed genes would offer novel targets for management of feline hyperthyroidism.

In this pilot study, RNA was extracted from four archived feline thyroid glands, obtained with owner consent and ethical approval, either immediately after euthanasia, or during surgical thyroidectomy and frozen at -80 degrees after fixation in RNAlater. Two glands were from euthyroid cats, one from a medically treated hyperthyroid cat, and one from an untreated hyperthyroid cat. After a ribosomal RNA depletion step, a barcoded RNA-seq library was prepared from each sample and the pooled libraries were sequenced on a single lane of a HiSeq4000.

Sequencing reads were mapped to the feline reference genome (FelCat9.0) and bioinformatic differential expression analysis was undertaken using a bespoke pipeline and high-performance computing cluster. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the 2 euthyroid cats clustered together, separately to the two hyperthyroid cats. The treated and untreated hyperthyroid cats were also separated by the PCA. In total, 1068 genes were significantly differently expressed between hyperthyroid and euthyroid cats. Differentially expressed genes included those related to thyroid hormone synthesis (e.g. SLC5A5, PSMP8), general cell growth (e.g. VEGFA, CNTN1), cell activity (e.g. G6PD, SRXN1) and calcium metabolism (e.g. CYP27B1, CAMK1G).

This pilot study demonstrates that RNA-seq is feasible in archived feline thyroid glands and has exciting potential to unravel the pathogenesis of feline hyperthyroidism, as well as to reveal new targets for therapy. reached (NR)), and 1-and 3-year survival rates were 83% (95% CI 74 -93) and 49% (95% CI 35 -69), respectively. Histopathologicallyconfirmed metastasis was identified in 3% of dogs. The magnitude of initial thyroxine elevation had no effect on the development of posttreatment hypothyroidism (P = 0.53) but was associated with decreased survival (Hazards Ratio (HR) 2.73, CI 1.05 -7.32, P = 0.040). Median survival time of dogs treated with surgical excision (72.6 months, 95% CI 34.1 -NR) was significantly longer than that of dogs who did not receive surgery (15.7 months, 95% CI 4.8 -NR) (P = 0.014). Of the 50 dogs treated with surgery for which thyroid status was known following treatment, 64% developed hypothyroidism post-operatively. This study suggests that dogs with functional thyroid tumors may attain good long-term survival with surgical excision, although post-operative hypothyroidism is common. Higher initial thyroid hormone elevation is associated with reduced survival.

No disclosures to report.

Expression of proteins involved in iodine uptake in canine thyroid tumors and tumor-derived organoids Antibodies directed against human proteins were selected according to epitope homology to the canine proteins. Antibody specificity was confirmed by Western blot (WB) using lysates of the HTori-3 thyroid human cell line and healthy canine thyroid gland. IHC was validated using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) micro-cell-blocks of HTori-3 cells and the following canine FFPE tissues as positive controls: thyroid gland for all markers, complementary salivary gland and stomach for NIS and skin for TSHR. Healthy canine skin, liver, brain, lymph nodes and small intestine served as negative controls. IHC was performed in 25 canine follicular cell thyroid carcinomas (FTC) (follicular, follicular-compact, compact), 8 medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC) and 3 organoid lines derived from FTCs. A scoring system (staining intensity x distribution) was used to evaluate IHC in canine thyroid tumors and tumor-derived organoids.

WB revealed specific bands for TSHR, NIS, Pendrin and TPO in HTori-3 cells and healthy canine thyroid gland. IHC in HTori-3 cells and healthy thyroid gland showed specific cytoplasmic staining in follicular cells for all antibodies. NIS also showed basolateral membranous staining in follicular cells. NIS was expressed in salivary gland by ductal epithelial cells and in stomach by mucous neck epithelial cells.

TSHR was expressed in skin by epidermal and hair follicle keratinocytes. In FTCs, Pendrin was more expressed in follicular tumors while NIS was less expressed in compact tumors. Expression of all four proteins was higher in tumors from hyperthyroid dogs compared to those of euthyroid dogs. All four proteins were highly expressed in organoids derived from FTC. All four proteins were expressed in MTC.

In conclusion, human antibodies for thyroid proteins involved in iodine uptake are suitable to identify the canine orthologues by IHC.

TSHR, NIS, Pendrin and TPO are highly expressed in thyroid tumors causing hyperthyroidism. Organoids derived from canine FTC conserve the expression of these proteins.

No disclosures to report.

Urine cortisol/creatinine ratio (UCCR) can potentially identify patients with Addison disease: A pilot study M. Gerou-Ferriani 1 , C. Palizzoto 2 , W. Bertazzolo 3 1 Medicine, The Ralph Veterinary Center, Marlow, UK; 2 Medicine, Instituto veterinario di Novara, Novara, Italy; 3 Laboratorio Veterinario La Vallonea, Milan, Italy

Addison disease (hypoadrenocorticism) occurs from a deficiency of mineralocorticoid and /or glucocorticoids secretion from the adrenal glands. Young animals seem to be more susceptible to the disease.

Clinical signs may vary from life threatening collapse (Addisonian crisis) to milder clinical signs such as vomiting, diarrhea and weakness.

Diagnosis is based on identifying low serum cortisol levels on a pre and post adenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) stimulation test.

The aim of the study was to assess if UCCR can be a useful marker of Addison disease. Our hypothesis was that UCCR will be low in patients with Addison disease.

This was a prospective study between 3 different institutions (2 private clinics and one national laboratory). Three groups of dogs were included in the study and each included 4 animals. One group with confirmed Addison disease (hypoadrenocorticism group), one control group of healthy animals (healthy control group) and a second control group of sick animals with diseases other than hypoadrenocorticism (control sick group). The groups were closely matched for sex, weight and age. Residual urine, from a free catch sample, from all sick patients was used to measure UCCR.

Animals from the hypoadrenocorticism group received a Complete Blood Count (CBC), full biochemistry (fBC), urinalysis, ACTH stimulation test and a UCCR. Based on the clinician's discretion also imaging (abdominal and thoracic) was performed. No patient received prednisolone prior to admission. Animals from the control sick group received CBC and fBC, along with other relevant tests based on their underlying pathology, and upon the clinician's decision. Animals from the healthy control group, were considered such based on history and physical examination, and were subject to UCCR measurement from urine collected at home by their own carers. Hypersomatotropism is caused by a functional growth hormone (GH)secreting pituitary adenoma and is recognized with increasing frequency as a cause of diabetes mellitus in cats. Successful treatment by transsphenoidal hypophysectomy has been described, however larger cohort studies are lacking. In this retrospective study the hormone analysis and survival of 25 cats with hypersomatotropism that underwent hypophysectomy between 2008 and 2020 are described.

Diagnosis of hypersomatotropism was based on clinical signs, plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels (median 1600 ng/mL, range 780-4387) and computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland (median height 5.1mm, range 3.6-13.3). Median age at presentation was 9.7 years (range 4.6-12.5). Most cats (n = 21) were neutered males and the remainder neutered females. At presentation, 24/25 cats were diabetic and treated with exogenous insulin.

Cats were hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit for preoperative regulation of their blood glucose levels and hydration status. Hypophysectomy was performed as described previously and histopathology confirmed a somatotroph adenoma in most cases. Postoperative care consisted of regulation of electrolyte and fluid balance, tight monitoring of the patient's blood glucose levels and tapering of insulin doses accordingly. Postoperative hormone substitution consisted of cortisone acetate, levothyroxine and desmopressin. GH and IGF-1 levels were measured repeatedly in the immediate postoperative period and after discharge.

Postoperative mortality, defined as death within 4 weeks after surgery irrespective of the cause, was restricted to 1 cat (4%). Cats were discharged from the hospital after a median of 7 days (range 3-18).

Postoperative complications consisted of decreased tear production (n = 11), clinical signs of hypoglycemia after discontinuation of exogenous insulin (n = 4) and palate wound dehiscence (n = 3). Plasma GH levels decreased significantly 5 hours postoperatively (median 3.8 ng/mL, range 0.6-13.0). Remission of hypersomatotropism, as defined by normalization of IGF-1 levels, was demonstrated in 23/24 cats (median 34 ng/mL, range 14-240). In one cat no IGF-1 levels were determined after discharge, however her survival of 822 days without exogenous insulin supports remission. After tapering insulin dosages postoperatively, 22/24 (92%) cats entered diabetic remission. Median survival time was 1057 days (range 11-3180) and the overall 1-, 2and 3-year true survival 72%, 68%, and 44%, respectively.

This study shows the positive outcome of hypophysectomy in cats with hypersomatotropism. When cats survived the critical postoperative period of 2-3 months, prognosis was excellent with a high percentage of diabetic remission and definitive cure.

No disclosures to report.

Investigation of genetic risk factors for diabetes mellitus in European Burmese cats using whole genome sequencing technology K. Hazuchova 1 , M. Wallace 1 , R. Gostelow 1 , B. Catchpole 1 , L. Davison 1 , Consortium 99Lives 2 1 Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK; 2 Consortium 99Lives, USA Burmese cats in Europe and Australia are predisposed to developing diabetes mellitus (DM), but the DM susceptibility genes are yet to be identified. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) enables comprehensive interrogation of genome-wide variation and has been useful in identifying DM susceptibility variants in people. In cats, WGS has been successful in understanding monogenic disorders, but it has not yet been employed to investigate complex diseases such as DM.

The aim of this pilot study was to identify candidate genetic DM susceptibility variants in the Burmese breed using WGS. DNA was extracted from EDTA blood from 4 diabetic Burmese cats with no evidence of hypersomatotropism, 4 non-diabetic elderly Burmese and 2 non-diabetic elderly DSH cats. Samples were surplus to clinical requirements and obtained with owner consent and ethical permission. Paired-end WGS was performed (30X coverage on Illumina HiSeqX) and the data were analysed using a bespoke GATK-based bioinformatics pipeline. Variants were called against the FelCat9.0 reference genome and annotated according to predicted impact on gene function. Allele frequencies (AF) of 282 Burmese and non-Burmese cats included in the 99Lives database were used to help prioritize selected exonic variants identified in the WGS. Selected exonic variants were further filtered based on AF in diabetic and non-diabetic Burmese cats, as well as predicted impact. In addition, DM-associated variants within genes known to be involved in glucose homeostasis or DM in humans were prioritized.

In total, over 30 million variants were identified; 9.9 million were Burmese-exclusive, of which ca. 20,000 were exonic. Using filtering based on AF, predicted impact and gene function, a final list of 

Insulin glargine 300 units/ml for the treatment of feline diabetes mellitus G. Linari 1 , L. Insulin glargine (IGla) 300U/ml (IGla-U300) is longer acting and associated with less risk of hypoglycemia in comparison with IGla-U100 in people. IGla-U300 was evaluated in healthy cats, resulting in a flat time-action profile. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IGla-U300 in cats with diabetes mellitus.

Client-owned cats diagnosed with DM were enrolled. Cats treated with corticosteroids during the previous 60 days or with relevant concurrent disorders (e.g. hypersomatotropism, neoplasia) were excluded.

Subcutaneous IGla-U300 was administered with an insulin dosing pen at a starting dose of 0.5 U/kg q12h. All cats were fed the same lowcarbohydrate diet for the study period. Owners performed a 16-hour blood glucose curve (BGC) once a week at home for 8 weeks, and assigned a score from 1 to 10 for each clinical sign (polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss, general demeanor, and lethargy) related to DM. In-clinic evaluations, including serum fructosamine concentrations, were scheduled within 3 days of the 1 st , 3 rd , 6 th and 8 th BGCs.

Remission was defined as the absence of clinical signs and glycemia <160 mg/dL for at least 4 weeks after cessation of insulin therapy.

Glycemic variability was assessed by calculating the standard deviation of each BGC. The data were analyzed using nonparametric tests.

Twelve cats were recruited; 4 were subsequently excluded with IGF-1 >1000 ng/mL. Eight cats (5 newly diagnosed) completed the study. At the 8 th BGC, improved or absent polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss, general demeanor, and lethargy) were reported in 7/8 (87%), 7/8 (87%), 6/8 (75%), 6/8 (75%), 7/8 (87%) and 6/8 (75%) cats, respectively. Two cats achieved remission after 29 and 53 days.

Another 2 cats went into remission after the end of the study (day 82 and 96). All cats that achieved remission (4/8; 50%) were newly diagnosed diabetics (4/5; 80%). Median glucose of BGCs and serum fructosamine concentrations significantly decreased when comparing the 1 st and the 8 th week of treatment (P < 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively). Glycemic variability was significantly lower at the 5 th BGC when comparing cats that achieved remission with cats that did not achieve remission (P = 0.03). Hypoglycemia (nadir <60 mg/dL) was detected in 10/64 (16%) BGCs, while clinical signs consistent with hypoglycemia were not reported. Median (range) IGla-U300 dose in cats still receiving insulin at the 8 th BGC was 1.14 (0.17-4.00) U/kg/day. IGla-U300 is effective and safe for the treatment of feline diabetes. It is currently assumed that any concurrent disease may have a negative impact on diabetes mellitus (DM) management in pets. However, the influence of concurrent diseases on GV has not been studied yet.

The objective of this study therefore was to evaluate GV in diabetic cats with and without concurrent diseases.

Blood glucose curves from newly diagnosed diabetic cats between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated for GV during three phases (1 = 0-3 weeks, 2 = 4-8 weeks, 3 = 9-12 weeks) after starting therapy. Standard deviations (SD) as a marker for GV were calculated and compared between cats with and without concurrent diseases.

Furthermore, comparisons were made between diabetic cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic gingivostomatitis (CGS), pancreatitis and without any other obvious disease. Data was analyzed using non-parametric tests.

Fifty-two cats with newly diagnosed DM were included, 29 of which had at least one concurrent disease with associated clinical signs (6, 6 and 7 cats with CKD, CGS and pancreatitis, respectively) and 23 were without concurrent disease. In the non-concurrent disease group, GV decreased over time (mean SD in phase 1: 3.5 mmol/l; phase 2: 2.8 mmol/l; phase 3: 2.4 mmol/l) and reached significance in phase 3 compared to phase 1 (P = .03), while GV did not decrease in the non-concurrent disease group (mean SD in phase 1: 2.6 mmol/l; phase 2: 2.7 mmol/l; phase 3: 2.5 mmol/l). The comparison between diabetic cats without concurrent disease and with concurrent diseases in general and CKD, CGS and pancreatitis, revealed no significant difference in any of the three time phases.

In conclusion, diabetic cats without concurrent disease show improvement of GV after at least 9 weeks of therapy in contrast to diabetic cats with concurrent diseases. In this rather small cohort of diabetic cats, concurrent CKD, CGS and pancreatitis do not seem to increase GV in the first 12 weeks after diagnosis. We hypothesize that GV is increased in newly diagnosed diabetic cats and differences only become apparent later in the course of the disease. (2 mg/Kg/day) for 6 months, while continuing with trilostane (3-4 mg/Kg/12hrs). The concentrations of ACTH, cortisol, UCCR and routine laboratory were evaluated at the beginning of trilostane treatment, at the beginning of combined treatment of trilostane with RA, and at 3 and 6 months of combined treatment. MRI was performed at the beginning of the combined treatment and at 6 months. Statistical analysis performed by Wilcoxon test, expressed as median and ranges (P < 0.05). ACTH concentrations showed significant increases after treatment with trilostane (P < 0.01). With the addition of RA, ACTH concentrations were reduced at 3 months (P < 0.01), and normalized in 6/8 cases. UCCR was reduced with trilostane (P < 0.01), but were further reduced with the combined treatment (P < 0.01). The concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, ALP and ALT were significantly reduced with trilostane (P < 0.01), but were further reduced with the combined treatment (P < 0.05). The combination of trilostane and RA achieved a complete clinical remission in 5/8 cases. In dogs that underwent MRI (4/8), a significant reduction in pituitary tumor size was observed at 6 months (P < 0.05). No adverse effects were observed during the study. The combined treatment of trilostane with RA is effective to control clinical signs and biochemical abnormalities of PDH. This study suggests that this combination allows optimizing pharmacological treatment of PDH-affected dogs, since it controls not only hypercortisolism, but also the activity and proliferation of pituitary tumor.

No disclosures to report.

Canine pituitary adenoma organoids The aim of this study was to establish canine pituitary adenoma organoid culture. Organoids are miniature three-dimensional (3D) structures grown from stem cells, that closely resemble the organ or tumor they originate from, and could therefore be used to reliably and efficiently identify pituitary adenoma-targeting drugs.

Pituitary adenomas were collected from five dogs that underwent hypophysectomy at our University Clinic. All dogs were diagnosed with PDH based on clinical signs, endocrine testing, and diagnostic imaging. Pituitary adenoma cells were cultured in ice-cold basement membrane extract (BME) with previously established anterior pituitary organoid medium, which was refreshed twice a week. The canine organoids were characterized with histopathology and RT-qPCR. This study shows that organoids can be cultured from pituitary adenomas, something not previously published in any species. Because organoids closely resemble the primary tumor in many aspects, we expect that this culture model will pave the way to reliably and efficiently identify new pituitary adenoma-targeting drugs for dogs with PDH.

No disclosures to report.

Calcium and phosphate homeostasis in dogs with naturally occurring hypercortisolism Hyperphosphatemia is a common finding in dogs with hypercortisolism and was reported as a negative prognostic factor for survival. Previous studies observed that dogs with hypercortisolism frequently show hyperphosphatemia, increased serum parathormone (PTH) concentration, decreased phosphaturia, and increased calciuria.

However, concurrent evaluation of all these variables was never performed. In humans, hypercortisolism increases both calciuria and phosphaturia, thus differing from dogs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate calcium and phosphate metabolism in dogs with hypercortisolism. Serum PTH (sPTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D) and calcitriol (1,25D) concentration along with urinary fractional excretion (%) of phosphate (FEP) and calcium (FECa) were concurrently evaluated in dogs with hypercortisolism.

Dogs with newly diagnosed hypercortisolism (pituitary or adrenaldependent), before treatment, without severe comorbidities (e.g. diabetes mellitus, other neoplasia), were enrolled (December 2018-January 2020). Age and body weight matched-healthy dogs were included as control group (CG). Dogs receiving drugs or diets (e.g. renal diet) affecting calcium and phosphate balance were excluded. Hematology and chemistry profile including ionized calcium (iCa), and urinalysis with urinary electrolytes were performed in all dogs. FEP and FECa were calculated. sPTH, 25D, and 1,25D concentrations were measured using radioimmunoassays validated in dogs.

All blood and urine samples were collected for diagnostic purpose and non-routine analysis were performed on left-over samples. Data were reported as median and range, and analyzed using nonparametric statistics (α = .05).

Twenty hypercortisolism and 12 CG dogs were included. Serum phosphate concentration was significantly higher in hypercortisolism dogs compared with CG (4.9[3.4-5.7] vs 3.7[3-4.9] mg/dL, P < .002). This study aims to assess if fecal microbiome is modified in dogs with NO-HAC in comparison with healthy dogs.

A cross-sectional study was performed, including healthy dogs and dogs recently diagnosed with NO-HAC and not yet submitted to medical treatment (Ethical approval CEIE 01/2019).

signs, ultrasonographic findings and at least one positive confirmatory test (low-dosage dexamethasone suppression test and/or ACTH stimulation test). Dogs were excluded if they were treated with antibiotics and probiotics over the last six months, if they were hospitalized or vaccinated during the previous month or even if they had a concurrent gastro-intestinal disease.

A total of 18 dogs were enrolled: 9 healthy and 9 dogs with NO-HAC.

A fecal sample was obtained from all dogs. DNA extraction was performed using PowerSoil Isolation Kit. The V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified (primers 515f-806r), followed by sequencing (Illumina MiSeq). Sequencing data analysis was conducted using the platform QIIME2. For statistical purpose, the exact Fisher the ANCOM tests were performed.

When compared to healthy dogs, NO-HAC dogs showed a significant increase on the relative abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria (P < 0,001), namely Enterobacteriaceae family, Pseudomonadacaeae family and the genus Campylobacter (P < 0,001, W = 1, W = 1, respectively). These dogs also showed a significant decrease in the phylum Bacteroidetes (P < 0,001), particularly the genus Prevotella (P = 0,011) and Bacteroides (P < 0,001). Within the Firmicutes phylum, there was a relative decrease of the families Erysipelotrichaceae (P = 0,009) and

Clostridiaceaea (P = 0,010), and from the genus Robinsoniella To the author's knowledge, this is the first study that describes gut microbiome changes in dogs with NO-HAC.

Study funded by: Project UIDP/CVT/00276/2020 (funded by FCT).

Efficacy and safety of tightly controlled hyperadrenocorticism in dogs treated with trilostane in general practice Dogs were treated once daily (32), twice daily (10) both (1) or other (1). Mean interval between ACTH stimulation tests was 3.8 months.

Twenty four percent (51/216) and 46% (100/216) basal cortisols were <14 and <30 nmol/L respectively. Six percent (15/269) and 36%

(98/269) post-stimulation cortisols were <14 and <30 nmol/L respectively. There was no association between frequency of "sickness or diarrhea" and dogs' percentages of results <14 or 14-29 nmol/L. Clinical score was excellent (4-11) in 28, reasonable (12-16) in 13 and poor (>17) in 2; median score 10. Median scores for drinking, urinating, appetite and skin/coat were 1 (normal). Median score for general assessment was 2 and median score for exercise was 3. Clinical score was impacted by the exercise assessment which many owners considered unrelated to hyperadrenocorticism or its treatment.

Tight control of hyperadrenocorticism assessed by an ACTH stimulation test 4-6h after trilostane resulted in excellent clinical scores in most dogs. Tight control did not impact negatively on dogs' health. An ACTH-stimulated cortisol of 30-70 nmol/L on this assay appears a safe and efficacious monitoring goal in general practice. Cushing's syndrome, also known as hypercortisolism, is a common endocrine disorder in dogs. In 80-85% of cases, it is caused by an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma (pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism; PDH). PDH can be treated surgically or medically. However, the pituitary adenoma can recur after surgery. During medical treatment with trilostane, the pituitary tumor can continue to grow and induce space-occupying neurological abnormalities and significant deterioration of life quality. Additionally, finding the correct trilostane dose remains challenging. Non-invasive biomarkers that could detect early recurrence, correlate with pituitary adenoma size and assess efficacy of medical therapy would therefore greatly improve patient care.

MiRNAs show great potential as liquid biomarkers because their expression patterns have been shown to change during disease, and they have been found to be relatively stable in circulating blood.

The aim of this study is to identify miRNAs correlating with steroidogenesis and tumorigenesis of PDH, which would be differentially expressed between dogs with or without PDH. Seven miRNAs were expressed at higher levels in dogs with PDH compared to the healthy dogs (miRs 18-5p, 21-5p, 122-5p, 132, 141, 375 and 483-3p), while three were expressed at lower levels (miRs 218-5p, 223-3p and 503). Of these miRNAs, miR-18-5p and miR-132 were expressed at higher levels in dogs with both PDH and csACTs, compared to healthy dogs and dogs with hormonally silent ACTs, potentially indicating hypercortisolism. Additionally, miR-218-5p and miR-503 were also expressed at lower levels in dogs with PDH compared to dogs with ACTs and could therefore be PDH-specific.

This study shows that several miRNAs are differentially expressed between dogs with PDH, (cs)ACTs and healthy dogs, which can be combined into a unique canine PDH miRNA profile. This profile has the potential to assist in the monitoring of medical treatment of hypercortisolism, to assist in early detection of recurrence after hypophysectomy, and might even be linked to pituitary adenoma size.

No disclosures to report.

Machine learning based prediction of dogs with Cushing's syndrome using primary-care veterinary electronic health records 

Relationship between bronchial collapse and heart size in coughing dogs with heart murmur studied by computed tomography M. Lebastard 1 , K. Le Boedec 1 , M. Howes 2 , S. Joslyn 2 , J. S. Matheson 2 , R. T. Obrien 2 1 CHV FREGIS, Arcueil, France; 2 University of Illinois, Urbana, USA Heart disease has long been regarded as a common cause of coughing in dogs, due to dilated left atrium (LA) or cardiomegaly compressing the bronchi. However, some authors suggested that coughing might be more due to an underlying respiratory disease (ie, bronchomalacia or chronic bronchitis) than to LA enlargement causing airway collapse.

The study aim was to evaluate the association between LA enlargement/cardiomegaly and bronchial collapse in coughing dogs with heart murmur using computed tomography (CT).

Twenty-four client-owned coughing dogs with heart murmur were prospectively recruited over 4 months. Tracheal and thoracic radiography, echocardiography, and thoracic CT were performed in enrolled dogs without general anesthesia. Fourteen historical control dogs, with normal thoracic CT and no history of heart murmur and coughing, were searched from the Radiology database. Bronchial to aorta (Ao) ratio was blindly measured by 3 radiologists, and the bronchi that were significantly narrowed in dogs with murmur compared to controls were identified. The relationship between degree of collapse and LA/Ao and Vertebral Heart Scale (VHS) was evaluated in dogs with murmur via mixed-effects regression model.

The left-sided bronchi and caudal most right-sided bronchi were significantly narrower in dogs with murmur than in controls. Increasing LA size was only associated with accessory lobe bronchus narrowing.

However, increasing VHS was significantly associated with narrowing of all left-sided bronchi and accessory and right caudal lobe bronchi.

Results indicate an association between cardiomegaly and airway collapse in dogs with heart murmur, and support heart size exacerbation of cough in these dogs.

No disclosures to report.

Aspergillus qPCR testing on nasal swab: A useful tool for diagnosis and follow-up of sinonasal aspergillosis in dogs? In SNA dogs, Aspfum and PanAsp were positive in 13/20 and 14/20 dogs with a mean cycle threshold (Ct) of 30.6 [range 23,2 -33,3] and 28.3 [24,3 -34,5], respectively. The PanAsp was also positive in 3 non-SNA dogs: one with cured SNA, one with LPR and one with nasal tumor, but at very low load (Ct>33). Results between both qPCR were highly correlated (r = 0.8, P < 0.01). For Aspfum and PanAsp, the sensitivity was 65% and 70% and the specificity was 100% and 94%, respectively.

Aspfum qPCR test on deep blinded nasal swabs appears highly specific but only moderately sensitive to diagnose canine SNA. In some dogs fungal plaques are exclusively found in the frontal sinus and are probably not reached by blinded sampling. Since A. fumigatus is the most common etiological agent of canine SNA (96.7% of isolates), Aspfum testing appears appropriate; however, PanAsp testing is a nonnegligible tool to detect the small percentage of SNA cases related to other Aspergillus species. Results also show that healthy predisposed dogs do not seem to be carriers and confirm that A. fumigatus does not appear to have a major role in LPR. The negative results found in cured SNA dogs show a good correlation with clinical and rhinoscopic findings.

In conclusion, Aspfum and/or PanAsp (qPCR testing) on deep nasal blinded swabs can be useful for the detection of SNA at diagnosis and after cure.

No disclosures to report.

Characterization of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid by single cell gene expression analysis in healthy dogs: a promising technique. Clusters of CD8 + and CD4 + T cells were also found (1 cluster each) as well as clusters of mature and immature dendritic cells (1 cluster each) and clusters of ciliated or non-ciliated epithelial cells (1 cluster each).

Finally, subpopulations of B cells, neutrophils, basophils and cycling cells were also identified (1 cluster each).

We used for the first time in dogs the scRNA-seq to investigate cellular subpopulations of the BALF. This study hence expands our knowledge on dog lung immune cell populations, paves the way for the investigation at single-cell level of lower respiratory diseases in dogs, and establishes that scRNA-seq is a powerful tool for the study of dog tissue composition.

No disclosures to report.

Intradermal testing in dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy The study included 20 dogs diagnosed with EBP and 22 healthy control dogs. Inclusion criteria for EBP patients were typical clinical signs, eosinophilic inflammation in the lower airways with more than 14% eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar-lavage-fluid and exclusion of pulmonary parasites. IDT was performed with 43 allergens in both groups of dogs. Positive IDT reactions after five and 15 minutes were compared between groups using Pearson's Chi-squared test. The level of significance was ≤0.05.

While dogs in the EBP-group showed a mean of 8.9 positive reactions to all allergens tested, the control group had a mean of 7.6 positive reactions. Dogs with EBP showed significantly more overall positive reactions than dogs in the control group (P < 0.001). In addition, dogs with EBP had significantly more positive reactions for single allergens.

These included tabanus (P = 0.001), plantago lanceolata (ribwort) (P = 0.004), acarus siro (P = 0.003), lolium (ryegrass) (P = 0.031), and beech (P = 0.005).

The results of the study suggest that EBP might be associated with allergen-specific IgE-production compatible with allergic disease in some dogs.

No disclosures to report

Effects of calcitriol on oxidative burst, phagocytic function, and cytokine production in shelter dog leukocytes evaluating the immunomodulatory effects of calcitriol in blood from shelter dogs is needed. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if incubation of whole blood obtained from healthy shelter dogs housed in a shelter for ≥ 7 days with calcitriol would alter granulocyte/ monocyte (GM) oxidative burst and phagocytic function as well as pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-stimulated leukocyte production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10.

Ten healthy dogs housed in in a shelter for ≥ 7 days were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Whole blood from these dogs was incubated with calcitriol (10 -7 M) or ethanol (control) for 24 h. Subsequent to this incubation phagocytosis of opsonized-Escherichia coli (E. coli) and E. coli-induced oxidative burst were evaluated via flow cytometry.

In addition, leukocyte production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured using a canine-specific multiplex assay. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and paired t-tests were used to assess leukocyte cytokine production and phagocytosis/oxidative burst, respectively. Calcitriol significantly decreased leukocyte TNF-α production (P = 0.009) but not IL-6 (P = 0.12), irrespective of type of PAMP exposure. Calcitriol significantly increased IL-10 when cells were exposed to LTA (P = 0.002). Tumor necrosis factor-α-to-IL-10 ratio was significantly decreased with calcitriol when cells were exposed to LPS (P < 0.001) or LTA (P = 0.004). Calcitriol did not significantly affect GM oxidative burst (P = 0.16) or phagocytic function (P = 0.25).

These data indicate that calcitriol attenuates proinflammatory immune responses without affecting GM oxidative burst or phagocytic function in vitro in whole blood obtained from healthy dogs housed in shelters.

No disclosures to report. 

No disclosures to report.

Clinical, clinicopathological and imaging differences between dogs with non-associative, associative and precursor immune-mediated haemolytic anemia A. C. Ferreira 1 , A. I. Ferreira 2 , A. Paul 3 1 Internal Medicine, Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, Winchester, UK; 2 Analytics Department, Transferwise, London, UK; 3 Internal Medicine, Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, Winchester, USA A retrospective assessment was made of dogs with immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) from 2015 to 2019.

The study compared clinical, clinicopathological and imaging findings between dogs with either non-associative, associative or precursormediated IMHA to determine if there were significant differences between the 3 groups of disease, and identify any potential predictors of mortality. We hypothesised that we were more likely to have observed imaging pathology in cases of associated anemia.

Age, breed, sex, physical examination at presentation, haematology, biochemistry, blood type, imaging type and findings, concurrent diseases, number of blood transfusions, survival time and cause of death were recorded.

One hundred and thirty dogs, out of 304 diagnosed with IMHA, were included. Seventy five were diagnosed with non-associative IMHA (group 1), 18 with associative (group 2), and 36 with pIMA (group3).

There were statistically significant breed dispositions, with Cocker spaniels overrepresented in group 1 (P = 0.01) and Labrador retrievers in group 3 (P = 0.012). Dogs diagnosed with concurrent thrombocytopenia had a significantly increased mortality rate in all 3 groups (P = 0.006). In all groups, increased urea, bilirubin and AST activity was associated with decreased survival (P = 0.01, 0.008 and 0.04, respectively).

Urea and AST activity were both significantly higher in group 2 (P = 0.005 and P = 0.03); bilirubin was higher in group 1 over groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.02) and platelet count was lower in group 2 and higher in group 3 (P = 0.0001).

No statistically significant difference was seen between groups comparing ultrasonographic and radiographic findings.

Hepatosplenomegaly was the most common imaging finding in all groups.

Neoplasia was diagnosed in 38.8% of cases in group 2, with 28.5% of these localized to the liver. This study provides further evidence of the poor prognostic indicators previously described in the literature. A lower mortality rate was noted in this study than is often reported; a reason could not be identified. Our hypothesis was rejected. Changes detected on imaging alone could not predict to which group a dog would be diagnosed.

No disclosures to report. Besides severe anemia (median hematocrit 9,8%, range 3,7-19,4%) mild to moderate thrombocytopenia was present in all patients (median 109K/μL, range 42-182K/μL) and hyperbilirubinemia was present in 4 of 6 patients. Five of 6 patients responded to immunosuppressive treatment and one case was euthanized due to economical constraints. Six months after diagnosis, two patients (including the cat that had a positive result using the external ELISA) were re-tested using the same POC test. Both of them had negative results in the POC and direct agglutination test.

In conclusion, this study identified false positive results using a POC test in cats with IMHA. These results reaffirm the recommendation that cats testing positive using a POC FeLV test should be re-tested using further methods, especially if IMHA is present.

No disclosures to report.

Clinical, clinicopathological and imaging differences between cats with non-associative, associative and precursor immune-mediated hemolytic anemia Cats diagnosed with concurrent thrombocytopenia did not have a significantly increased mortality rate (P = 0.29). No significant difference was found between PCV on presentation and mortality (P = 0.20), number of blood transfusions given and mortality (P = 0.07), blood type and mortality (P = 0.88) or number of blood transfusions and IMHA type (P = 0.89).

Of the biochemical findings, an increased AST and creatinine kinase were associated with decreased survival (P = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively This study provides further evidence of poor prognostic indicators previously described in the literature and provides further assessment of the various forms of hemolytic anemia.

No disclosures to report.

Clinical, diagnostic findings and short-term outcome in 27 cats with non-regenerative anemia due to bone marrow disorders (2), and AML (2). The median age was 2 years. History revealed lethargy (96%), hyporexia (63%), weight loss (22%), digestive (15%) and respiratory (11%) signs, and pica (7%). Physical examination showed systolic heart murmur (63%), respiratory abnormalities (46%), abnormal body temperature (44%), and icterus (15%). The overall median PCV was 10% (ranging from 4.1 to 23.3). Concomitant CBC findings included macrocytosis (63%), severe thrombocytopenia (12%) and leukopenia (12%). Six cats were found positive for infectious agents [FeLV (2), FIV (1), coronavirus (1) and Mycoplasma haemofelis (2)]. Biochemistry revealed increased ALT (62%), hyperbilirubinemia (43%) and hypoalbuminemia (35%). Imaging findings included cardiomegaly (57%), abdominal lymph nodes enlargement (58%), splenomegaly (42%), hepatomegaly (33%) and abdominal effusion (29%). No difference was found between groups about frequency of these clinical and diagnostic findings. Cats were managed with whole blood transfusion (17), prednisolone (27), cyclosporine

(2) and/or cytarabine (2). Median duration of hospitalization (DH) was 4 days. DH was negatively correlated with PCV (rho = -0.55; P < 0.05). Sixty-one % experienced remission within a median of 14 days. Remission rate was more frequent in cats with IM-NRA (67%) compared to PN-NRA (0%) (P < 0.05). Short-term survival rate (89% and 20%, respectively) was also higher in cats with IM-NRA (P < 0.05).

In this study, IM-NRA and PN-NRA presented with similar clinical and diagnostic findings. However, the remission and short-term survival rates were higher among cats with IM-NRA.

No disclosures to report.

Comparison of Clinical examination, laboratory findings, prognosis and long-term follow-up between client-owned ill cats naturally infected either by Mycoplasma haemofelis or Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum in a single practice C. Beaudu-Lange 1 , E. Lange 2 , K. Lecoq 3 , J. Andrejak 4 , C. Boucrault-Baralon 5 1 Clinique vétérinaire de la pierre bleue, Pipriac, France; 2 Clinique Vétérinaire de la Pierre Bleue, Clinique vétérinaire de la pierre bleue, Pipriac, France; 3 Clinique vétérinaire, Clinique vétérinaire de la pierre bleue, Pipriac, France; 4 AFVAC, AFVAC, Paris, France; 5 Scanelis, SCANELIS, Colomiers, France Feline Hemoplasma chronic carriage has been largely described. We lack information about clinical examination, laboratory findings, prognosis, relapse and long-term follow-up in naturally infected ill cats.

We hypothesized they would differ between cats infected either by Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) or by Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (Mhm).

In order to compare both groups, we retrospectively included 63 ill client-owned cats from 2008 to 2020, with positive hemoplasma PCR, BCC, biochemistry and FeLV/FIV status at diagnosis. Treatment was based on saline infusion, dexamethasone (0,2 mg/kg/d/IV/3d) and doxycycline (10mg/kg/d/30d).

Mhf positive cats (28 cases) had acute anorexia (96,4%), digestive symptoms (35,7%), syncopa (14,3%), ataxia (14,3%), dyspnea (7,1%), urinary incontinence (7,1%); most were young (median 2yr [0,75-13]) non-medicalized males (85,1%), with jaundice (64,3%), pale mucous membrane (32,1%), and systolic heart murmur (2-4/6, 39,3%). Few were infected by FeLV or FIV (14,3% each, 1 coinfection). Mean hemoglobinemia was 5,1g/dl (NR 9-15). ALT were abnormal in 50% (median 222 UI/l, NR <100) and median Alb/Glob ratio was 0,57 (NR > 0,8). Two cats died (pulmonary edema, FIP coinfection). Twenty six cats were discharged from hospitalization. Three non-compliant cats respectively relapsed at 3 weeks, 3, and 6 months (good response to second treatment), 2 cats had Mhm anemia later on. Five died from another cause (mean follow-up 4,2yr), 13 were still alive at study end (follow-up 4,4yr), (8 lost to follow-up).

Compared to Mhf cats, Mhm positive cats (28 cases, 67,8% males, 32,1% FIV+, 7,1% FeLV+, 1coinfection) were acutely ill (67,8%), emaciated (32,1%) older (median age 7yr, P < 0,001) with weakness (39,3%), fever (median 40 C, P < 0,05). Mean Hemoglobinemia was 8,2g/dl (low, but higher than Mhf, P < 0,001). ALT always was in normal range (P < 0,001). Severe comorbidities were present in 35,7% of cases (leukemia, lymphoma, hyperthyroidism, stomatitis, panleukopenia, pericardial effusion, cardiomyopathy, lipidosis). All cats were discharged from hospitalization. The 7 cats that died within 1-7 months without clinical response to treatment were cachectic at diagnosis. Thirteen cats died thereafter from another cause (mean followup 3,5yr). Five cats were still alive at study end (follow-up 5,7yr),

(3 lost to follow-up).

Mhf and Mhm induced anemia in naturally infected cats, with more severe anemia in the former, whatever FeLV/FIV status. ALT often were increased in Mhf cats. Severe comorbidities were frequent in Mhm cases, cachexia being a predictive factor of death, but a large majority of affected cats were long-term survivors without relapse in both groups.

No disclosures to report.

Clinical and diagnostic findings and outcome in 58 dogs with immune-mediated polyarthritis The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the clinicobiological picture and outcome between dogs with i-IMPA and r-IMPA.

Our database was searched for dogs diagnosed with both erosive and non-erosive IMPA between June-2004 and January-2020. Diagnosis of IMPA was based on the presence of aseptic neutrophilic inflammation of ≥2 joints at cytology. Idiopathic IMPA was diagnosed after exclusion of underlying infectious, inflammatory or neoplastic diseases and/or based on positive response to immunomodulatory therapy.

Dogs with systemic lupus erythematous, polyarthritis-polymyositis syndrome, and steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis were excluded.

Signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic findings and outcome were recorded and compared between dogs with i-IMPA and r-IMPA (level of significance set at P < 0.05).

Fifty-eight dogs (median age 4.7 years) were included (43 dogs with i-IMPA and 15 dogs with r-IMPA). Dogs with r-IMPA had leishmaniasis (7), digestive disorders (3), eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy (3), bacterial infection (1) and gossypiboma (1). Dogs with r-IMPA were more frequently large breed dogs (P = 0.02). Overall, common clinical and physical abnormalities included lameness/stiffness (79%), hyperthermia (72%), peripheral adenomegaly (72%), and lethargy (67%). Joint swelling, pain and/or heat were present in all dogs, involving carpi (87%), tarsi (53%), stifles (54%), elbows (47%), and hips (14%). No significant differences were found between dogs with i-IMPA and r-IMPA. Frequent biological abnormalities were leukocytosis (47%), anemia (30%), hypoalbuminemia (61%), hyperproteinemia (28%) and increased C-reactive protein (CRP; 90%). Overall, a significant negative correlation was observed between serum albumin concentration and the number of affected joints (rho = -0.31; P = 0.04). Hyperproteinemia (P = 0.02) was more frequent in dogs with r-IMPA, while leukocytosis (P = 0.002) was more frequent in dogs with i-IMPA.

Forty-seven dogs were treated with immunomodulatory drugs [prednisolone (45) , leflunomide (5), cyclosporine (3), and mycophenolate mofetil (1)]; their administration was more frequent among dogs with i-IMPA (P < 0.001). Clinical follow-up was available for 42 dogs (30 i-IMPA and 12 r-IMPA). Seventy-four% experienced complete remission (CR; no physical abnormalities), while 21% experienced partial remission (persistence of physical abnormalities).The mean time to CR was 38 days and it was significantly shorter in dogs with i-IMPA (29 days) compared to those with r-IMPA (50 days). There was no correlation between CRP-to-albumin ratio and time-to-remission.

Our results suggest that clinico-biological picture and outcome are similar in dogs with i-IMPA and r-IMPA. The duration to achieve CR was shorter in dogs with i-IMPA.

No disclosures to report.

The mercury challenge: Feline systolic blood pressure in primary care practice, a European survey A. Sparkes 1 , C. Garelli-Paar 2 , E. Guillot 2 1 Simply Feline Veterinary Consultancy, Shaftesbury, UK; 2 Ceva Santé Animale, Libourne, France Systemic hypertension is an important condition in cats, but there is a paucity of data on systolic blood pressure (SBP) values measured in cats attending primary care practices. This convenience survey was designed to collect SBP data from a large number of cats across numerous European countries.

From June 2018, Ceva Santé Animale invited primary care clinics to record data from cats aged ≥7 years who had SBP measured as part of their routine veterinary care. Owners gave permission for anonymised information from the cats to be recorded on a central database (mercurychallenge.ceva.com), including basic demographic data, information on concomitant disease and/or medications, SBP values, and any antihypertensive therapy given.

By March 2020, data was available from >9100 cats from 17 countries. Of these data, there were 5262 unique entries from cats ≥7 years of age that were receiving no concomitant prescribed therapies. Analysis of these data revealed that according to ACVIM criteria, 36% of the cats were normotensive (SBP < 140 mmHg), 28% were pre-hypertensive (140-159 mmHg), 17% were hypertensive (160-179 mmHg) and 18% were severely hypertensive (>180 mmHg). 172 cats (3.3%) had hyperthyroidism, 780 (14.8%) had CKD and 28 (0.5%) had both. Median SBP in cats with CKD (157 mmHg), hyperthyroidism (157 mmHg) or both (167 mmHg) were significantly higher than in cats without these conditions (146 mmHg). Excluding the data from cats with CKD or hyperthyroidism, there was a small but significant correlation between SBP and age (Spearman r = 0.261, P < 0.0001), a very low negative correlation with bodyweight (Spearman r = -0.033, P = 0.038), but sex had no significant effect on median SBP values. SBP values measured by oscillometry (median 151 mmHg) were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than those measured by Doppler (median 145 mmHg). Subjective assessment of stress was significantly (P < 0.0001) related to SBP with nervous/ aggressive cats (median SBP 160mmHg) having higher values than anxious (153 mmHg) or calm cats (140 mmHg).

SBP measurement was reported to take <5 minutes in 51%, 5-10 minutes in 41% and >10 minutes in 8% of cases. These data suggest SBP can be readily measured in primary care practice and demonstrate a high prevalence of cats with potential hypertension. Cats reported to have CKD or hyperthyroidism had significantly higher median SBP values and both methodology and subjective assessment of stress may assist interpretation of SBP values.

This survey was supported by Ceva Santé Animale.

A proteomic evaluation of greyhound meningoencephalitis using quantitative mass spectrometry highlights the consideration of viral triggers A unique form of breed-restricted meningoencephalitis has been previously reported in Irish greyhounds. This condition typically affects multiple littermates, consistent with an underlying genetic, infectious or environmental trigger, or a combination thereof. However, attempts to identify a cause using genome-wide association and sequencing studies, PCR-and serology-based infectious disease screening, and environmental assessment, have been unrewarding.

The aim of this study was to characterize the cerebral inflammatory response on the proteomic level in dogs with greyhound meningoencephalitis (GHME) using mass spectrometry.

Samples were collected from young greyhounds with GHME (n = 7) and age-and breed-matched controls (n = 7). Samples were collected within 30 minutes of euthanasia. Control dogs were euthanized for reasons other than neurological disease and had unremarkable brain histopathology. Proteins from each cerebral tissue were extracted, quantified and digested. A label-free, quantitative proteomic analysis was conducted on 1μg of the purified peptide from each sample using high resolution-accurate mass spectrometry. The relative fold change (RFC) in protein expression was determined. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to identify outliers and clusters of sam-ples with similar expression profiles. Student's t-tests were performed to determine statistically significant differentially abundant (SSDA) proteins.

PCA resolved two distinct clusters. 592 SSDA proteins were identified in cerebral samples compared to controls: 346 and 246 proteins with increased and decreased abundances, respectively. Proteins with the most differentially increased abundance included many associated with immunity such as interferon-induced GTP-binding protein Mx1 These results support previous gene expression studies. Further exploration of potential viral causes of GHME, and potentially other forms of meningoencephalitis of unknown origin in dogs, is warranted.

The study has been performed with the support of AKC Canine Health Foundation. Grant number 02470-A.

Prospective evaluation of urinary alkaline phosphatase and γ -glutamyl transpeptidase as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of acute kidney injury in dogs 

This study is part of a PhD project that is financially supported by IDEXX Laboratories Inc.

Liver-type fatty acid binding protein and neutrophil gelatinaseassociated lipocalin in feline chronic kidney disease and feline hyperthyroidism Correlations between both serum and urinary biomarkers and urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC), and between serum and urinary biomarkers were assessed in all cats using Spearman's correlation. The sensitivity and specificity of L-FABP and NGAL for the detection of azotemic CKD were determined based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

CKD cats had significantly higher sL-FABP (13.50 ng/mL; P = .013) and uL-FABP/Cr (4.90 μg/g; P < .001) than healthy cats (4.26 ng/mL and 0.09 μg/g, respectively). Hyperthyroid cats had significantly increased uL-FABP/Cr (0.88 μg/g; P < .001) and sNGAL (38.24 ng/mL; P < .048) compared to healthy cats (sNGAL: 31.33 ng/mL). There was no significant difference of uNGAL/Cr between groups (CKD cats:

3.34 μg/g; hyperthyroid cats: 2.98 μg/g; healthy cats: 3.19 μg/g). Sensitivity and specificity for the detection of azotemic CKD were 55.6%

and 88.9% for sL-FABP (cutoff 13.50 ng/mL) and 100% and 90.9% for uL-FABP/Cr (cutoff 0.18 μg/g). The correlation between sL-FABP and uL-FABP/Cr was moderate and significant (rs = 0.36; P < .001), but there was no correlation between sNGAL and uNGAL/Cr (rs = -0.02; P = .81). A strong and significant correlation was observed between uL-FABP/Cr and UPC (rs = 0.78; P < .001).

In conclusion, L-FABP rather than NGAL seems a potential biomarker for early detection of CKD in cats and may also be a promising early renal biomarker in hyperthyroid cats.

No disclosures to report. included. In dogs, uCysB was higher in the AKI and CKD groups compared with the control and UTI groups (both, P < 0.002). Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis of uCysB for predicting AKI in dogs had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.91 (95%CI, 0.82-0.99, sensitivity 89%, specificity 100%). In dogs with AKI, nonsurvivors had higher uCysB compared with survivors (P = 0.007). ROC of uCysB as an AKI outcome predictor had an AUC of 0.77 (95%CI , 0.61-0.94), and a 1200 ng/mL cut-off point corresponded to sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 67%. Cats with AKI had higher uCysB compared with control (P < 0.001), CKD (P = 0.001) and UO (P = 0.004). ROC analysis of uCysB for predicting AKI had an AUC of 0.92 (95%CI, 0.84-1.0, sensitivity 90%, specificity 92%). uCysB in cats was higher in non-survivors compared with survivors of AKI. ROC analysis of uCysB as an AKI outcome predictor had an AUC of 0.84 (95%CI, 0.56-1.0), and 469 ng/mL corresponded to a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 75%. In conclusion, uCysB is a sensitive and specific marker as well as a prognostic marker for AKI in both species. This study aimed to examine the relationship between plasma sαKl and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in senior cats.

Clinicopathological information from cats ≥9 years old (n = 143), was sourced from the records of two first opinion practices (2011) (2012) (2013) (2014) (2015) (2016) .

Inclusion criteria were availability of stored EDTA plasma and a concurrent plasma FGF23 measurement. Cats with chronic systemic disease or plasma thyroxine > 40nmol/L were excluded. Cats were categorized into four groups: healthy (n = 54), IRIS CKD Stage 1 if plasma SDMA >14ug/dL (n = 21) and IRIS Stages 2 (n = 42) and 3 (n = 19). Stored samples were used to quantify sαKl using a commercially available ELISA that was validated as part of the study. and were significantly different between all groups (P < 0.05). Plasma sαKl concentration did not differ between groups. There was no correlation of plasma sαKl with plasma creatinine or FGF23.

The lack of association between CKD and sαKl requires further investigation to elucidate whether this finding is due to species differences in pathophysiological mechanisms or methods of sαKl quantification. 

Risk factors associated with disturbances of calcium homeostasis following the initiation of phosphate-restricted diet in cats with chronic kidney disease P. K. Tang 1 , R. Geddes 2 , Y. M. Chang 3 , R. Jepson 2 , J. Elliott 1 1 Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK; 2 Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK; 3 Research Support Office, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK Dietary phosphate restriction improves survival in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, feeding a phosphate-restricted diet may contribute to development of hypercalcemia. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with increasing plasma total calcium concentrations (TCa) following transition onto a phosphate-restricted diet in CKD cats.

Records from two first-opinion practices were reviewed to identify cats with CKD transitioned onto a renal diet. Change in TCa, 200 days following diet change, were assessed using linear regression and dichotomized into "uptrend" (regression gradient >0) and "non- A lower baseline potassium and/or phosphate concentration is independently associated with increasing TCa in CKD cats fed renal diet, suggesting involvement of these analytes in renal calcium reabsorption may contribute to hypercalcemia in some cats.

The effect of bacteriuria on survival and disease progression in cats with Azotemic chronic kidney disease There was no significant difference in survival time between cats with no-PUC and cats with any number of PUC (P = .908), or between cats with no-PUC, one PUC and multiple PUC (P = .367). There was also no significant difference in the frequency of CKD progression between the PUC and no-PUC cats (P = .504), or between no-PUC, one PUC and multiple PUC cats (P = .22). When assessing cats with clinical signs of UTI, there was no significant difference in the frequency of CKD progression between cats with true UTI, subclinical bacteriuria and no-PUC (P = .797).

This study demonstrated that when treated with antibiotics, PUC in cats with CKD do not affect disease progression or survival time.

Rosanne Jepson has funding from the PetPlan Charitable Trust and the Foundation for Feline Renal Research, and has consultancy agreements with Boehringer Ingelheim and CEVA.

Renal AA-amyloidosis in shelter cats: A retrospective study based on clinico-pathological data, light microscopy and ultrastructural features Systemic AA-amyloidosis is a protein misfolding disease characterized by extracellular deposition of non-soluble fibrils arising from the acute phase protein serum amyloid A; the kidney is one of the target organs.

In cats, systemic AA-amyloidosis is described in the familial form in Cats from one shelter were considered if necropsy was performed within 6 hours from death and kidney samples were collected. Routine histochemistry was used to diagnose and score amyloid deposits and characterize tubulointerstitial damage, electron microscopy to differentiate glomerular lesions. Cats were included if renal-AA amyloidosis was diagnosed and had laboratory data available within 5 weeks before death.

Eleven cats were included. All were domestic shorthairs, 5 were male and 6 females. The mean age was 7.9 years (range: 2-13). All cats had blood analyses available, 9 urinalyses. Mean serum creatinine concentration was 3.1 mg/dL (range: 1.5-7.0); 1 cat was in CKD IRIS stage I, 5 in stage II, 3 in stage III, and 2 in stage IV. SDMA concentration was 32.5 mg/dL (range: 17-69). Ten cats had anemia (hematocrit: 20.9%; 15.8-29), 9 hypoalbuminemia (2.3 g/dL; 1.2-2.9). All urinalyses showed proteinuria (urine protein-to-creatinine ratio: 3.66; 0.5-10.6); in 6 cats proteinuria was >2. One cat repeatedly presented normoglycemic glycosuria. Urinary specific gravity was 1020 (1010-1046). Ten cats had amyloid deposits in the glomeruli and all in the tubulo-interstitium. Seven cats had concurrent interstitial nephritis, one renal lymphoma and one membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Interestingly, two cats with interstitial nephritis and proteinuria >2, had severe tubulo-interstitial amyloidosis and only mild glomerular amyloidosis.

In conclusion, renal AA-amyloidosis is associated with azotemia and proteinuria in shelter cats. Additionally, amyloid deposits are observed both in the glomeruli and tubulo-interstitium. Of note, some cats with prominent tubulo-interstitial lesions may have severe proteinuria. Whether tubulo-interstitial amyloid justifies glycosuria in one cat remains unclear. Renal AA-amyloidosis should be included in the differential diagnoses of shelter cats with CKD.

The research project received the BIRD 2019 from the University of Padua (Italy) and the 2019 AniCura Research Fund.

Survival rate and prognostic factors in dogs with acute on chronic kidney disease A. Dunaevich 1 , H. Chen 1 , D. Musseri 2 , M. Mazaki-Tovi 1 , S. Kuzi 1 , I. Aroch 1 , G. Segev 1 1 Internal Medicine, Koret Veterinary School, Rishon Lezion, Israel; 2 Koret Veterinary School, Rishon Lezion, Israel

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common urinary tract disease in small animals, with estimated canine prevalence of 0.5%-7%. Acute exacerbation of CKD (ACKD) is common, however, its etiologies, risk-factors and prognosis have not been described. The aims of this study were to characterize the etiology, clinical and laboratory findings, short-and long-term prognosis of dogs with ACKD. The study included 100 dogs with ACKD, diagnosed and hospitalized in a veterinary teaching hospital. Median age was 144 months (range, 18-288 months). There was no difference in age between survivors (155 months, range, 24-225 months) and non-survivors (132 months, range,18-288 months) (P = 0.349).

Pyelonephritis was the most common identified etiology. There was no difference in mortality rate among etiologies (P = 0.464).

Median hospitalization time was 5 days (range, 2-29 days) and was significantly longer in survivors (6 days, 2-29 days) compared with non-survivors (4 days, range, 2-20 days) (P < 0.001). IRIS AKI grade was associated (P = 0.009) with the short-term survival. In a multivariable analysis, increased respiratory rate (P = 0.012), CK activity (P = 0.005) and serum creatinine concentration (P = 0.041) at presentation were associated with outcome. The median survival time of dogs discharged was 105 days (95%CI, 25-184), with 35 and eight dogs surviving up to 6 and 12 months respectively. The etiology (P = 0.16) and serum creatinine concentration (P = 0.59) at discharge were not predictors of long-term survival. In conclusion, the short-term outcome of dogs with ACKD is comparable to AKI, however, long-term prognosis is guarded. IRIS AKI grade is a prognostic indicator of the short-term outcome.

No disclosures to report.

Prognostic impact of time interval between surgery and initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy following limb amputation in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma without distant metastases Adjuvant chemotherapy should be initiated in a timely manner following surgery to maximally impact residual neoplasia. However, optimal timing remains unknown. The aim of this retrospective study was to examine whether there was a measurable prognostic impact of the time interval to adjuvant systemic chemotherapy (TI) in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma following limb amputation. The objectives of the study were to evaluate whether any relationship existed between TI and prognosis and, if so, whether there was an optimal TI or a TI after which the benefit of treatment decreases.

Dogs were included if they underwent limb amputation for a histologically-confirmed appendicular osteosarcoma; had no evidence of distant metastases; had a body weight >15 kg; received at least 4 cycles of adjuvant dose-intense chemotherapy, and had complete clinico-pathologic and follow-up data. The following clinicopathological factors were analyzed: breed; age; sex; weight; symptom duration; site of osteosarcoma; lymph node metastasis; distant metastasis; alkaline phosphatase; monocytes; lymphocytes; type of imaging; chemotherapy protocol; number of cycles; chemotherapy-related toxicity, and cause of death.

Dogs were classified into 8 groups based on whether they received chemotherapy 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30 days or >30 days after surgery.

Survival analyses was performed to identify potential prognostic factors.

One-hundred and thirty dogs were included. The median TI was 14 days (range, 1-70). TI of 7 days was associated with the greatest survival benefit: dogs receiving chemotherapy 8 or more days after surgery had a risk 1.8 times higher for death from osteosarcomarelated causes (P = 0.008). No other potential prognostic factors were associated with TTP or OS.

Findings from our study indicate that the timing of chemotherapy initiation is an important prognostic variable. Based on these data, we recommend that great efforts should be made to minimize postsurgical recovery time to enable starting adjuvant chemotherapy within 7 days post-surgery. TI of 7 days was associated with a significant survival benefit in our population of dogs with non-metastatic appendicular osteosarcoma.

No disclosures to report. Ten client-owned dogs with naturally occurring osteosarcoma were enrolled in a prospective, open-label, phase I dose escalation study using an accelerated dose-titration design followed by 3+3 design.

Four dose levels were evaluated: 4 mg/kg (n = 1), 6 mg/kg (n = 2), One-hundred and fifteen cases were included. Median age was 7 years (range 1-14 years) and median body weight was 27.6 kg (range 3-74 kg). Median CCNU dose was 63.5 mg/m 2 (range 27.8-84.9 mg/m 2 ). The most common clinical diagnosis was lymphoma in 70 cases (60.9%), followed by histiocytic sarcoma in 31 (27%), mast cell tumor in 12 (10.4%) and undifferentiated round cell tumor in 2 cases (1.7%). CCNU was used as single agent in 75 cases (65.2%), whilst it was part of a multidrug protocol in 40 (34.8%); in 72 cases (62.6%) it was used as first line and as a rescue in 43 cases (37.4%). Neutropenia was recorded in 75 cases (65%) with events classified as VCOG grade I (28%), II (16%), III (29%) and IV (27%). Tumor type (histiocytic sarcoma), use of CCNU as first line and total dose (>70 mg/m 2 ) were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing neutropenia, including grade III and IV events. The MST of neutropenic patients was not significantly different compared to non-neutropenic patients (129 vs. 131 days, respectively) nor was PFS (63 vs. 62 days, respectively).

In conclusion, when CCNU is administered to dogs with histiocytic sarcoma, used first line and at a total dose over 70 mg/m 2 there may be an increased risk of neutropenia, and deserves consideration in order to minimize severe and potentially life-threatening adverse events.

No disclosures to report.

Prevalence of reproduction pathologies and associated death with survival analysis among bitches over 6 years of age in a single practice C. Beaudu-Lange 1 , E. Lange 2 , K. Lecoq 3 , S. Larrat 4 1 Clinique vétérinaire de la pierre bleue, Pipriac, France; 2 Clinique Vétérinaire de la Pierre Bleue, Clinique vétérinaire de la pierre bleue, Pipriac, France; 3 Clinique vétérinaire, Clinique vétérinaire de la pierre bleue, Pipriac, France; 4 Clinique vétérinaire, Clinique vétérinaire Benjamin Franklin, Brech, France Very few data is available concerning reproduction pathologies (RP) morbidity and mortality among bitches in a context of low sterilization rate. We hypothesized that RP morbidity and mortality would be higher among unspayed compared to spayed females, and looked for RP effect on life expectancy.

Female medical records born from 2000 to 2003 were reviewed in a single practice. Cases were included if at least one complete visit was done from 6 years of age, with known sterilization status (< or >2 years). Ovariectomy was systematically advised at puberty and unilateral complete mastectomy with ovariectomy as soon as any mammary tumor (MT) was discovered. Among 602 included cases (IC), main RP (pyometra, MT) were statistically compared regarding sterilization status. 293 females were followed up until death (UD) with a last clinical examination. Females considered dead due to RP presented either with invasive MT or pulmonary metastasis confirmed with X-ray, or severe pyometra with poor general condition. The age at the last consultation was used for the survival analysis, with data considered right censored for individuals lost to follow-up (n = 309).

The effects of early spaying and of mammary tumors on survival was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier and Cox-model analysis.

Among IC, 8,3% were spayed before-2, 40,5% later, 51,2% weren't.

Seventy-nine females (13,1%) were presented with a pyometra, of which 15 died. Hundred and sixty-three females (27,1%) developed MT (median age 10), 60 had surgery (36,8%, median age 9). Among UD group, 36,2% presented MT during their life of which 18,4% deceased from MT, 4,4% were euthanized without identified cause of death and 13,3% died from another cause.

Early spaying was significantly associated with lower incidence of MT and associated mortality (Fisher's exact test, respective odds ratio = 0.1,P < 0.001; odds ratio = 0,P = 0,016). The survival analysis did not show any significant effect of the diagnosis of MT or early spaying on survival (P = 0.47 and P = 0.92 respectively). Among females presenting MT, undergoing surgery significantly increased the survival by a factor of 2.6 (cox model, P < 0.001). The age at which MT was discovered had a significant negative effect on survival, with each additional year decreasing the survival by a factor of 1.35 (cox model, P < 0.001).

Reproduction pathologies caused mortality in 23% of females in this low-sterilization rate cohort. Early spaying was statistically associated with lower mammary tumors incidence and mortality but did not change life expectancy.

No disclosures to report.

Prevalence of peripheral blood and bone marrow infiltration in canine extranodal lymphoma (1 spinal, 1 mediastinal) and 1 (5,9%) only PBI (cutaneous). All these patients except the last one showed one or more hematologic abnormalities. No BMI or PBI were detected in 11 cases (64,7%); hematologic abnormalities were present in 6 cases. Due to the moderate prevalence of PBI/ BMI, our preliminary results suggest that a complete staging including BM aspiration could not be always necessary for canine extranodal LSAs. Unfortunately, hematologic abnormalities do not appear to be predictive of the BMI.

Further studies to define the prognostic value of BMI are needed to clarify the role of BM evaluation in extranodal LSA.

No disclosures to report.

A preliminary immunohistochemical study of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) expression and its prognostic significance in 57 canine anal sac adenocarcinomas There was no significant difference between MST in cases with high and low pSTAT3 expression. Cases that presented with metastatic disease had shorter MST (395 days) than those with primary tumors alone (623 days). pSTAT3 is variably expressed in primary and metastatic ASACs cells, however in this study pSTAT3 did not provide prognostic information for canine ASACs.

No disclosures to report.

Unravelling tumor-driving mutations in canine mast cell tumors and metastatic lymph nodes by next generation sequencing Although progress has been made understanding this neoplasm, mast cell tumors can still behave unpredictably and at times be a clinical challenge. In addition the presence or absence of metastatic disease can be difficult to conclude as the differentiation between reactive and neoplastic mast cells based on cytology and histology is challenging. It has been shown that some mast cell tumors carry mutations in the KIT oncogene in exon 8, 9 or 11 however little is known about additional somatic variants driving oncogenesis and metastasis.

In order to investigate this further, with the view to identify somatic variants which could shed light on the biological behavior of mast cell tumors and potentially be used for prognostication or detection of metastasis, we performed exome sequencing on paired tumor and normal DNA from 18 mast cell tumors and 11 paired metastatic lymph nodes based on achieved FFPE tissues and peripheral blood samples.

All samples consisted of surplus diagnostic material stored with owner consent. Data was aligned to CanFam 3.1 following the GATK best practices and somatic variants called using Mutect 1, MAC and Strelka with appropriate filtering of normal variants and false positive calls.

After filtering for quality and sequencing coverage, data was available for 13 primary mast cell tumors and (9 cutaneous, 3 subcutaneous, 1 intramuscular) and 10 lymph nodes. The results indicate contrary to the previous study that HS seem to use weak ALT activity with prevalences of 4% in BMDs and ≤9% in other breeds. Future studies may demonstrate high prevalence of the other TMM telomerase activity with potential as prognostic marker and therapeutic target.

No disclosures to report.

Effect of low dose rate half body irradiation on the remission and survival times for dogs with multicentric, substage a, B cell lymphoma treated with multiagent chemotherapy M. P. Best 1 , R. C. Straw 2 , E. Gumpel 2 , D. Fry 2 1 Eastcott Referrals, Swindon, UK; 2 Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre, Brisbane, Australia Multiagent chemotherapy has proven highly effective at inducing remission in dogs with multicentric, B cell lymphoma but, despite efforts to extend response durations, current literature suggests average first remission durations are less than one year. Several published studies of dogs treated with half body irradiation show longer survival times but they lack control groups to confirm these results. The aim of this study was to investigate the benefit of half body irradiation to dogs with substage a, B cell lymphoma being treated with chemotherapy.

Nine dogs with stage 3 or higher, substage a, B cell lymphoma who achieved complete remission after the first cycle of a chemotherapy protocol were enrolled in the study prospectively. All cases treated at the same institution with the same inclusion criteria from the preceding 5 years were enrolled retrospectively and from this retrospective cohort 9 individuals were selected as case controls by a blinded, independent, European-boarded specialist in oncology based upon signalment and common influences on prognosis.

All dogs in the study were treated with the same chemotherapy protocol (UW-19 without prednisolone) while the prospective study dogs had the second cycle of chemotherapy substituted with two low dose rate half body irradiation treatments two weeks apart and separated by a single dose of L-asparaginase. The cranial half body irradiation was administered two weeks after the first dose of doxorubicin with L-asparaginase one week later and the caudal half body irradiation delivered the following week. This was followed by two further cycles of chemotherapy. The primary outcome was first remission duration and the secondary outcome was overall survival. The patients were censored at 2 years within our study design.

Dogs in the control group had a median remission time of 261 days and a median survival of 286 days with 0/9 dogs remaining in first remission at 2 years and only 1/9 dogs surviving >730 days. Within the study group 5/9 dogs were in first remission at 2 years and 7/9 dogs were still alive at 2 years resulting in median remission and survival times both >730 days. The differences in remission and survival times were statistically significant with P values of P = 0.011 and P = 0.015 respectively.

This study suggests that there is a significant extension in remission duration and survival time for dogs when low dose rate half body irradiation is included in their treatment protocol.

The study received funding from the Australian Animal Cancer Foundation which was paid directly to an external biometrician for input to study design and statistical analysis.

The use of a combined prebiotic and probiotic oral product and its impact on stool consistency in dogs undergoing radiotherapy Data were assessed for normality using Shapiro-Wilk test, and differences between groups analyzed using chi-squared test, T-test or Mann Whitney U test where appropriate.

Thirty-one dogs were recruited. There were 16 dogs within group A which received the synbiotic and 15 dogs in group B which received the placebo. The duration of treatment ranged from 11 to 30 days, and there was no difference between groups (median for group A 22 days vs median for group B 22 days, P = 0.49). There was no significant difference between stool scores, (mean for group A 5 vs mean for group B 10, P = 0.11), nor percentage of days of abnormal stools (median for group A 18 days vs median for group B 17 days, P = 0.40).

There was no difference between groups for the frequency of vomiting (P = 0.682), weight loss (P = 0.432) or appetite score (median for group A 1 vs median for group B 0, P = 0.47).

The use of the synbiotic product did not provide a clinical benefit compared to a placebo in dogs undergoing radiotherapy.

No disclosures to report. Pal is associated with diarrhea in humans and dogs, and a putative cytolethal distending toxin may be involved in virulence.

Connections between the diarrheal cases have not been found, but preliminary whole genome sequencing (WGS) of Pal isolates gives suspicion of common source. The presence of Pal may play a role in disease outcome in dogs with AHDS.

No disclosures to report.

Demographic risk factors for canine leptospirosis in the UK 

PhD student co-funded by MSD and BBSRC.

Ecological niche modelling to explore probability of presence of canine leptospirosis in Great Britain 

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae Transmission chains for high-risk ESBL-E clones in ICU settings occur.

After hospitalization, persistently colonized dogs might contribute to extensive household contamination and transmission of ARM. The study highlights the need to limit ESBL-E spread in companion animal clinics and to further address household transmission of ARM with the goal to provide evidence-based recommendations on hygiene measures for the household environment.

No disclosures to report.

Extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases-and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated from the gut of sick companion animals in Portugal Extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases (ESBL)-and carbapenemase (CP)-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates are a public health concern.

The role of companion animals (CAs) as potential sources and reservoirs of antimicrobial resistant bacteria represents a growing concern.

Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the presence Regarding UTI HDs, 13 ESBL isolates were obtained from 12 HDs.

Two MDR ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae were isolated with β-lactamase genotypes (bla TEM-1 and bla TEM-1 + bla 

Plasmid-mediated colistin resistance mcr-1 gene harbored on multidrug resistant isolates from companion animals in Portugal (6/83) of the E. coli isolates (healthy-2, SSTIs-3 and UTI-1) from all dogs, and for 1 out of the 3 P. aeruginosa from a healthy dog. Molecular analysis revealed that four of these E. coli isolates carried the mcr-1 gene (healthy-1, SSTIs-2 and UTI-1). This four E. coli also presented a multidrug resistance phenotype profile. The remaining isolates showing resistant phenotype but lacking the studied resistance genes should be screening for other mcr-gene variants (mcr-6 to mcr-9) to determine the exact spread of these genes in companion animals. There is also the possibility of having chromosomal mutations leading to resistance.

These results raise great animal and public health concerns since companion animals may act as reservoirs of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance for humans, highlighting the need of a careful monitoring. Fourteen dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Breeds included were West Highland White Terrier (n = 5), Border Terrier (n = 1), Jack Russell Terrier (n = 1), Siberian husky (n = 1), Shetland sheep dog (n = 1), Doberman (n = 1), Labrador (n = 1), Cocker Spaniel (n = 1), Bichon Frise (n = 1) and Japanese Spitz (n = 1). There were 9 spayed females, 3 sexually intact males, 1 intact female, and 1 neutered male. The median age for all dogs at the time of presentation was 10 (range, 

No disclosures to report.

Comparison of lactulose, metronidazole and hepatic specific diet in controlling clinical signs in dogs with congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts: A randomized clinical trial Thirty-six dogs were included, 12 were allocated to each group. Two dogs, 1 from HSD + LACT group and 1 from HSD + METRO groups were subsequently excluded due to concomitant diseases. Thirtythree dogs had their clinical scores available at the 4-weeks recheck and 27 dogs completed the trial until week 6 (10 HSD + LACT, 9 HSD + METRO, and 8 HSD). At diagnosis, the clinical scores were similar in all treatment groups (P = 0.89). Dogs in the "HSD + METRO" as well as the "HSD + LACT" group had a significant reduction in their clinical scores after the initial treatment compared to at diagnosis (P = 0.03 and P = 0.002, respectively). In contrast, no clinical improvement was observed in the HSD group (P = 0.401). At 6 weeks, a trend to improvement was noticed in the HSD group (P = 0.06), but no further improvement of the clinical score was detected in both other groups (P = 1).

the clinical scores in cEHPSS dogs, while sole HSD therapy is not sufficient to control the same clinical signs.

No disclosures to report.

Hepatic lead and copper concentrations in dogs with chronic hepatitis 

No disclosures to report.

Correlation between the middle width of the right pancreatic limb and serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity or pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations in cats with chronic gastrointestinal signs Kruskal-Wallis tests. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Three cats had a serum fTLI concentration ≤ 8 μg/L suggesting exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and no cats had a serum fTLI concentration between 8 and 12 μg/L, which is considered equivocal. The width of the middle portion of the right pancreatic limb (median: 1.2 cm, range: 0.6 -2.2 cm) was weekly correlated with body weight (ρ = 0.3, P = 0.005), but not significantly different between cats with a body condition score that was suboptimal (1 -3/9, 8/99 cats), optimal (4 -5/9, 75/99 cats), or high (6 -9/9, 16/99 cats) (P = 0.90). There was no significant correlation between the width of the middle portion of the right pancreatic limb and serum fTLI (P = 0.74) or fPLI concentrations (P = 0.43) in the 99 cats, nor in the subgroups of cats with a normal or abnormal pancreatic, intestinal, or hepatic biopsy results. Also, the width of the middle portion of the right pancreatic limb was not significantly different between cats with a serum fPLI concentration Ludwigsburg, Germany. Nineteen cats aged 6.9-17.5 years (median 11.6) were included. The most common breed was Domestic Short

Hair (n = 10). Sixteen cats were neutered males (84%) and three neutered females. Chronic enteropathy was confirmed with histopathology in 6/19 cats. In nine additional cats, chronic enteropathy was suspected based on ultrasonography and/or hypocobalaminemia.

Other comorbidities were common, including but not limited to, hepatobiliary disease (n = 15) and diabetes mellitus (n = 7). Ultrasonography of the pancreas was performed in 18 cats. 13/18 had an ultrasonographically abnormal pancreas. Pancreatic biopsies were not collected from any of the cats.

Median ( 

No disclosures to report.

Esophageal neoplasia in cats: Retrospective study in 19 patients 

No disclosures to report.

Gastro-duodenal ulceration (GDU) in cats: Retrospective study in 63 patients Excluding the neoplastic cause, the most frequent etiology is the idiopathic one followed by the eosinophilic inflammatory one. Furthermore, in our case history duodenal ulcers were all benign except one lymphoma. All affected patients with benign ulceration were alive at six months.

No disclosures to report.

Effect of stem cell therapy on serum albumin levels and its clinical effectiveness in dogs diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease 

No disclosures to report.

Safety and adverse effects during the stem cell infusion in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease A total of 20 dogs were included in the study approved by the ethics committee. These animals presented gastrointestinal symptoms longer than 3 weeks, did not respond to diet, antibiotics or immunosuppressants and the inflammatory process was confirmed in the biopsy The results show that the administration of MSCs can be carried out safely. However, we must consider the side effects that may occur.

Therefore, it would be necessary to carry out further studies to know exactly the specific dose, the infusion rate and all factors that affect the safety of administration of this therapy.

No disclosures to report.

Detection of anti-erythrocyte antibodies in dogs with immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy (IRE) 

No disclosures to report.

Dysregulation of gastrointestinal RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) expression in dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy This study showed a dysregulation of epithelial RAGE expression, along the gastrointestinal tract in canine CIE. These findings suggest that RAGE signaling plays a role in canine CIE, but RAGE overexpression was seen with less severe disease and was paralleled by higher anti-inflammatory decoy receptor sRAGE levels.

No disclosures to report.

Immunohistochemical expression of β-catenin, Ki67, CD3 and CD18 in canine colorectal adenomas and carcinomas Inflammation is believed to influence the human colorectal carcinogenesis and may have impact upon prognosis and survival. High presence of tumor-infiltrating T-cells, evaluated by the CD3 marker is associated with a better outcome in humans with colorectal cancer.

The mucosal immunophenotype in dogs with colorectal cancer is poorly described.

The aim of this study was to characterize and quantify mucosal histiocytes and T-cells, using immunohistochemistry (IHC) scoring of CD18 and CD3, respectively, in colorectal adenoma and adenocarcinoma of dogs. β-catenin and Ki67 were evaluated, as markers for tumor progression.

The study was a retrospective case-control study. Tissue samples from dogs with colorectal adenoma (n = 18) and adenocarcinoma (n = 5) were collected retrospectively from archived samples. These 

The Norwegian Research Foundation for Canine Cancer provided financial support.

Fecal bile acid profiles in cats with chronic enteropathy, intestinal neoplasia, and in heathy control cats. Altered fecal bile acid (fBA) profiles have been reported in humans and dogs with enteropathy or intestinal neoplasia and may have diagnostic potential in cats. We aimed to investigate fBA profiles as a biomarker to differentiate feline CE from intestinal neoplasia.

Fecal samples were collected from healthy cats (n = 12), cats with chronic lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteropathy (n = 4), or intestinal neoplasia (n = 3; 1 with large-cell and 2 with small-cell lymphoma).

Fecal unconjugated bile acids were measured using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, and profiles included both concentrations and proportions of total-, primary-, and secondary fBAs, as well as five individual fBAs. Differences between groups were tested using Fischer's exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Sex and breed distribution were similar between groups, but healthy cats were younger (median: 45 months; range: 14-133 months) com- measured. In the whole sample AMVL was significatively longer in class B2 than class A (P = 0.04) and B1 (P < 0.001) and in class C than B1 (P = 0.02); AMVW and AMVA were higher in classes B2 and C than A and B1 (P < 0.05). LA/Ao (P = 0.01), MVA d (P < 0.01), MVA s (P = 0.001) and left ventricle longitudinal end-diastolic diameter (P = 0.03) were higher in males. MVA d was significantly higher in neutered-females than in intact-females (P = 0.02). Subjects in class B1 were classified in age-related classes: under 3 y (group 1, 15.6%), between 3 and 6 y (group 2, 46.9%) and over 6 y (group 3, 37.5%). AMVW and AMVA were greater in group 3 than 1 (both P = 0.02). MVA d and MVA s were higher in group 3 compared to 2 (P = 0.02, P = 0.01). SI was lower in group 3 than 2 (P < 0.01). A subset of 34 CKCSs, non-relatives in direct line, was genotyped with Canine 230K SNP BeadChips to evaluate genomic regions of interest useful to distinguish between case and control groups of dogs. The first study was created according to age and ACVIM classification, the second to auscultation findings. These analyses highlighted, beside known regions on CFA 4-17 and 13-14, new regions of interest on several chromosomes (CFA 2-11-14-19-21-25).

Although further investigations of the genes are needed, these results may contribute to disentangle the complexity of the etiopathogenic mechanism involved in early development and rapid progression of MMVD in CKCSs. Essential will be the follow up of the subjects in class B1 which will allow us to uniquely characterize the association between the genetics and the ventricular and valvular echocardiographic characteristics.

No disclosures to report.

Factors affecting the urinary aldosterone-to-creatinine ratio in healthy dogs and dogs with naturally occurring myxomatous mitral valve disease 

No disclosures to report.

Left atrial volume assessment and survival in 160 Cavalier King Charles spaniels with or without degenerative mitral valve disease This was a retrospective observational study. Medical records were reviewed for dogs with PS that had undergone echocardiography and ECG on the same day. The ECG tracings were reviewed and data regarding heart rate, P wave amplitude, QRS complex duration, mean electrical axis of the QRS complex (MEA) and presence of atrial or ventricular arrhythmias were gathered. Correlation between the severity of PS and MEA deviation was evaluated. The ROC analysis and the Youden index were used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of clinical and ECG parameters in the prediction of severe PS.

A total of 69 dogs were included, with 28 females and 41 males. The most frequent breeds were French Bulldog (n = 15), English Bulldog (n = 11) and Amstaff (n = 5). Median age was 1.6 years (0.3-13 years) and median body weight was 14 kg (1.5-58 kg). PS severity was assessed according to the Doppler-derived peak pulmonary gradient (PG) and was classified into mild (<50 mmHg; n = 7), moderate In conclusion, syncope, right-sided heart failure, murmur grade ≥4/6, MEA >85 and P wave amplitude >0.35 mV in a young dog are predictive of severe PS, thus necessitating an urgent echocardiographic evaluation because probably benefiting from PBV.

No disclosures to report.

Assessment of global and regional right ventricular function in dogs with congenital pulmonic stenosis using echocardiography, speckle tracking imaging, and two-dimensional color tissue Doppler imaging: A prospective study of 105 cases (2013-2020) M. P. Alvarado Masis 1 , P. Passavin 2 , V. Saponaro 2 , C. Poissonnier 2 , E. Trehiou-Sechi 2 , R. Tissier 2 , V. Chetboul 2 1 Alfort Cardiology Unit, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France; 2 Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort,

Pulmonic stenosis (PS) is one of the most common congenital canine heart diseases. To the best of our knowledge, no study has focused on right ventricular (RV) function evaluated by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and two-dimensional color tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in dogs with PS. The aims of this prospective observational study were therefore, to investigate the global and regional systolic and dia-stolic RV function using conventional echocardiography, RV free wall (RVFW) longitudinal systolic strain (StS) as well as systolic and diastolic strain rate (SR) STE variables, and TDI in dogs with congenital PS in comparison to a healthy control group. Intra-RV dyssynchrony STE parameters were also assessed, i.e., early pre-stretch (amplitude In conclusion, PS dogs show various systolic and diastolic RV alterations, more pronounced for basal segments and associated with intra-RV mechanical dyssynchrony particularly in dogs with RV dilatation.

No disclosures to report.

Von Willebrand factor, endothelial injury and left atrial enlargement in cats with cardiomyopathy (1) Control group: cats without structural cardiac changes.

(2) Pre-LAE group: cats with preclinical cardiomyopathy and a normalsized LA.

(3) Pre+LAE group: cats with preclinical cardiomyopathy and LA enlargement (LAE).

(4) CHF group: cats with CHF attributable to cardiomyopathy and LAE.

(5) ATE group: cats with ATE attributable to cardiomyopathy and LAE.

Exclusion criteria were cats with systemic diseases that might cause cardiac structural changes. All control cats died of non-cardiac causes and their hearts were confirmed to be normal by histopathology. Endothelial injury at the level of the endocardium revealed by increased vWF expression occurs as LA remodels in cats with cardiomyopathy.

No disclosures to report.

Echocardiographic measurements in a large population of Italian healthy cats: The Osservatorio Veterinario Italiano Cardiopatie data Cardiomyopathies are the most frequently diagnosed cardiovascular disorders in cats and the most common of these is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Echocardiography is used to investigate cats with heart murmurs, but has become a common screening test for breeding purposes. The objective of this study was to evaluate normal echocardiographic measurements in a population of healthy cats from Italy. The Descriptive analysis was performed. The ANOVA test was carried out to check the influence of breed on echocardiographic variables. Only breeds represented by >30 cats were included. We performed linear regression modeling with allometric transformation to assess the association between bodyweight and cardiac variables. A value of P < 0.05 was considered significant.

One thousand three hundred fifty-seven cats met the inclusion criteria. The results confirmed the positive relation between echocardiographic measurement and body weight while no significant correlation for gender or breed or age and any measurements were found.

Our study provided normal reference measurements, allometric scale and body weight prediction intervals in a population of Italian healthy cats. Body weight should be considered when cats are evaluated for cardiomyopathy, especially if HCM is suspected. In our acknowledgements, this is the largest study of echocardiographic measurements in apparently healthy Italian cats.

No disclosures to report. The prevalence of the variant allele and its association with DCM development were evaluated using a Fisher´s Exact Test with the odds ratio function of the R epitools package. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Both alleles were observed in DCM and controls. However, no association was observed between the 16-bp deletion in PDK4 gene and DCM development (P = 0.83; OR = 1). Overall 16-bp deletion allele frequency was 0.15 (+/−0.11-0.20).

It is concluded, that the association between the 16 bp deletion in the PDK4 gene and DCM reported in American DP was not confirmed in the DP cohort from Argentina. This result is in agreement with that reported in a population of European DP. Moreover, the prevalence of the 16-bp deletion PDK4 variant was lower than that described in the American and European DP cohorts.

No disclosures to report.

Clinical characteristics for differential diagnosis and prognosis of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs with concurrent congestive heart failure : 45 cases ( were significantly less in the NCPE group (P < 0.01) than the CPE group. Furthermore, the NCPE group showed higher levels of blood work parameters related to inflammatory responses compared to the CPE group (P < 0.01): leukocytosis (WBCs, k/L;19.6 ± 7.4 vs. 10.3 ± 2.1) and C-reactive protein (CRP, mg/dL; 1.9 ± 2.1 vs. 0.5 ± 0.3). In contrast, the NCPE group exhibited significantly lower peak velocity of E wave (cm/s; 130.8 ± 36.6 vs. 157 ± 19.2) and survival outcome (%; 33.3 vs. 83.7) than the CPE group (P < 0.01). The prevalent radiographic findings in the NCPE was unilateral asymmetrical opacities (68.9%), although bilateral diffuse pulmonary infiltration (75.5%) was more often observed in the CPE group (P < 0.01). Simple logistic regression to identify survival predictors demonstrated a significant correlation with the lower SPO 2 level and the higher recurrent incidence of pulmonary edema (Cox-Snell's R squared; 0.512 and 0.581, respectively) (P < 0.01). These two predictors were also found to exert a significant effect on survival outcome in multiple logistic regression (Cox-Snell's R squared, 0.689; P < 0.05).

In summary, several clinical characteristics, in particular the SPO 2 level and the history of recurrent pulmonary edema, showed highly differential significance and strong correlation with survival outcome.

Our retrospective study could provide insight into improving diagnosis and prognosis of NCPE developed in dogs with concurrent congestive heart failure.

No disclosures to report.

Selected hematological, biochemical and echocardiographic parameters as predictors of survival in canine patients with mitral valve disease and heart failure Higher age and increasing WBC, urea, and LA/Ao are associated with decreased survival in dogs with MVD and heart failure.

No disclosures to report.

Longitudinal Speckle-Tracking echocardiography of the left and right ventricular myocardium in trained and untrained Italian blood hound dogs Heart rate, right ventricular fractional area change, left ventricular ejection fraction and shortening fraction were lower in trained compared to untrained dogs (P < 0.0006, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05 respectively). Left ventricular end systolic internal diameter normalized, right ventricular end systolic area and right atrial area, right ventricular end diastolic and end systolic volume indexed for body weight were higher in trained dogs compared to untrained dogs (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, P < 0.05 respectively). In trained dogs, global SL RV strain was lower compared to global SL RV strain of untrained dogs (P < 0.01).

In conclusion, several left and right echocardiographic variables and longitudinal systolic RV deformation by STE differed between trained and untrained dogs. These results likely reflect functional and morphologic adaptations of the heart in response to exercise.

No disclosures to report. We could obtain longitudinal strain and strain rate from the RP4Ch view in all cats. Strain, but not SR, had good intra-observer measurement variability (<10% vs~20%). However, only endocardial longitudinal strain and Sr values obtained with the two views agreed (95% limits of agreement: −3.28, 2.58; −1.41, 1.36). Epicardial longitudinal strain and Sr values did not agree sufficiently to be used interchangeably (95% limits of agreement : -11.58, 9.19; -2.28, 1.74 

No disclosures to report.

Prognostic significance of left cardiac remodeling in dogs with asymptomatic myxomatous mitral valve disease In conclusion, the prognosis of dogs in stage B1 is not significantly influenced by LA enlargement. In the stage B2, the entity of left cardiac remodeling has prognostic significance and the proposed cut-offs of LA and LV enlargement could be useful for risk stratification of cardiac death and clinical decision making in this stage.

No disclosures to report.

Echocardiographic analysis of dogs before and after the surgical treatment of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome was performed according to guidelines in 18 client-owned dogs with BOAS (7 French bulldogs, 6 Boston Terriers, and 5 Pugs) scheduled for rhinoplasty and folded flap palatoplasty. Echocardiographic followup was performed 6 to 12 months (median 9 months) after surgical treatment and parameters were compared. Weight-depended variables were indexed (one dimensional as variable/weight 1/3 , and two dimensional as variable/weight 2/3 ). Normally distributed variables were compared with paired t-test and not normally distributed with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05.

There were 12 males and 6 females included in the study. The median age of dogs before surgery was 1.8 years (interquartile range: 0.9-3.7 years). The mean (± standard deviation) weight of the dogs was 9.9 ± 2.4 kg before and 10.7 ± 2.6 kg after the surgery (P = 0.014). Dogs after surgery had larger left atrium to aortic ratio (P = 0.005; mean±SD: 1.50 ± 0.12 vs 1.63 ± 0.13), left atrium in short (P = 0.012), and long axis (P = 0.012), left atrium in long axis (LA LAX; P = 0.002), indexed LA LAX (P = 0.018) and increased global right ventricular strain (P = 0.033; −19.3 ± 5.4% vs −23.1 ± 5.6%), and global left ventricular four-chamber strain (P = 0.02). Right ventricular inner diameter at the base, absolute and indexed (P < 0.0005), and indexed right ventricular area in systole (P = 0.038) were smaller after surgery. Vena cava collapsibility index (P = 0.049) was higher after surgery (41.6 ± 11.3% vs. 49.2 ± 7.9%). Tricuspid inflow E wave velocity (0.68 ± 0.13 m/s) did not differ from mitral (0.74 ± 0.16) before (P = 0.218) and after surgery (P = 0.484); while mitral A was higher than tricuspid before (P = 0.028), but not after surgery (P = 0.529).

Despite noticeable clinical improvement after surgery, echocardiographic changes were mild. High tricuspid inflow velocities suggest higher diastolic pressure in the right heart, which does not change with the surgery; however, the right ventricular function seems to improve.

No disclosures to report.

Plasma amino acid and taurine concentrations in cats with obesity before and after a period of controlled weight reduction Limited data are available regarding adequacy of essential nutrient intake during dietary caloric restriction using a therapeutic weight management diet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine changes in plasma amino acid concentrations in cats with obesity during a period of caloric restriction.

Eleven cats were included in this non-randomized observational cohort study. All remained systemically well with no significant abnormalities on physical examination and clinicopathological assessments.

Each cat followed a tailored weight reduction programme, involving feeding a high protein, high fiber therapeutic weight management diet and increased physical activity through regular play sessions. Before and after weight reduction, blood was taken after a fast of ≥16h, for routine clinicopathological analyses. Surplus heparinized plasma was immediately frozen at -20 C for storage, and subsequently shipped on dry ice, as a single batch, to the laboratory where they were analysed.

Concentrations of 16 amino acids and taurine was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with cation exchange column separation and post column ninhydrin-reactive colorimetric detection (Biochrom 30). Concentrations of cysteine and methionine were not measured due to known sensitivities with storage. The study protocol was approved by the University Research Ethics Committee, and all owners gave informed written consent. Analysis of covariance was used to determine the effect of weight reduction on plasma amino acid concentrations, whilst controlling for the effect storage time.

Median (range) weight loss was 23% (12-29%) starting weight, over a period of 254 days (84-546 days). Median energy intake during the weight loss period was 50 (35 to 60) kcal/kg 0.711 ideal weight per day.

Storage time was associated with a significant increase in plasma glutamate concentration, and significant decreases in plasma glutamine and histidine concentrations (all P < 0.001). However, there were no significant changes in plasma concentrations of any amino acid after weight reduction (all P > 0.1). Most plasma glutamine and glutamate concentrations were above or below reference intervals, respectively, both before and after weight loss. Occasional results were outside reference intervals for glycine, histidine, proline, and serine both before (median 2 cats, maximum 2 cats) and after (median 2 cats, maximum 3 cats) weight reduction. For the rest of the amino acids, concentrations were within reference intervals at both time points.

Given that cats remained healthy throughout the period of weight reduction and there were no pre-vs. post-weight-reduction differences, most observed changes in plasma amino acid concentration are probably due to the effects of prolonged storage. Hypercholesterolemia in cats with diabetes mellitus has been associated with lower remission rates. Both lean and obese cats with diabetes mellitus fed a high-protein/low carbohydrate diet had significantly elevated serum cholesterol concentrations. However, it is unknown whether a high-protein/low-carbohydrate diet causes increased cholesterol in healthy cats.

A randomized, crossover diet trial was performed in thirty-five healthy shelter cats. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of either a high-protein or a high-carbohydrate diet on serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides and fructosamine in healthy cats.

The fat content of the high-protein and washout diet were equal, but nearly double that of the high-carbohydrate diet. The washout diet had the highest fiber content followed by the high-protein and highcarbohydrate diet, respectively. Before enrolment into the study, cats were fed a commercial baseline diet. Following baseline health assessments, cats were randomized to one of the two diets for 4 weeks.

After 4 weeks cats were fed a washout diet for 4 weeks before being transitioned to the cross-over diet. Each cat was transitioned onto each of the different diets over 7 days. Fasting serum cholesterol, triglycerides and fructosamine were determined after 4 weeks of each diet. Body condition score, body weight and environmental temperatures were evaluated serially throughout the study.

After 4 weeks, cats on the high-carbohydrate diet had significantly lower serum cholesterol concentrations (P < 0.001) compared to the baseline diet. While cats eating the high-protein and washout diets had significantly higher serum cholesterol concentrations compared to the baseline diet at the start of the study (P < 0.001). The increase in serum cholesterol from the high-protein diet was reduced significantly in cats with a body condition score >5 (P = 0.007). Similarly, cats on the high-protein diet also had significantly higher serum triglyceride concentrations (P < 0.001) compared to the baseline diet but the increase was higher in cats with a body condition score ≤5. The highprotein (P < 0.001) diet lowered serum fructosamine concentrations significantly compared to the baseline diet.

In conclusion, diets higher in protein, fat and fiber and lower in carbohydrates appear beneficial for short-term glucose control in healthy cats. Additionally, high protein/fiber diets influence the lipid profile in healthy cats.

No disclosures to report.

Study of blood pressure parameters in lean and obese client-owned dogs: Preliminary results suggested in some studies that body condition had only a minor effect on blood pressure and that hypertension was probably more related to age, concurrent diseases, exercise, size and breed of the dog. The aim of this study was to compare blood pressure in healthy lean and obese adult client-owned dogs of similar breed.

Fifteen lean (LD) (Body Condition Score (BCS) = 5 on a 9-point scale) and 28 obese (OD) (BCS ≥7/9) privately-owned adult Labradors and Golden Retrievers were recruited for this study, and declared healthy based on clinical examination, blood biochemistry and complete blood count. After a 10-minute acclimatization period, blood pressure was measured by oscillometry following ACVIM guidelines. Activity level was measured by accelerometry during 1 week. Data were analyzed with a Kruskal-Wallis test and a Mann Whitney U test. Results are expressed as mean (±SD) or median (first quartilethird quartile).

Dogs were: 23 females (17 neutered) and 20 males (14 neutered). The mean body weight for LD and OD respectively were 30.2±4.5kg with a BCS of 5, and 40.3±7.0kg with a mean BCS of 7.8±0.6. No significant differences between groups were found for age (P = 0.13) and activity (P = 0.09). Only heart rates were statistically significant This lack of significance can partly be explained by the small sample size, but no correlation was found between obesity and blood pressure, like in previous studies, where it has been more related to age and associated disorders, breed, temperament and level of exercise.

This study failed to show differences in blood pressure parameters between lean and obese adult client-owned dogs of a similar breed, without any concurrent disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the renal function of dogs diagnosed with DM, as well as the occurrence of proteinuria, and to compare them with healthy dogs. We also tested if there was a correlation between these biomarkers and the time of diagnosis of DM and insulin dosage.

The study included 18 dogs diagnosed with DM and undergoing insulin therapy, and 17 healthy dogs, based on physical examination and clinical history. Dogs that presented with diabetic ketoacidosis, acute kidney disease, urinary tract infection, active urinary sediment, hyperadrenocorticism, or that were undergoing chronic treatment with glucocorticoids, were excluded. Blood and urine samples were collected, the latter by cystocentesis. Serum urea, creatinine, symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentrations and urinary protein:creatinine ratio (UPC ratio) were determined.

There were no significant differences in weight (P = 0,65) or age (P = 0,81) between the two groups. Even though serum urea concentrations weren't significantly different (P = 0,67), diabetic dogs had lower serum concentrations of creatinine and SDMA (P = 0,01 and P = 0,02, respectively). 38,9% of the diabetic dogs had an UPC ratio higher than 0,5. This group had an odds ratio of 10,87 (95% IC, 1,71-127,08, P = 0,06) of developing proteinuria when compared to healthy dogs. There was no significant correlation between serum urea, creatinine or SDMA and UPC ratio and the time of diagnosis (P = 0,85, P = 0,52, P = 0,10, P = 0,84, respectively). We also didn't find an association between any of these variables and insulin dosage (P = 0,19, P = 0,20, P = 0,91, P = 0,23, respectively).

Even though the occurrence of clinical DN is unlikely in dogs, our results show the possible impact of DM on the kidney in this species.

The lower levels of serum creatinine and SDMA seen in diabetic dogs when compared to healthy ones suggest that glomerular hyperfiltration is present, which may be related with hemodynamic changes in the kidney. Besides, these dogs showed a higher chance of developing proteinuria, which reinforces the importance of UPC ratio assessment when monitoring these patients. The success of insulin therapy greatly depends on pet owners' skills in handling the device chosen for insulin administration. This study aimed to assess whether previous training might influence the ability of pet owners to properly handle U-100 insulin syringes.

After Research Ethics Committee approval, fifty pet owners were asked to obtain 1 and 10 IU of insulin with no training from the researchers. Then, after have received instructions on how to properly handle insulin syringes by the researches, they were asked to repeat the initial procedure 4 times. Each dose was weighed on an analytical scale, and accuracy and precision were calculated. The proportions of clinically-important-deviation (CID; ≥ ± 20% off target) outcomes were compared between "before" and "after" training.

The averages of the first acquisitions of 1 and 10 IU of insulin were x15.1 and x3.75 times higher than targets (P < 0.0001; P < 0.0001), respectively. After have received training by a veterinary professional, pet owners showed significant improvement in their ability to acquire both 1 and 10 IU of insulin (x1.07 [P < 0.0001] and x0.92 [P = 0.0016] times off target). There was a significant reduction in the frequency of CID outcomes after training in 1 IU (98% before vs. 84% after, P = 0.03) and in 10 UI (76% before vs. 12% after, P < 0.0001).

These data suggest a great risk of inaccuracy in insulin administration by pet owners when not appropriately trained, especially when administrating small doses of insulin.

The authors would like to thank Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior -Brasil (CAPES -Finance Code 001) and

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico -Brasil (CNPq) for scientific and financial support.

Glycemic control and owner preference in insulin delivery in diabetic dogs In human medicine, numerous studies have shown that insulin injection pen devices have several advantages over insulin syringes for subcutaneous insulin injection, including improved patient satisfaction and adherence, greater ease of use and superior dosing accuracy. A reusable insulin pen (VetPen™, MSD Animal Health) with insulin cartridges (Caninsulin ® , MSD Animal Health) has been designed specifically for use in diabetic dogs and cats. This study aimed to assess owner preference and compare glycemic control following two different methods of subcutaneous injection (insulin pen and U40 insulin syringes) of porcine insulin zinc suspension (Caninsulin ® ) in a randomized, 2-period crossover study in client-owned dogs with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus (DM). Eighteen dogs with DM on insulin treatment and on the same prescription diet were enrolled in the study. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive insulin by syringe (n = 11) or pen (n = 7) for 2 months, followed by 2 months of the other injection method. The owner's preference for the delivery method was assessed using a questionnaire. A total score was assigned for glycemic control: good (8-12), moderate (4-7), poor (1-3), based on scores using a 12-point scale (including clinical signs, blood glucose curve parameters and serum fructosamine) while serum fructosamine (SF) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c%) concentrations were analyzed. Preference of 50% of the owners for the pen and 50%

for the syringe was not affected by the order that each device was used (P = 0.620). Median clinical score was 8, 8, and 8 at inclusion, after 2 months of pen and after 2 months of syringes, respectively (P = 0.445). Median SF (μmol/L) was 377.5, 457.9, and 388.6 at inclusion, after 2 months of pen and after 2 months of syringes, respectively (P = 0.327). Median HbA1c(%) was 5.75, 6.2, and 5.65 at inclusion, after 2 months of pen and after 2 months of syringes, respectively (P = 0.290). While an equal number of owners expressed a preference for each device, a larger sample size would be required to show a difference. It was not possible to demonstrate differences in glycemic control between the two devices. In humans, adherence to insulin injections is strongly influenced by the selection of the injection device. Further studies are needed to help veterinarians match the owners of diabetic pets with the injection device best suited to their needs and capabilities. 

Use of the continuous glucose monitoring system 'Freestyle Libre' in diabetic cats R. Mischke 1 , V. Deiting 1 1 Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany Continuous glucose monitoring systems facilitate monitoring of diabetic patients. Aims of this study were to assess the flash glucose monitoring system "Freestyle Libre" regarding its measurement accuracy and tolerability in cats.

Results from 66 sensors applied to 34 cats (33 diabetic, 1 hypoglycemic) were included. The behavior during the application, wearing and removing of the sensor and the skin site of application were assessed.

Blood samples were regularly collected for comparative measurements using the hexokinase method.

Minimal signs of discomfort were noted, although the sensor was additionally fixed using individual skin stitches. 46 sensors, which stopped working in situ, had a median functional life of 8.3 (1. [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] days. Only nine reached a functional life of 14 days as specified by the manufacturer for humans. Skin reactions on the glued surface occurred after removal of 23/66 sensors (mild erythema: n = 21; superficial dermatitis: n = 2) and were not detectable in the remaining 37/66 cases. Due to the upper limit of the measurement range of 27.8 mmol/l (500 mg/dl), the reading device displayed "hi" in 21 cats at least at one individual time point. In 17 of these cats this was repeatedly the case or for longer time periods and required additional measurements with the reference method. There was a high correlation with the results of the reference method (r s = 0.90, n = 359), which was however lower in the hypoglycemic and normoglycaemic range of values.

In conclusion, the device proved to be practicable, less stressful for the animals and generated acceptable results. Although the upper limit of the measurement range is a limiting factor, the device promises to significantly facilitate the management of diabetic cats.

No disclosures to report.

Reliability assessment of a novel feline glucosuria home screening test A. Diquélou 1 , E. Khénifar 2 , A. Gagnon 3 , C. Gara-Boivin 3 1 Small Animal, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Toulouse cedex 3, France; 2 Vet Consulting, Strasbourg, France; 3 Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada

Diabetes mellitus (DM), frequent in feline endocrinology, may be laborious to diagnose due to its insidious clinical signs and stressinduced hyperglycemia observed in non-DM cats. It needs tedious survey (regular in-clinics or at home blood glucose curves) to detect uncontrolled DM or spontaneous remission. As a key clinical feature of DM is the presence of glycosuria, a non-invasive, athome, easy-to-use test to detect glucosuria would be of interest to suspect or to monitor DM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of a novel at-home test using granules, turning blue with glucose, to be added on top of the cats litter to detect glucosuria.

To assess the feasibility of the test at home, 16 cats (10 healthy and 6 diabetic) were enrolled. 20g of granules were poured on the cat litter. Their color, when trapped in the urinary clumps, was noted by the owner according to a visual color scale (0 to 3+), twice a day for 14 days.

Reliability was assessed in a field study in 132 cats at risk of glucosuria (aged > 12 years, overweighed, or receiving corticosteroids, n = 113) or diabetic (n = 19) recruited in private practices. Urine was obtained by cystocentesis and standard urinalysis were performed.

2 drops were poured parallelly on 4 granules and their color evaluated 3 minutes later, using the color scale. 0,3mL of each urine sample were stored at -20 C to determine glucosuria by spectrophotometry (ADVIA ® 1800). A cat was considered glucosuric if glucosuria was ≥25mg/dL ;a test was considered positive if the mean score of the 4 granules was ≥1+. The test sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were determined using the spectrophotometry as gold standard.

At home, the granules were easy-to-use for owners and well-tolerated by cats. 100% of the granules remained white for healthy cats (n = 260/260). In diabetic cats, 91.2% were ranked ≤1+ in wellcontrolled diabetic cats (n = 52/57) and 67.3% were ranked ≥2+ (n = 37/55) in cats with severe hyperglycemic episodes.

Concerning the field study, color of the granules were in accordance with the results of the dipstick in 132/132 cats (26 of which glucosuric) and strongly correlated with glucosuria (r = 0.823, P < 0.0001), resulting in Se = 96.15%, Sp = 99.06%, PPV = 96.15%, NPV = 99.06%.

This study suggest that these granules would be useful in order to easily diagnose glucosuria at home and may be of interest in detection and management of feline diabetes mellitus.

The study was financially supported by Blücare Lab Inc. One of the author (A. Diquélou) has a research contract for this study only, and the others (E. Khenifar, A. Gagnon and C. Gara-Boivin) have contracts with this lab for this study and other ones. Eighty-nine dogs were included, among which 24 (27%) had a Positive Urine Culture (PUC), representing 26 bacterial isolates. Four dogs (17%) with PUC had clinical signs of UTI. There was no significant association between age or gender (including neutering status) and bacteriuria. A Positive Leucocyte Esterase Test (PLET) on the dipstick (12/24, 50%), pyuria (11/23, 48%) and bacteriuria (14/23, 61%) on sediment examination were significantly associated with PUC (P < 0.001), whereas specific gravity, pH and proteinuria did not differ significantly between groups. Six dogs with PUC (25%) had no abnormality on both dipstick and sediment examination. Escherichia coli was the most frequent micro-organism isolated (15/26, 58%), followed by The frequency of PUC in this population was 27%. PLET and active sediment (pyuria/bacteriuria) had good positive predictive value (respectively 80%, 79% and 93%) to detect PUC despite low sensitivity. There is no definitive consensus regarding treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in dogs with HAC, however the high frequency of antimicrobial resistance highlights the need for antibiotic susceptibility testing prior to medical treatment if intended.

FD's residency position is financially supported by Royal Canin.

The diagnostic performance of the heat-stable alkaline phosphatase in dogs with suspected hyperadrenocorticism cutoff values associated with the highest sensitivity and specificity (differential positive rates) were 185 U/L for tALP (sensitivity 80%/ specificity 51%; pos. likelihood ratio 1.63) and 70 U/L for HS-ALP (sensitivity 77%/ specificity 51%; pos. likelihood ratio 1.56).

The results of this study do not support the assessment of HS-ALP or %HS-ALP in dogs with suspected HAC, as these parameters do not seem to provide additional diagnostic information compared to the measurement of tALP alone.

No disclosures to report. Several epidemiological studies suggest that hyperthyroidism is a common disease in countries such as UK (11.9%), Germany (11.4%), Portugal (9%), Poland (20.4%) and Ireland (21%). However, in Spain it has been historically considered a rare disease. A retrospective study in 2005 found a prevalence of 1.53% and 10% in a second prospective study in 2015 in 207 geriatric cats. The aims of this study were to assess the overall and regional prevalence of feline hyperthyroidism in Spain, to determine the age of hyperthyroid and non-hyperthyroid cats and to evaluate the percentage of animals with more than one measurement of total thyroxine (tT4) and the time between these.

The study was performed retrospectively, including serum blood samples submitted to a reference laboratory during a 3-year period (January 2016-December 2018). Prevalence in this population referred to the total number of hyperthyroid cats divided by the total number of individual cats tested. Serum tT4 concentrations were determined in all cats by use of a chemiluminescent competitive immunoassay (Immulite 2000 feline tT4). A cat was considered hyperthyroid when the tT4 concentration was greater than 4.7 μg/dL (reference range 0.8-4.7 μg/dL). A total of 27,893 client-owned cats from different regions of Spain were included in the study. The overall prevalence of feline hyperthyroidism was 6.35%. The prevalence was variable according to the area, with a lower prevalence in Castilla Leon (3.17%) and a higher prevalence in Balearic Islands (9%). Age data was available from 6,470 cats. The mean age of the hyperthyroid cats was 14 years (range 2-25) and 11.7 years (range 1-27) in nonhyperthyroidism group. Total thyroxine measurement was repeated in 8.5% of the cats. Average of repeated measurements in the hyperthyroid group was 4 months compared to 8.6 months in the nonhyperthyroid cats. The number of cats in which tT4 was measured increased from 2016 to 2018 (from 7652 to 10345 cats tested per year) which might suggest a more thorough follow-up or greater effort in challenging cases. The overall prevalence of feline hyperthyroidism was 6.35% in a population of 27,893 cats in Spain, but these results were variable according to the area. To the authors' knowledge this has been the largest prevalence study performed in Spain about feline hyperthyroidism.

Disclosures: Raquel Santiago residence program has been sponsored by Idexx laboratories.

Performances of recombinant human thyrotropin stimulation test in dogs with suspected hypothyroidism: Retrospective evaluation in 130 cases TSHst is mostly performed using 75 μg/dog of rhTSH, but one study reported that a dose of 150 μg/dog is more appropriate for animals with non-thyroidal illness or receiving medications. rhTSH is expensive and using the higher dose would increase the costs. In our institution, TSHst is routinely performed using 75 μg/dog.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performances of a TSHst, using a dose of 75 μg/dog, in dogs with the suspicion of hypothyroidism.

Medical records of dogs presented for suspected hypothyroidism from January 2006 to January 2020 were evaluated. Animals were included if a TSHst with a dose of 75 μg/dog was performed and follow-up, obtained from medical records or telephone contact, was available. Serum total thyroxine (tT4) concentration was determined by a chemiluminescent immunoassay (Immulite ® ) validated for use in dogs. Dogs with a post-stimulation tT4 greater than or equal to 2.2 μg/dL were considered euthyroid. Dogs with a post-stimulation tT4 below 2.2 μg/dL were classified as hypothyroid or euthyroid based on clinical and clinicopathological signs, serum cTSH concentration, follow-up and, if applicable, response to treatment with levothyroxine.

The classification was done by a board-certified internist with experience in the field of veterinary endocrinology that evaluated the clinical records of every case. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to define the best cut-offs to identify or exclude hypothyroidism.

One hundred thirty dogs were identified. Fifteen dogs were excluded because of some missing data and/or follow-up was not available; therefore, in these dogs, hypothyroidism could not be confirmed or excluded. Forty dogs were classified as hypothyroid and 75 dogs as euthyroid. Post-stimulation tT4 cutoffs of 1.3 μg/dL and 1.7 μg/dL showed a sensitivity of 92.5% and 100%, and a specificity of 97.3% and 92.0%, respectively. Post-stimulation tT4 above 1.7 μg/dL had a negative predictive value of 100%. Post-stimulation tT4 below 1.3 μg/ dL showed a positive predictive value of 94.9%. TSHst area under the ROC curve was 0.987.

The main limitation of this study was the lack of a highly objective method (e.g. scintigraphy or histopathology) to classify the 2 groups of dogs. Thus, some dogs could have been misclassified.

This study suggests that TSHst using 75 μg/dog of rhTSH is accurate in distinguishing hypothyroidism from NTI in a population of dogs in which hypothyroidism is suspected. indicated using 2.2mg/kg as initial dosage while 15% stated using lower dosages. The remaining 24% did not detail it. Following initiation of DOCP treatment, 89% of respondents indicated monitoring electrolytes twice a month (67% at day 10 and day 25 and 22% at day 10 and day 28-30) and 11% once a month (6% at day 10, 3% at day 25 and 2% at day 28-30) until stabilization. Out of 89 WEVS that specified a preferable therapeutic adjustment, 51% indicated changing administration interval rather than dosage while 49% stated changing dosage rather than frequency. Following the initial administration, 9% of respondents indicated administering subsequent DOCP injections only in case of clinical relapse. In dogs with stable electrolytes concentrations, 34% of respondents reported reassessing dogs monthly, 44% quarterly, 17% twice yearly and 5% yearly.

In Western Europe, DOCP is the preferred treatment for mineralocorticoid supplementation. The large majority of WEVS follow the manufacturer's recommendations for initial dosage and short-term monitoring schedule. Subsequent preferred therapeutic adjustments regarding change in dosage or dosing intervals vary among WEVS, most likely reflecting the absence of strict guidelines. Of particular concern, a significant proportion of WEVS only administer DOCP in case of clinical relapse following the initial administration, which likely increases the risk of addisonian crisis.

Dechra Veterinary Products (Iberia) Ltd did aid in the promotion of the questionnaire. Study funded by: Project UIDP/CVT/00276/2020 (funded by FCT).

Evaluation of basal cortisol testing in dogs with signs consistent with hypoadrenocorticism Dogs were excluded if testing was performed as a screening for hyperadrenocorticism.

A total of 1182 cases were included. Six hundred and forty-four dogs were male (54.5%) and 538 were female (45.5%). Labrador Retriever was the most common breed (15.1%). Most common clinical signs on presentation were gastrointestinal signs, such as vomiting (37.2%), diarrhea (32.2%), lethargy (25.0%), weight loss (11.8%) and hyporexia (9.2%). Other frequent presenting complaints included collapse (6.8%), regurgitation (6.1%), polydipsia (4.4%), polyuria (4.1%) and abdominal pain (4.1%).

Basal cortisol ranged between <13.8 to 988 mmol/L (median 90 mmol/L). A result <55 mmol/L was obtained in 327 cases (27.7%).

Basal cortisol was retested in 136 patients and 82/136 were <55 mmol/L; ACTH stimulated cortisol was tested in 225 dogs. Hypoadrenocorticism was the final diagnosis in 17 dogs (1.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on the 327 dogs with an initial basal cortisol <55 mmol/L to explore routine blood variables and the most common presenting signs associated with hypoadrenocorticism. The following changes were associated with hypoadrenocorticism within this group: increased potassium (P = 0.003), decreased cholesterol (P < 0.001), increased globulin (P = 0.003) and

increased urea (P = 0.029). Overall, the most common diagnosis was chronic primary inflammatory enteropathy (18.2%), followed by pancreatitis (4.5%) and kidney disease (3.5%). A final definitive diagnosis was not obtained in 16.5% of patients.

In this study, basal cortisol screening for hypoadrenocorticism was frequently assessed in a population of dogs due to its wide variety of clinicopathological abnormalities and it was the final diagnosis in only 17 of 1182 dogs (1.4%) tested for clinical suspicion presenting to a referral institution. No presenting clinical signs were specifically significantly associated with hypoadrenocorticism.

This work did not receive any funding Alisdair Boag is employed by there University of Edinburgh and has received funding for unrelated work from the Wellcome Trust, Society of Comparitive Endocrinology and the Society for Endocrinology and has no conflicts of interest.

Respiratory and digestive abnormalities in a population of dogs with chronic idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis P. Gianella 1 , F. Cagnasso 2 , S. Roncone 1 , U. Ala 1 , G. Cagnotti 1 , E. Bottero 3 , C. Bellino 1 1 Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy; 2 Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy; 3 Poliambulatorio Veterinario Argentina, Arma di Taggia, Italy

Chronic idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis (CILPR) is a common inflammatory disorder of the nasal cavity in dogs due to unknown etiology. The definitive diagnosis is made by exclusion of other causes of nasal disease and specific therapeutic protocols are lacking. In human medicine, a relationship between CILPR and gastrointestinal symptoms has been postulated, and a remission of respiratory signs after clinical trials with oral proton-pump inhibitors, prokinetics and/or diet has been observed. The aims of the present study were to describe history, clinical presentation, endoscopic and histopathologic concurrent respiratory and digestive abnormalities; and to evaluate the eventual improvement of respiratory signs after treatments for gastrointestinal signs. The following information from 25 dogs with CILPR was recorded and studied: respiratory/digestive signs, airway/ digestive endoscopic abnormalities, histologic evaluation of respiratory and gastrointestinal tract biopsy specimens, clinical response to different treatment strategies. Overall, a high proportion of dogs (88%) showed endoscopic gastrointestinal lesions, while thirteen dogs (52%) had concurrent gastrointestinal signs. Most esophageal and duodenal endoscopic abnormalities were classified as moderate/ severe. Most gastric endoscopic abnormalities were classified as mild.

Respiratory and gastrointestinal histologic evaluation identified mostly chronic inflammation. All dogs that received only treatments for gastrointestinal signs (30.4%) showed remission or marked improvement of respiratory signs at two-month follow up. A significant association between age and respiratory symptoms was found. Nasal clinical signs of some dogs treated exclusively with gastrointestinal approach notably improved or disappeared. Further studies are need to explore the possibility of a cause-effect relationship between the two processes.

No disclosures to report.

Influence of concurrent lower respiratory tract disease on point-ofcare lung ultrasound in small-breed dogs with mitral valve disease Multivariable logistic regression showed that with presence of abnormalities other than B-line on POC-LUS (eg, thickened pleura or consolidation) could predict false-positive results (OR = 14.6, P = 0.006) after adjusting for the effects of LRTD and echocardiographic hemodynamic parameters.

In conclusion, small-breed dogs with concurrent MVD and LRTD could have increased B-lines before CPE development. Adhering to previously reported criteria for CPE diagnosis and carefully evaluating abnormalities other than B-line on LUS may help to prevent misdiagnosis in small-breed dogs.

This study was supported by Ministry of Science and Technology, Tai However, acquired forms caused by neoplasia or anomalous pulmonary vessels have been reported.

The purpose of this study was to review the clinical presentation and imaging findings in a series of dogs and cats diagnosed with lobar emphysema.

Seventeen cases of lobar emphysema (14 dogs, 3 cats) were retrospectively recruited from referral veterinary hospitals. Diagnosis was based on diagnostic imaging, surgery and histopathology when available. Signalment, presenting signs, clinicopathological findings and surgical reports were also reviewed. All images were reviewed by a board-certified radiologist.

Small breed dogs were overrepresented (median -4.7kg) and there was a bimodal age distribution amongst the group of dogs (median -15 months, local peaks -1 year and 12 years). The most common presenting signs included dyspnea, coughing, dysphagia and vomiting.

Clinicopathological findings were non-specific.

The most common imaging findings included decreased opacity/attenuation and bronchial collapse of the affected lung lobe, atelectasis of the adjacent lung lobes and mass effect. Computed tomography was superior in identifying the affected lung lobe. The right middle lung lobe was most frequently affected (13 of 17) followed by the right cranial lobe (4 of 17). Multiple lobes were involved in several patients (4 dogs, 1 cat). Acquired forms of lobar emphysema were identified in 3 cases including two cases of pulmonary carcinoma (1 cat, 1 dog) and one case of diaphragmatic hernia (1 cat).

Ten patients underwent surgery (9 lung lobectomy, 1 diaphragmatic hernia repair) with 8 surviving to discharge. Histopathology confirmed congenital lobar emphysema in 8 cases following lung lobectomy whilst pulmonary carcinoma was diagnosed in one case.

This case series suggests that computed tomography provides superior information for the diagnosis of lobar emphysema. In keeping with previous reports, the right middle lung lobe is most frequently affected in veterinary patients. In older patients presenting with lobar emphysema, acquired causes of bronchial compression should be suspected.

No disclosures to report.

Suitability of commercial human rheumatoid factor rapid tests for detection of rheumatoid factors in dog serum In total, 7 and 3 commercially available rapid tests based on Waaler Rose hemagglutination and latex agglutination principles, respectively, were examined (further information available on request). We used surplus material from samples obtained for diagnostic purposes, in total 12 dog sera tested positive (n = 6) or negative (n = 6) with the routine method used in the author´s lab (Waaler Rose principle, sensitivity 86%, specificity 97.9%). According to the manufacturer´s recommendations, sera were mixed with reagent, and slides were examined macroscopically for presence of agglutination after 2-3 min of undisturbed incubation or incubation on a rotator. When agglutination occurred, sera were diluted 1:10 to exclude false positives which may be caused by heterophilic antibodies.

We verified that a human serum tested positive with the routine method was positive with all rapid tests. Noticeable, this serum was clearly positive applying latex agglutination tests which use particles coated with species-specific IgG to detect agglutination. In contrast, in tests using Waaler Rose principle, the human serum showed clear agglutination only after a prolonged incubation time of 5-8 min. In dog sera, however, none of the rapid tests detected RF. Because canine RF has low affinity for human IgG, this result was foreseeable when using rapid latex agglutination tests which all use human IgG coated latex particles. In contrast, it could have been expected that rapid tests based on non species-specific Waaler Rose principle based on sheep erythrocytes sensitized with rabbit IgG may be suitable for canine RF detection. However, also the use of the latter tests was not successful.

The investigated rapid tests are not suitable for the detection of RF in dog sera, thus specialized laboratory testing for canine RF is recommended.

Some of the evaluated tests were provided for free from the companies. Our lab offers testing for rheumatoid factors, but uses none of the tests mentioned in the abstract.

Multiple abdominal granuloma caused by Scedosporium spp in a dog The patient was treated with itraconazole (5 mg/kg PO q24h), marbofloxacin (2mg/kg PO q24h) and S-adenosylmethionine (10 mg/ kg PO q24h). The dog made a full recovery after surgery with transient improvement of clinical signs. However, was euthanized 2 months after diagnosis due to clinical deterioration. We hypothesize that this multiple organ involvement was secondary to the previous postsurgical abdominal evisceration.

No disclosures to report.

ESVIM-P-9

Indications and outcomes of feeding tubes in cats : 56 cases (2015-2018) This study aimed to report the clinicopathological findings and outcome of anorectic cats with enteral feeding tube placement during hospitalization in a tertiary care referral center.

Medical records of 56 cases (representing 53 cats) managed with a feeding tube between January 2015 and July 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-four cases were spayed females and 22 were castrated males. Mean age was 9 years (range: 1-18 

No disclosures to report.

Importance of bone marrow examination in reaching the final diagnosis in a referral population of dogs with non-regenerative anemia: 23 cases (2015-2020)

A. Salas García 1 , A. Hrovat Vernik 1 1 Small Animal Internal Medicine, Pride Veterinary Centre, Derby, UK There is very little information or criteria available in the veterinary literature, allowing clinicians to plan diagnostic work up, including bone marrow sampling, in dogs with severe non-regenerative anemia.

The aim of this study was to determine the importance of bone marrow examination in reaching the final diagnosis in dogs with nonregenerative anemia.

Medical records from a referral hospital were searched retrospectively from 2015 to 2020 for all dogs presenting with a more than 5 days history of documented non-regenerative anemia defined as PCV < 20% and reticulocyte count < 60.000/mcL. To be included, a complete history, physical examination findings, routine and specialized laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and sampling of documented abnormalities necessary to reach the final diagnosis, had to be available as well.

A total of 23 client owned dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Median age of dogs was 6.5 (range, 9 months to 13 years). There were 4 sexually intact and 7 spayed females, 3 intact and 9 neutered males.

Median PCV and reticulocyte count on presentation were 16.7 (range, 6.1 -20 percent) and 16.9 (range, 3.1 -58.8 x 10 9 /L), respectively.

Lethargy, anorexia, pale mucous membranes and hemic heart murmur were most common physical examination findings. Chronic kidney disease as a suspected cause of non-regenerative anemia was documented in 3/23 dogs, precursor-targeted-immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (PT-IMHA) in 7/23, and one each of stage 5b hepatosplenic lymphoma, metastatic insulinoma with secondary iron deficiency anemia, submandibular round cell neoplasia with suspected myeloid leukemia and one dog with severe gastrointestinal bleeding.

Bone marrow sampling was performed in 14/23 dogs and was imperative for obtaining the final diagnosis in 9/14 dogs of which four were diagnosed with primary or metastatic bone marrow neoplastic disease and five with myelofibrosis; 6/9 of these dogs presented with either pancytopenia or bicytopenia. Coombs test was performed in 6/9 of these dogs and was negative in four.

In Results of this study revealed that BM examination is valuable in obtaining the final diagnosis in most dogs with non-regenerative anemia, but might be particularly vital in dogs with negative Coombs test results and depression of two or more blood cell lines.

No disclosures to report.

Thrombocytosis in iron deficient dogs and cats T. A. M. Corvers 1 , C. Dye 1 1 Internal medicine, Pride Veterinary Centre, Derby, UK Iron deficiency is a well-known cause of anemia in dogs and cats, and is often found as a consequence of chronic gastrointestinal bleeding.

In humans, iron deficiency anemia is associated with reactive thrombocytosis and, in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), an elevated platelet count can be used as a marker of active disease. There is also accumulating evidence to support concurrent platelet activation and an increased thromboembolic risk. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an association between iron parameters and platelet count in dogs and cats. This study did not identify any association between platelet count and serum iron parameters in dogs or cats. These preliminary results suggest that iron deficiency may not immediately stimulate megakaryopoiesis in dogs and cats to the same degree as in humans.

Accordingly, until further information is available, thrombocytosis should not be used by practitioners as a surrogate marker to raise the suspicion of iron deficiency.

No disclosures to report.

Clinical and laboratory findings and their association with AAamyloidosis in shelter cats: A retrospective study Amyloidosis is a group of diseases characterized by tissue deposition of amyloid fibrils. In animals AA-amyloidosis is the most common form and chronic inflammation is deemed crucial to promote fibril deposition. In cats, AA-amyloidosis has been mainly described in the familial form in Abyssinian and Siamese breeds, and rarely in domestic shorthairs. Recently, a high prevalence of AA-amyloidosis has been reported in shelter cats but the underlying reason is unknown. The aim of this study is to explore the association between clinical and laboratory findings and AA-amyloidosis in cats of a shelter with high disease prevalence.

Cats from one shelter were included if necropsies were performed within 6 hours from death. Kidney, spleen and liver samples were collected and a diagnosis of AA-amyloidosis was given if any of the 3 organs had amyloid fibrils. An association between clinical and laboratory findings and AA-amyloidosis was investigated using available data at onset of clinical illness and before death. Variables retrieved from medical records were duration of stay in the shelter and of ill- 

No disclosures to report.

Alendronate treatment in cats with idiopathic hypercalcemia: A retrospective control study of 20 cases These results suggest that treatment with alendronate in IHC seems to be associated with a shorter time to a 15%-decrease of iCa from baseline, as compared with other (or no) treatment. Alendronate might be more indicated than other or no treatments for IHC.

No disclosures to report.

A prospective evaluation of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in dogs P. Gianella 1 , S. Roncone 1 , A. Valazza 2 , U. Ala 1 , A. Borrelli 2 , F. Cagnasso 2 , G. Cagnotti 1 , B. Miniscalco 2 , C. Bellino 1 1 Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy; 2 Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy Administration of intravenous iodinated contrast (IVIC) in humans has been causally associated with the development of acute kidney injury, known as contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Serum creatinine has been shown to increase 3-5 days after IVIC and kidney injury could range from subclinical forms to severe kidney failure. Scattered information exists in dogs in vitro as well as in laboratory studies. In a recent retrospective study, an increase in serum creatinine after IVIC was observed in dogs, however, a causal association was not demonstrated. A population of dogs undergoing computed tomography examination was prospectively evaluated for evidence of CIN after IVIC administration. Biochemical parameters (serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, total protein, albumin, chloride, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sodium and symmetric dimethylarginine) and urinalysis (specific gravity, dipstick, sediment, protein/creatinine ratio, alkaline phosphatase/creatinine ratio, γ-glutamyl transferase/creatinine ratio) were evaluated at the time of IVIC administration (T0) and after 3-7 days (T1). Twenty-three dogs of different age, breed and sex were enrolled.

Three dogs showed increased symmetric dimethylarginine and hyperphosphatemia at T1, whereas 6 dogs showed isosthenuria, cilindruria and proteinuria. An increased in serum creatinine >25% and γ-glutamyl transferase/creatinine ratio >50% from baseline was found in 2 and 4 dogs, respectively. None of these dogs had a pre-existing kidney disease. A significant difference between T0 and T1 for serum albumin, total protein, chloride, calcium and phosphorus was found.

Although no clinically relevant kidney injury was found, CIN developed in some dogs after IVIC administration. Further studies are need to confirm these preliminary results.

No disclosures to report. Hepcidin is the key regulator hormone of the iron homeostasis.

According to human studies, the serum hepcidin concentration in patients with kidney disease is frequently elevated, and the consequently evolved iron sequestration contributes the nonregenerative anemia and even may lead to erythropoetin resistance.

Our study aimed to measure serum hepcidin concentration in dogs with kidney disease; the hypothesis was that serum hepcidin in these sick dogs is elevated compared to healthy ones.

The study population included 21 dogs (7 with acute kidney injury All dogs with AKI (7/7) and 50% of the dogs with CKD (7/14) had hepcidin concentration above the reference range, with mean hepcidin of 63,45 ng/mL (40,1-110,1) in AKI group and 38,45 ng/mL (17, 9) in CKD group compared to the healthy population 16,6 ng/mL (2,3-41,1). The difference was significant in all dogs vs healthy (P < 0,001), in AKI vs healthy (P = 0,015), AKI vs CKD (P = 0,031), but not between the CKD and healthy groups (P = 0,067).

Serum hepcidin significantly correlated with C-reactive protein levels in the kidney disease population (P = 0,037, rho = 0,6142), but not with hematocrit, serum iron and iron-binding capacity.

This study showed that correspondingly to human studies, elevated serum hepcidin concentrations were frequently detected in dogs with kidney disease. 

No disclosures to report.

Use of 3D ultrasound for investigation of urinary retention in hospitalized dogs The aim of this study is to investigate the degree of urinary retention in hospitalized dogs using a 3D ultrasound device, and to describe various factors that could be contributing to urinary retention.

In this prospective, observational study, a total of 25 hospitalized dogs were enrolled. All dogs were hospitalized for more than 24 hours, weighed more than 5 kg, and had no concurrent urinary or neurologic disease that would affect their ability to ambulate or voluntarily uri- Each of the used statistical methods identified similar biomarkers associated with elevated creatinine concentration. The levels of 9 biomarkers; citrate, tyrosine, branched-chain amino acids, valine, leucine, albumin, acetate, linoleic acid % and the ratio of phenylalanine to tyrosine were significantly different between cases and controls in the Wilcoxon rank-sum test (P < 0.05). The same biomarkers, excluding acetate and including docosapentaenoic acid %, were associated with elevated creatinine concentration in logistic regression analysis (P < 0.05). The ten biomarkers with the highest variable importance in the random forest model were the same that reached significance in the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, as well as the amino acid alanine.

This study identified multiple metabolic changes associated with elevated blood creatinine, including prospective diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. The NMR metabolomics platform is a promising tool for improving diagnostics and management of canine CKD. Further research is needed to verify the association of these changes to the patient's clinical state.

The study was funded by PetBIOMICS Ltd. CO is an employee, Palatability results: all dogs (100%) took the product, 84% consumed more than 95% of the product and 92% of dogs totally consumed their kibbles. For cats, the food with product was accepted by 94% of cats with no impact on the mean food consumption on Day 7. The owners gave a mean acceptability score of 7.7/10 (median of 8/10) and 72% judged the acceptability was good enough to give it for 30 days.

Tolerance results: No product-related clinical signs were observed.

The supplement did not affect body weight, food consumption or blood parameters.

Therefore, Pronefra oral suspension is considered as very palatable and well tolerated by cats and dogs.

All authors are Virbac employees.

Use of 3D bladder ultrasound for characterization of urinary incontinence in male dogs A. R. Kendall 1 , S. L. Vaden 1 1 NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, USA Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) occurs in up to one in five female dogs in the United States. Urinary incontinence in male dogs is less characterized and is difficult to distinguish between urethral abnormalities, such as USMI, from those that have urinary retention with overflow incontinence. Post-void urine residual volume (URV) may be a useful tool in differentiating these disorders. Urethral catheterization and imaging studies can be used to determine URV; however catheterization increases risk of urinary tract infections and 2D imaging studies require advanced equipment and expertise. Use of 3D ultrasound has been utilized in both humans and dogs as a rapid, non-invasive estimation of urinary bladder volume and URV. The aim of this study is to evaluate post-void URV, using a 3D ultrasound device, in male dogs presenting for urinary incontinence to determine if these dogs can be further characterized as having urethral disorders vs overflow incontinence.

In this prospective, observational study, 13 male dogs presenting for urinary incontinence were enrolled. All dogs weighed > 5 kg, and had no apparent urinary or neurologic disease that would affect their ability to ambulate or voluntarily urinate. Use of a 3D ultrasound device was used to measure pre-and post-void URV. An unpaired t-test was used for comparison of the 2 groups; a P-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Five of 13 dogs presenting for urinary incontinence had evidence of urinary retention with a mean (SD) URV of 6.61 ml/kg (8.12 ml/kg).

Four of the 5 dogs with urinary retention, had a final diagnosis of detrusor atony and a mean URV (SD) of 8.05 ml/kg (8.53 ml/kg). The remaining 8 dogs had no evidence of urinary retention with a mean URV (SD) of 0.32 ml/kg (0.35 ml/kg). Five of 8 dogs were diagnosed with USMI and the remaining 3 were diagnosed with ectopic ureters (EU). Dogs with evidence of overflow incontinence had a significantly higher URV than those with USMI or EU (P = 0.04).

Urinary incontinence in male dogs can be further subdivided into dogs with overflow incontinence from urinary retention and those without urinary retention from USMI or EU. Use of a safe and efficient 3D ultrasound device to measure post-void URV is a useful diagnostic tool at time of initial evaluation. A URV of >1 ml/kg can be utilized to begin treatment for detrusor atony prior to considering USMI as a cause of urinary incontinence in a male dog.

No disclosures to report.

Comparison between non-injected computed tomography and ultrasonography for detection of ureteral stones in the cat: a prospective study I. M. Testault 1 , L. Gatel 2 , M. Vanel 3 1 Atlantia Hospital Center, Nantes, France; 2 Imaging, Azurvet, Nice, France; 3 Imaging, Atlantia Hospital Center, Nantes, France

Computed tomographic scan (CT) is now considered as the gold standard in human medicine for renal colic. This prospective study aims to compare ultrasound (US) and CT for detection of ureteral stones in cats.

Fifty-one cats with a ureteral obstruction were included. An ultrasound followed by a non-injected CT were performed. The number of stones and their location (proximal, middle and distal) were recorded in both modalities and their numbers were compared with a Student test. Pelvic distension was measured on US only. Based on the US results, 3 groups were created: without stone, stone not detected, stone detected. Pyelic dilatation between the three groups was compared with a Wilcoxon test.

There are significantly more stones detected with the CT compared to US (126 versus 90; P < 0.05). More stones were detected in the proximal and distal regions (P < 0.05) with CT. Pyelic dilatation is significantly different between the 3 groups (1.2 mm [SD 1.5 mm], 3.4 mm [SD 2.2 mm] and 8.3 mm [SD 5.9 mm] in the "no stone", "stone not detected" and "stone detected" groups respectively).

CT seems to be more informative than ultrasound for detection of ureteral stones in cats, as in human medicine. Proximal and distal stones seem to be the most difficult to diagnose with US. Distension of the pelvis is more pronounced when a ureteral stone is detected.

However, a ureteral stone should not be ruled out if there is no or a small distension of the pelvis.

No disclosures to report.

Palatability and tolerance of an oral suspension developed to maintain a healthy urinary tract in cats C. S. Nicolas 1 , P. Schreiber 2 , N. Jouty 2 , P. Monginoux 2 1 GMBO, Virbac, Carros, France; 2 Virbac, Carros, France

Feline lower urinary tract disorders are common in cats and relapses are frequent. To help maintain a healthy urinary tract in cats, an oral suspension containing glycosaminoglycans as well as hibiscus and green tea concentrates was developed.

The objectives of the studies presented here were to test the palatability and tolerance of this suspension in healthy cats.

Palatability: to test the palatability of the suspension, 1 ml was poured over the food of 89 client-owned cats for 7 days, twice a day (as recommended) and the daily consumption of the food was compared to the usual consumption with no supplement (assessed for 2 days prior to the study start).

Tolerance: the tolerance of the product was tested for 28 days on cats receiving either 1 time the recommended dose (1 mL, twice a day, n = 8) or 5 times the recommended dose (5 ml, twice a day, n = 8). A group of 4 cats, receiving no product was used as a control. Cats were observed daily during the 14-day acclimation phase (no product administration) and 28-day administration phase. A complete clinical examination was performed once a week. Food consumption and stool consistency were assessed daily. Blood samples were taken on Day -5 (during the acclimation phase) and on Day 28 for standard hematology and blood biochemistry.

Palatability results: 82/89 cats (92%) accepted to eat the food with the product and the mean food consumption did not change by day 7 for these cats. The mean acceptability score given by the 89 owners was 7.2/10 (median of 8/10) and 73% of owners judged the palatability was good enough to give the product over 30 days. Seventy-four percent (74%) of owners judged there was either no impact or a positive impact of the suspension on the cat's eating behavior.

Tolerance results: no product-related clinical signs were observed and all cats remained healthy throughout the study. The supplement did not affect body weight, food consumption or blood parameters.

In conclusion, this product developed to help maintain a healthy urinary tract in cats is therefore considered as very palatable and well tolerated by cats.

All authors are Virbac employees.

Usefulness of Serum Amyloid A in diagnosing pyelonephritis in cats Veterinary literature is scarce about pyelonephritis in cats, despite its probable underestimated prevalence. More specifically, diagnostic features are not well defined. They rely on the association of both evocative clinical and paraclinical modifications (e.g. fever, painful abdominal palpation, azotemia, bacteriuria), as well as ultrasonographic abnormalities (e.g. renal pelvic dilation). However, these signs are often non-specific. Definitive diagnosis is based on pyelocentesis or biopsy for bacterial culture, which remains technically challenging.

Accurate diagnosis is crucial, considering both therapeutic and prognostic implications.

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the utility of measuring serum amyloid A (SAA), a major positive acute phase response protein, as a marker of pyelonephritis in cats.

Medical records were reviewed and animals were classified in 2 groups. Group 1 included cats with confirmed (1a) or presumed (1b) pyelonephritis (1a: cats with positive bacterial culture on urine collected via pyelocentesis. 1b: cats fulfilling 3 out of 4 criteria among azotemia, hyperthermia, bacteriuria and pelvic dilation on ultrasound).

Group 2 included cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in which pyelonephritis was either excluded (2a: negative urine culture via pyelocentesis) or considered unlikely (2b). Cats with incomplete medical data were excluded, as well as Abyssinian cats. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney test, and differences were considered significant when P < 0.05. Variables are presented as medians [25 th percentile; 75 th percentile].

Forty cats (46 observations) were included in the study. Median age at presentation was 9 years old [6.3 ; 11.8]. Median SAA concentrations (reference interval: 0 -12 mg/L) in group 1 (n = 13) and 2 (n = 33) were 127 mg/L [51.3 ; 216.8] and 5.6 mg/L [2.6 ; 9.7], respectively. Median SAA in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 (P = 0.0005). Group 2 included seven cats with ureteral obstruction, six with subclinical bacteriuria, and the remainder were presented for worsening of clinical condition or for regular recheck (CKD or subcutaneous ureteral bypass). Seven cats in group 2 had increased SAA. Among them, median SAA was 59.4 mg/L [25.2 ; 70].

In two of them, a patent extrarenal disease was identified. Two cats in group 1b showed SAA concentration within reference range.

These results suggest that cats with pyelonephritis are very likely to have higher SAA concentrations as compared with cats with CKD.

SAA might be a valuable diagnostic tool for feline pyelonephritis.

No disclosures to report.

Urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPC) in puppies and young dogs S. Kovarikova, N. Zivotska, J. Blahova Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Public Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic Some of hematological variables and biochemical analytes have specific reference intervals for puppies. Nevertheless, the literature concerning urine parameters in puppies is scarce. The purpose of this study was to determine the urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPC) in puppies and young dogs aged 2-12 months, compare the results with results of adult dogs and evaluate them according to the general reference interval for dogs.

In total, 176 voided urine samples of clinically healthy puppies, young dogs and adult dogs were enrolled. Five groups according to the age were created: puppies aged 2-3 months (n = 25), puppies aged 3-4 months (n = 22), puppies aged 4-6 months (n = 36), young dogs aged 6-12 months (n = 26), and adult dogs older than 1 year (67). To calculate the UPC, urine protein concentration was measured by use of benzethonium chloride; creatinine concentration was measured with Jaffe method; both in an automated analyzer (Abbott Architect c4000, Abbott Diagnostics). The UPC was classified in accordance with IRIS guidelines. Therefore, dogs with a UPC<0.2 were classified as nonproteinuric, dogs with a UPC ratio from 0.2 to 0.5 had borderline proteinuria, and dogs with a UPC ratio >0.5 had proteinuria.

In puppies aged 2-3 months, the mean UPC (± standard deviation) was 0.77±0.42 (range 0.24-2.25); in puppies aged 3-4 months, it was 0.57±0.45 (range 0.18-2.31), in puppies aged 4-6 months it was 0.23 ±0.14 (range 0.05-0.57), in young dogs aged 6-12 months it was 0.10 ±0.06 (range 0.02-0.23), and in adult dogs it was 0.11±0.13 (range 0.02-0.78). Mean UPC was significantly higher in puppies aged 2-3 months, 3-4 months, and 4-6 months when compared to adult dogs (p<0.001). No difference in UPC was found between young dogs aged 6-12 months and adult dogs.

In puppies and young dogs, the proportion of proteinuric samples decreased with age, whereas the proportion of non-proteinuric samples increased with age. The percentage of proteinuric, borderline proteinuric and non-proteinuric samples was 72%, 28%, and 0% in puppies aged 2-3 months; 50%, 45.5%, and 4.5% in puppies aged 3-4 months; 8.3%, 38.9%, and 52.8% in puppies aged 4-6 months; 0%, 11.5%, and 88.5% in young dogs.

Our study shows that UPC is affected by age and puppies younger than 6 months should have specific reference range.

No disclosures to report.

Comparison of two quantitative methods for urine protein measurement used for calculation of urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPC) According to the IRIS guidelines, in samples evaluated by method with benzethonium chloride 11 cases were classified as proteinuric, 19 had borderline proteinuria, and 37 were nonproteinuric. In samples assessed by pyrogallol red method, only one case was classified as proteinuric, 9 samples had borderline proteinuria, and 57 samples were nonproteinuric.

This study shows that urine protein measurement using different quantitative methods leads to significantly different results of UPC and it may have clinical consequences when general limits recommended by IRIS are adopted.

No disclosures to report.

Erythrocyte and platelet changes in dogs managed with hemodialysis and PCT pre-HD 0,19% (range 0.13-0.35) and post-HD 0,15% (range 0.07-0.27) were significantly decreased post-HD (P < 0.0001). Chi squared test was not significant difference in platelet estimation between pre-and post-HD. Canine HD seems to induce changes in few RBC and PLT parameters. The increase of MCV and MCH were striking post-HD probably linked to the persistency of RBC in the fluid tonicity used in HD. The reduction of PLT count and the overall mass post-HD was significant probably due to the activation of coagulation process. These information could be useful to the clinician in order to adjust the fluid tonicity and the anticoagulant protocol used in HD dogs.

No disclosures to report.

Retrospective study of cystinic lithiasis in dogs in France Cystine lithiasis are likely to form in case of cystinuria, which is secondary to a lack of reabsorption by the proximal convoluted tubule.

North American studies show low prevalence among lithiasis in dogs (0.3-0.8%), unlike European publications (3.0 to 5.6%). This disease is still poorly described.

The aims of this retrospective, observational study were 1/ to describe the lithiasis characteristics and breed predispositions of dogs with cystine urolithiasis recruited from a French veterinary analysis laboratory over two years and 2/ to report epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical and prognostic aspects of dogs diagnosed with cystine urolithiasis at our hospital. Dogs were included if stone analysis by infrared spectroscopy confirmed cystine composition (100%). Results are presented as percentage or odd ratio (OR) subjected to a 95% confidence interval, or as median subjected to interquartile range (IQR).

In the first population, 104 dogs were included. Cystine lithiasis repre- The aim of this study was to compare signalment and urinary parameters obtained from dogs with positive urine culture ("UTI-group") to those with sterile culture ("nUTI-group") in a population in which UTI was considered among the differential diagnosis.

Two-hundred-eighty-two culture and urinalysis results, from urine sampled by cystocentesis in 214 dogs, between 2013 and 2019, were included in this retrospective study. Statistical analysis was performed by chi-square, Wilcoxon or Kruskal-Wallis test using JMP 14 (SAS Inc., Cary, USA).

One-hundred-nine urine samples from 85 dogs were positive and 173 samples from 129 dogs were negative to culture.

Single isolates were 92.7% and Escherichia coli was the main pathogen (50.5%).

Dogs in UTI-group were significantly (P < 0.01) older (9.8±4.2 years) compared to nUTI-group (7.6±4.6). No significant difference regarding breed and sex were found.

Urine appearance was predominantly yellow in both groups, but pale yellow (11% vs 5%) was overrepresented in UTI-group. Turbid aspect was predominant in UTI-group (32% vs 9%), but 35% of UTI-group samples was clear.

UTI-group had lower (P = 0.03) urine specific gravity (USG); pH was similar between groups.

Positivity to blood and hemoglobin was higher in UTI-group (P < 0.01) but negative results (44% and 60% respectively) were present in UTIgroup and positive (28% and 17% respectively) in nUTI-group.

Nitur test was positive in 13% of UTI-group and 0% in nUTI-group.

Urinary red blood cells were not significantly different between groups. White blood cells (>5/hpf) were present in 72% of UTI-group and in 15% of nUTI-group showing a significant difference (P < 0.05).

Bacteria were detected in 75% of urinary sediments of UTI-group and apparently evident in 5% of nUTI-group. In the 27 dogs of UTI-group in which bacteria were not evident, USG ranged from 1002 to 1048 and resulted below 1014 in 11 cases.

Proteinuria staged according to IRIS guidelines was significantly different (P < 0.01) between groups: proteinuric and borderline proteinuric were respectively 44% and 28% in UTI-group, while in nUTI-group were 30% and 14%.

Although the set of found alterations can lead to a suspicion of infection, urinalysis is not diagnostic of UTI; based on these results, the diagnosis could be missed in at least 25% of patients.

No disclosures to report.

Cystoscopic-assisted urinary bladder lavage in male cats with recurrent urethral obstructions: Treatment and outcome in 9 cases The aim of this work is to report the use of cystoscopic-assisted urinary bladder lavage and the outcome in 9 male cats with recurrent UO.

Exclusion criteria were age less than 12 months, less than 2 episodes of UO, presence of any underlying disease different from FLUTD or existing PU.

All nine cats were DSH castrated males with a mean age of 5.3 years (2-12 years).

All nine cats showed recurrent pollakiuria and stranguria and 3/9 cats macroscopic hematuria. Mean duration of clinical signs was 15.6 months (1-48 months).

All cats were anesthetized and the urinary bladder was distended with warm saline infused through a preoperatively placed rigid polypropylene open-ended, 3.5 F, tomcat catheter. A mini-laparotomy incision on the midline, about half of the way between the pubis and the umbilicus, was performed to expose and secure the cranial region of the bladder to the abdominal wall.

A 2.4 mm rigid cystoscope was placed, within its 3.5 mm cannula, through a small incision made into the ventral wall of the urinary bladder.

Amorphous debris, mucous plugs, sand, blood cloths and small size uroliths (<2mm) were flushed from the urinary bladder under high pressure saline solution infused through the catheter and removed with suction attached to the ingress/egress portal of the cannula. The scope was often withdrawn from its cannula to remove material trapped within the lumen.

All cats were discharged uneventfully with medical and dietary therapy depending on clinical condition, stress factors and urinalysis.

Mean follow-up was 9.6 months (3-24 months). One cat had recurrence of UO and perineal urethrostomy was performed.

In this case series 8/9 cats (88.8%) showed long term remission of FLUTD, without recurrence of UO. Cystoscopic-assisted urinary bladder lavage might represent a more effective technique than decompressive cystocentesis or urethral catheterization in treating UO in male cats. Increased endoscopic visualization and high pressure saline flow allow more accurate removal of mucous plugs, cloths and small uroliths reducing the risks for repeated catheterizations or need for PU.

No disclosures to report.

Increase in canine cystine urolithiasis in Norway Of the total of 97 dogs with cystine uroliths, 91 (94 %) were intact males, 3 (3 %) intact females, 2 (2 %) castrated males and 1 (1 %) castrated female.

In addition, information concerning diet prior to diagnosis of cystine uroliths and amino acid profile results was recorded for a subset of these dogs. Of 19 dogs, 12 (63 %) were eating a high protein diet or meat-based diet, 1 dog was already on a specialized diet due to previous episodes of cystine uroliths and for the remaining 6 dogs type of diet was unknown. Two dogs had urinalysis results consistent with a more generalized defect in the renal proximal tubules such as Fanconi syndrome.

In the present study, an increase in cystine uroliths was confirmed and high protein diets may be a predisposing factor. Due to a large population of intact dogs in Norway, androgen-dependent cystinuria may be relatively frequent. In addition, the increase in cystine uroliths correlates with a substantial increase in dogs with acquired Fanconi syndrome in Norway and, therefore, concordant disease mechanisms between different proximal tubulopathies may be considered.

No disclosures to report.

Outbreak of acquired Fanconi syndrome in dogs in Norway The aim of the present retrospective study was to describe signalment and clinicopathological findings for 59 dogs with normoglycemic glucosuria registered between October 2015 and February 2019.

The study sample consisted of 23 (39 %) females and 36 (61 %) males between 1 and 13 years of age. Mean and median age was 6.6 and 7 years, respectively. 

No disclosures to report. The LAD2 line, which best models degranulation and cytokine release of neoplastic MCs, was evaluated along with the canine C2 line. Light and transmission electron microscopy along with electrochemiluminescence multiplex assays were used to assess MC structure and cytokines (ILs-3, 4, 6, 10, and 12, CXCL8, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) following vehicle-control, H2RA, or PPI treatment Concentration and time-dependent structural changes were observed in MCs following drug treatment, with more pronounced effects seen with esomeprazole. Granule morphology was dramatically altered, with some cells demonstrating loss of most granules and increased cytoplasmic vacuolization. A significant decrease in CXCL8 was seen only with esomeprazole (P < 0.01; ANOVA with Holm-Sidak).

Acid suppressants altered in vitro MC structure, but only esomeprazole reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production. This work indicates that acid suppressants may directly impact neoplastic mast cells, and that selection of the optimal class of acid suppressant for use in dogs with MCTs, especially those with non-resectable tumors, requires further study in vivo.

No disclosures to report.

Do feline solid and cystic pancreas tumors influence different pancreatic lipases? were measured in serum. Pancreatic tumors were macroscopically either cystic (n = 7) or solid (n = 14) and up to 16.0 x 7.0 x 7.0 cm in size. Histologically, all solid neoplasms were malignant, whereas cystic tumors were benign (n = 4) or malignant (n = 3). Mild (4 cystic, 7 solid), moderate (3 cystic, 4 solid) or severe (2 solid) lymphoplasmacellular (n = 7) or mixed (n = 13) pancreatitis was present. One cat showed no pancreatitis. FPLI values were mostly elevated (cystic 7/7, solid 11/14; 1.7-40.0 μg/l, median 14.3 μg/l), regardless of dignity, degree or character of additional pancreatitis. DGGR lipase (9.3-287.4 U/l, median 39.8 U/l) was increased in 9/13 cats. None showed solitary increased DGGR lipase. In conclusion, feline solid/cystic pancreatic tumors can cause elevation of fPLI and DGGR concentrations. For differentiation from pancreatitis, pathohistological examination is required. Increased blood values were probably due to epithelial cell transformation, because no correlation to character or degree of the pancreatitis was obvious.

No disclosures to report.

Tumors of the retrobulbar space in cats: 31 cases Twenty-one cats were referred for ocular-related problems; 10 cats presented for non-ocular clinical signs only, most frequently respiratory signs (nasal discharge, sneezing and dyspnea), facial swelling/ mass or anorexia.

The most common ocular findings included exophthalmos (16), serous ocular discharge (13), decreased retropulsion (13), third eyelid prolapse (12), periorbital swelling (6), anterior and/or posterior uveitis with associated decrease in vision (2). Cats with exophthalmos exhibited exposure keratitis and corneal ulcerations (6) with one cat presenting with a corneal perforation.

All cats underwent advanced imaging of the head including 3 MRI and 28 CT exams. In 4/31 cats, primary retrobulbar tumors were documented and in the remaining cases tumors with secondary retrobulbar extension were identified.

The diagnosis was achieved via cytology, histopathology or both in 11, 14 and 6 cases, respectively. Tumor types included lymphoma (19), carcinoma (7), sarcoma (3), extramedullary plasma cell tumor (1) and undifferentiated neoplasia (1).

In this study, secondary neoplastic local involvement of the retrobulbar space was most common, with intranasal neoplasia being the most common cause. Lymphoma was identified as the most frequent neoplasia involving the retrobulbar space in cats.

No disclosures to report.

Are severe adverse events commonly observed in dogs during cancer chemotherapy? A retrospective study on 155 dogs T. Chavalle 1 , G. Chamel 1 , P. Berny 1 , P. Denoeux 1 , M. Lajoinie 1 , D. Sayag 2 , F. Ponce 1 1 VetAgro Sup, Marcy l'Etoile, France; 2 Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Advetia, Vélizy-Villacoublay, France

Severe adverse events (AE) might be induced by maximum tolerated dose chemotherapy and often require protocol modification, or even chemotherapy arrest which has an impact on the prognosis of cancer bearing pets and on owners' acceptance. Correspondence Analysis showed relationship between the presence of severe AE, hematopoietic tumors, and L-COP chemotherapy for instance, but also an influence of the body condition score. Conversely, no association between AE and in charge clinician, age, gender or body weight was observed. These associations were further investigated. Significant relationship between occurrence of severe AE and tumor type (P < 0.005) or multi-agents chemotherapy protocol (P < 0.005) were observed. Contrary to previous studies, severe AE following chemotherapy and leading to modification of the chemotherapy regimen was relatively common in dogs.

No disclosures to report.

Retrospective comparative analysis of some clinical and clinicopathological features of canine lymphoma from Italy and Thailand Dobermann and Rottweiler for VTHP and Golden Retriever for VTHB were significantly overrepresented. VTHB-dogs were considerably older (median 9 vs. 8 years) and were mostly small sized breeds compared to the population at VTHP. More than 90% of lymphomas were classified as high-grade in both groups. Multicentric lymphoma (83%) was significantly more frequent in the VTHP. Extra-nodal (34%) and cutaneous lymphomas (26%) were significantly more frequent in the VTHB. B-cell lymphomas (71%) were significantly more frequent in VTHP and T-cell lymphomas (34%) in VTHB.

Striking differences were found in the signalment data and the higher frequency of cutaneous lymphomas in VTHB dogs should be pointed out. Moreover, such findings probably influenced the immunophenotype results, since almost all cutaneous forms were Tcell lymphomas. Different breed and size distribution, lifestyle and environmental factors could influence the two study populations, as shown by our results.

No disclosures to report.

Toceranib phsophate in the management of insulinoma in dogs 

No disclosures to report.

Comparison between oral chlorambucil and dose-intense chemotherapy for the treatment of feline transmural low-grade alimentary T-cell lymphoma Results of this study suggest that Chl-P and CHOP-based may be equally effective in tLGAL. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings given our small sample size and the retrospective nature of the data.

No disclosures to report.

ESVONC-P-9

The effect of age and body weight on the incidence of neutropenia in dogs receiving chemotherapy Chronic diarrhea, originating from either small or large intestine, is a clinical sign associated with canine leishmaniosis, varying from 3-8% to as high as 30% of prevalence. However, in the majority of the cases, its occurrence has been mostly associated with chronic kidney or liver disease. Furthermore, Leishmania organisms can also cause inflammation of the digestive tract in an isolated manner causing only chronic diarrhea, although it has been poorly documented in dogs.

The aim of this retrospective observational study was to describe dogs with mainly gastrointestinal clinical signs associated with a diagnosis of leishmaniosis by serology and/or identification of the agent by microscopy or PCR at four referral hospitals from endemic areas between 2006 and 2019. All selected cases had a complete medical record including CBC, biochemistry, urinalyses, and diagnostic tests for leishmaniosis. Exclusion criteria were evidence of renal or hepatic disease and previous gastrointestinal disease diagnosed.

Twenty-two dogs (4FN, 1MN, 5FE, 12ME; median age 4y) were included. Small bowel diarrhea was present in 6/22 (27%), large bowel diarrhea in 9/22 (41%), mixed diarrhea in 7/22 (32%). Vomiting, weight loss and, hyporexia were found in 4/22 (18%), 10/22 (45%) and 3/22 (14%), respectively. Ten dogs (45%) showed anemia that was more frequently non-regenerative 9/10 (90%). Hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia were a common finding (45%) (median serum albumin 2,1 g/dL) and (63%) (median serum globulin 5,4 g/dL) respectively. Abdominal ultrasound was performed in 18/22 dogs, which revealed thickening of the gastrointestinal wall in stomach 1/18 (6%), duodenum 5/18 (28%), and colon 4/18 (22%), and mesenteric lymphadenopathy in 3/18 (17%). Gastrointestinal biopsies by endoscopy were performed in 8/22 dogs, in all of them Leishmania amastigotes were found. Whether the owner declined biopsies, leishmaniosis was diagnosed by IFAT in 7/14 (50%), IFAT and PCR in 3/14 (21%), ELISA in 2/14 (14%), ELISA and PCR in 1/14 (7%), lymph node cytology in 1/14 (7%), and blood PCR in 1/14 (7%). All dogs, except one that was euthanized after diagnosis, had a complete resolution of diarrhea between 15 days and 3 months after the treatment with meglumine antimoniate (75-100mg/kg SID during 1 month) plus allopurinol (10 mg/kg BID during at least 6 months).

This study suggests that leishmaniosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of dogs, living in or with a history of travel to endemic areas, with mainly gastrointestinal signs, especially small, large or mixed chronic bowel diarrhea.

No disclosures to report. nervous system. It is an emerging infectious disease in New South Wales, Australia and endemic in coastal east Queensland. The aim of this study is to further define the epidemiology and clinical features of canine neuroangiostrongliasis in a large cohort of dogs (the largest cohort studied to date) and to determine which tests was more likely to confirm a presumptive diagnosis in dogs with eosinophilic pleocytosis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

A total of 78 dogs were presumptively diagnosed with neuroangiostrongliasis (2010 to 2019). 58% of dogs were less than 6 months old. The gender breakdown was 51 males (18 neutered; 33 entire) and 26 females (13 spayed; 13 entire), with gender unrecorded for two patients. The striking preponderance of male dogs presumably reflects males being more exploratory and thus more likely to consume molluscs. There has been a progressive increase in the number of cases diagnosed each year over the study period, with 17 cases in 2019.

Most cases were diagnosed in autumn or winter. The disease was rarely seen in summer.

CSF records were available from 71 dogs: cell counts ranged from 2 to 146,150 cells/μL (median 4,470). The percentage of eosinophils varied from 15% to 98% (median 83.5%). CSF was obtained from the cisterna magna in 65 dogs, from the lumbar cistern alone in six dogs and from both sites in 3 dogs. Nucleated cell counts in lumbar CSF was substantially higher than in the corresponding cisternal CSF, suggesting inflammation was more severe caudally. 54 leftover CSF samples were available for both ELISA testing (for antibodies) and qPCR (for larval DNA), 43 dogs (80%) were both ELISA and qPCR positive, 4 (7%) were ELISA positive but qPCR negative, while 7 (13%) were qPCR positive but ELISA negative. Of the qPCR positive cases, CT values ranged from 24 to 38.

Although the presentation of neuroangiostrongliasis is usually syndromic with hyperaesthesia and caudal spinal involvement, some cases are atypical with encephalitic signs including blindness. Preventative therapy consisting of monthly moxidectin should be considered to prevent dogs acquiring this infection. We are currently determining if qPCR can diagnose this disease using blood or urine as diagnostic specimens.

The Angio Detect™ rapid point-of-care immunochromatography test for A. vasorum was run on six canine CSF specimens from dogs with presumptive rat lungworm disease. All samples tested negative.

No disclosures to report.

Pharmacokinetic profile of oral dosing of mefloquine to cats, as a potential treatment for FIP The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of mefloquine when administered orally, twice weekly for two weeks.

The second objective was to identify the changes in hematological and biochemical analytes and physiological responses during the dosing period.

On ethics approval, mefloquine was administered orally (62.5 mg per cat) to seven clinically normal, mature cats (3 males: 4 females) on day 0, 4, 7 and 10, ideally administered with food. Serial blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 96, 168, 240 Pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis of mefloquine plasma concentrations was undertaken using a non-compartmental analysis for 4 cats over the first 96 hours. A single oral dose of mefloquine resulted in a C max of 2.71 ug/mL at 15 hour (T max ) while the plasma concentration reached 4.06 ug/mL at 240 hour after second dose of mefloquine was given with food. The elimination half-life of mefloquine over the first 96 hours is 224 hour (s.d. 51.6). Two cats vomited and were excluded from PK analysis over 96 hours. Another cat's PK profile was excluded as mefloquine concentrations were much lower than the others and skewed the data.

Hematology results were unremarkable in all cats at all time. Biochemical analytes were also unremarkable other than a significant increase in serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentrations at 168 and 336 hour, compared to t = 0 hour in all cats using a repeated measures one-way ANOVA (P < 0.002) and Tukey's multiple comparisons test (P < 0.05). All cats seemed clinically well and had normal appetites at the end of mefloquine dosing.

A grant of AUD $26 173 was received from the Winn Feline Foundation and AU$26 035 has been paid primarily to Invetus, a research organisation. Invetus housed, medicated and collected blood from the cats. Invetus also arranged for some biochemical tests, which was also incorporated into their fee.

Serological and molecular study of Borrelia infection in dogs from different areas in Spain and Córdoba (28.6%), while Asturias, the most northern location, presented the lowest result (18.9%). Furthermore, seropositivity to B. persica antigen was also associated with young dogs (under the age of 1 year; P < 0.001), hunting dogs (P = 0.003), presence of ectoparasites (P = 0.001) and presence of clinical signs (P = 0.024). The borreliae-specific PCRs performed were all negative.

This study shows the geographical differences in seroreactivity with B. persica antigen in Spain, with higher prevalence in southern locations when compared with northern locations. Moreover, dogs exposed to ectoparasites, living in rural areas and presenting clinical signs were more prone to have Borrelia spp. exposure. The highest seroprevalence found for B. persica antigen might indicate a high exposure of a similar relapsing fever Borrelia spp. or other Lyme borreliosis causing species in dogs in Spain.

No disclosures to report.

A new in-clinic titer test detects antibodies to canine distemper, adenovirus type-2, and parvovirus in 10 minutes with high accuracy J. Lizer 1 , J. Workman 2 , J. Gillies 2 , K. Shuler 2 1 Zoetis, Kalamazoo, USA; 2 VMRD, Zoetis, Kalamazoo, USA VETSCAN Rapid Canine Titer is a novel lateral flow assay (LFA) for simultaneous detection of antibodies to canine distemper virus (CDV), canine adenovirus type-2 (CAV-2) and canine parvovirus (CPV) from vaccination or exposure. A positive result should correlate to protective antibody titers measured by serum neutralization (SN) (≥1:24 for CDV or ≥1:16 for CAV-2) or hemagglutination inhibition (HI) (≥1:80 for CPV) assay. A negative result should indicate antibody titers below the protective titer cut-off. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the LFA compared to SN or HI titers determined by a reference laboratory. Sensitivity was estimated by testing sera from ≥20-weeks-old, healthy client-owned dogs (n = 662) vaccinated ≥1 month to ≤3 years prior for CDV, CAV-2, and CPV. Specificity was estimated by testing sera from client-owned dogs with titers below the cut-off (n = 39-114) and specific pathogen free (SPF) dogs (n = 150). Using SN or HI titers as the reference, LFA showed good performance (CDV: sensitivity 90.9%, specificity 87.1%, accuracy 89.7%; CAV-2: sensitivity 99.0%, specificity 83.1%, accuracy 95.3%; CPV: sensitivity 100.0%, specificity 84.8%, accuracy 96.3%). Using only SPF canine sera, the specificity was 94.0 -98.0% for all analytes.

Positive predictive values for CDV, CAV-2 and CPV were 93.6%, 95.1% and 95.3%, respectively, and negative predictive values were 82.1%, 96.3% and 100.0%, respectively. LFA agreement by Kappa statistic with reference method for CDV, CAV-2 and CPV were 0.768, 0.862 and 0.894, respectively. These data conclude that VETSCAN Rapid Canine Titer may be beneficial in helping veterinarians make informed pet-side vaccination decisions based on antibody titers.

This work was funded by Zoetis, Inc. All the authors are employed by Zoetis, and VETSCAN Rapid Canine Titer is a product of the company with a business and/or financial interest.

Detection of pathogens implicated in feline upper respiratory infections in cats without respiratory signs hospitalized in a veterinary teaching hospital This risk might also be increased in teaching hospitals due to high densities of animals and humans and potential suboptimal adherence to biosecurity protocols. However, to our knowledge, the carriage of pathogens implicated in FURI has not been evaluated in cats hospitalized in a teaching hospital.

This study aimed to evaluate the detection rate of pathogens implicated in FURI: feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV1), influenza virus type A (FluA), Chlamydophila felis (Cf), Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb), and Mycoplasma felis (Mf) in cats without signs of upper respiratory tract disease hospitalized at a veterinary teaching hospital.

Conjunctival and oropharyngeal swabs were prospectively sampled from 101 cats admitted between January and October 2019, without upper respiratory tract disease. Samples were evaluated for FURI agents' detection using multiplex PCR. All positive results were verified by simplex PCR. Descriptive statistics were used.

Detection rate by multiplex testing was 24,7% for Mf, 12,9% for FCV, 4% for FHV1, 2% for Bb, 0,99% for Cf and 0% for FluA. Detection was confirmed in most cases by simplex PCR, leading to a detection rate of 20,8% (Mf), 8,9% (FCV) and 0,99% (FHV1, Bb and Cf). 41 cats tested positive for at least one upper respiratory agent by multiplex testing, with respectively 54, 43 and 2% of them tested positive for 1, 2 or 3 agents.

Nucleid acid from various FURI pathogens was isolated in almost of half of the cases, even though the detection rate for FCV and FHV1 was lower than previously reported in multicat household. Whether this detection is associated with persistent carriage and further disease development and whether cats were contaminated prior or during their hospital stay remains to be elucidated. Results of the present study highlight teaching hospital visit as a risk factor for FURI pathogens transmission.

Disclosures to report. For this purpose, dogs diagnosed with leishmaniasis with low or negative serology were reviewed. A total of 12 cases were finally included.

Five dogs presented for chronic diarrhea (4 small and 1 large intestine). One of these had ascites due to protein-losing enteropathy and one was pancytopenic. Two dogs presented for lethargy, weight loss and systemic lymphadenomegaly and one of these also had multifocal alopecia and blepharitis. One dog had diffuse exfoliative dermatitis and ulcerations. Two dogs were referred for pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO). One of these also had thrombocytopenia and moderate non-regenerative anemia. Another dog presented for pancytopenia and one for suspected non-regenerative IMHA. Both dogs and those with PUO were on immunosuppressive dose of steroids at time of presentation. Serology was low in 5 cases and negative in 7; CanL was diagnosed based on a combination of the followings: PCR (blood = 3, lymph nodes = 2, bone marrow = 1), bone marrow biopsy (n = 5), cytology of cutaneous lesions (2), lymph nodes (1), spleen (1) and liver (1). Two dogs with chronic diarrhea were diagnosed on histopathology with granulomatous ileitis and enterocolitis with abundant Leishmania amastigotes, respectively. All dogs were treated with a combination of allopurinol and meglumine antimoniate (11) or miltefosine (1) and the majority of them (9) had a good response. Serology titers remained low or negative in all cases with a favorable outcome.

If the antibody titer is low or negative, CanL is considered unlikely. However, as shown by the present study, there is a population of dogs with leishmaniasis that behaves differently. These dogs perhaps build a predominant Th1 immune response that probably is not completely effective against the infection, allowing amastigotes to disseminate. Four dogs were on immunosuppressive doses of steroids possibly causing a reduced humoral immune response.

In conclusion, this is the first report describing cases of CanL other than papular dermatitis or uveitis that, despite overt clinical signs, presented low or negative serology. This is important to consider when evaluating dogs with suspected leishmaniasis.

No disclosures to report.

Development and validation of a species-independent whole proteome tick-borne encephalitis virus antibody detection assay antigen fusion proteins was confirmed and appropriate assay performance was verified with intra-and inter-assay coefficients of variation of 21% and 17%, respectively. In conclusion, initial results indicate the LIPS assay to be a useful tool for detection of TBEV antibodies.

No disclosures to report.

Therapeutic approach to glomerulonephritis secondary to canine leishmaniosis in Portugal: a questionnaire-based survey Eighty-six answers were obtained. Faced with a theoretical scenario of a dog with stage IV CanL, showing severe azotaemia (creatinine of 3.5 mg/dl [<1.4]) and proteinuria (urinary protein/creatinine ratio of 6.2 [<0.5]), 72.1% of the respondents admitted prescribing the association of allopurinol with meglumine-antimoniate or miltefosine. From these, 67.7% would use allopurinol with miltefosine, while 32.3% would prefer allopurinol with meglumine-antimoniate. Single-therapy with allopurinol was considered by 3.5% of the respondents and 2.3% would only prescribe supportive therapy, without any other compound. Non-scientific evidence-based protocols were considered by 16.2% of the respondents, while the remaining 5.8% elected euthanasia.

Concerning proteinuria management, 93.8% admitted treating it. From these, 97.4% would switch to a renal diet. While 78.9% preferred angiotensine-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), 13.2% prioritized angiotensin-receptor-blockers. A few respondents still mentioned calcium channel blockers (5.3%) and anti-thrombotic therapy (2.6%). The use of immunossuppressants was considered by 44.2% of the respondents, who tended to prioritize prednisolone (94.7%) or mofetil mycophenolate (5.3%).

This study highlights that the association of allopurinol and miltefosine is the current preferred protocol for the medical management of stage IV CanL in Portugal. This is probably due to the assumed lower nephrotoxic effect of miltefosine when compared with meglumine-antimoniate. This study also shows that ACEIs are still the first therapeutic choice for dogs with CanL and concurrent severe proteinuria. Almost half of the respondents admitted using prednisolone when CanL associated glomerulonephritis is suspected, probably due to an immune-mediated etiology. These findings reinforce the urgent need of guidelines reassessment for dogs with suspected immune-mediated glomerulonephritis secondary to CanL. Further studies are needed to extrapolate these conclusions to other European countries.

Disclosures: Study funded by: Project UIDP/CVT/00276/2020 (funded by FCT).

A review of automated hand sanitizer dispensers in a teaching hospital H. K. Walker 1 , K. Parker 1 , A. Gow 1 1 The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are routinely used in healthcare establishments worldwide. Two milliliters of 85% ethanol gel is required to fulfill the FDA requirement of reducing bacterial contamination by at least 2 log 10 . Sanitizers used by the teaching hospital are metered to dispense 1.2mL, therefore 2 aliquots of minimum 1ml would fulfill these requirements. There is a risk that automated dispensers may not achieve these volumes, for example through large variation in the amount dispensed or operational issues.

This study aimed to assess if the dispensed volume fulfills FDA requirements and if the implementation of a role in maintaining the sanitizers improved dispenser efficacy.

Samples were collected from 15 automated dispensers set to dispense 1.2 mL per aliquot. Two aliquots of gel were collected, the weight and volume of gel dispensed for each aliquot were calculated, and any malfunctions with the dispenser recorded. Samples were collected daily on six consecutive days (time point 1). This was repeated immediately following the assignment of a role to monitor and service the sanitizers (time point 2), and again eight months post implementation of the role (time point 3).

Of the 270 aliquots (135 samples) collected, 54 (20%) and 216 (80%) were <1 mL and >1 mL, respectively. The mean volume dispensed in a single aliquot (1.092 mL, 95% confidence interval = 1.055 -1.128 mL) was significantly different to the target (1.2 mL) (P = 1.05x10 -8 ). The volumes of sanitizer dispensed and the number of aliquots <1 mL did not change significantly between the three time points (P = 0.829 and P = 0.327, respectively). A significantly higher number of malfunctions were reported when aliquots of <1 mL were dispensed compared to when aliquots ≥1 mL were dispensed (P = 4.71x10 -7 ).

This study suggests that there is a high risk of inadequate hand sanitation when using the automated dispensers, as twenty percent of samples (paired-aliquots) fell below FDA requirements. This may increase the risk of nosocomial infections in patients and zoonotic disease transfer to staff. Using sanitizers automated to dispense larger volumes of sanitizer and encouraging self-reporting may reduce these risks more than implementing a dispenser servicing role.

No disclosures to report.

Hepatocyte ploidy in cats with and without hepatocellular carcinoma A. N. Johnston 1 , J. Post 2 , P. Mottran 2 , C. C. Liu 2 , C. R. Leveille-Webster 3 , I. Langohr 4 1 Veterinary Clinical Sciences, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, USA; 2 LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, USA; 3 Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, N. Grafton, USA; 4 Pathobiological Sciences, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, USA Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer related death in humans, yet it is an uncommon neoplasm in the domestic cat. The difference in prevalence and etiology between these two species is unexplained. Recent work in mice has shown that hepatocyte polyploidy (>2N) is protective against the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Further, human hepatocarcinogenesis is associated with a reduction in hepatocyte ploidy. Hepatocyte ploidy in the domestic cat has not been previously evaluated. Our research objective is to establish a baseline hepatocellular chromosome number in normal cats and cats with HCC. We hypothesize that hepatocyte ploidy is significantly different between these groups. Samples were selected from archival cases at two veterinary schools.

Seven confirmed feline HCC cases and seven age and sex matched normal control cases were selected following review by a veterinary anatomical pathologists. Using a nuclear stain that stoichiometrically binds to DNA, fluorescence intensity was measured to determine hepatocellular ploidy. Neoplastic, peri-tumoral, and normal hepatocytes were analyzed. There was a significant difference between normal to peri-tumoral, normal to neoplastic, and neoplastic to peritumoral hepatocytes. In addition, there is a significant difference between the number of 2N vs. 4N cells in normal and peri-tumoral and neoplastic cells, and peri-tumoral to neoplastic. There is no statistical difference in the number of multinucleated cells between other groups. Normal liver has a greater number of 4N cells than neoplastic samples. This difference may contribute to development or be a cellular response to carcinogenesis.

No disclosures to report.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in dogs with gallbladder mucocele A prospective, multi-center study was performed. Dogs with an ultrasonographic diagnosis of GBM were eligible for inclusion. Control dogs were deemed healthy based on history, physical examination, diagnostic test results, and an unremarkable ultrasonogram. Static images from ultrasonograms were reviewed by two boarded radiologists and a consensus GBM type (i.e., 1 through 5) was recorded. Dogs with GBM were classified as clinical or subclinical based on whether they exhibited biliary tract clinical signs in the 7 days preceding presentation. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured with a commercially available chemiluminescence immunoassay. A Kruskal-Wallis test with a post-hoc multiple comparison procedure was used for multiple comparisons.

A P-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Sixty dogs with GBM (clinical n = 16; subclinical, n = 44) and 20 controls were included in this study. Healthy controls had significantly greater serum 25(OH)D concentrations (median, IQR; 63.4, ng/ml) than subclinical GBM dogs (51.2, 28.9-71.4 ng/ml, P = 0.024) and clinical GBM dogs (37.6, 35.6-63.4 ng/ml, P = 0.027). There was no difference in 25(OH)D concentration between subclinical and clinical GBM dogs (P = 1.00). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were not significantly different based on GBM type (P = 0.056).

These data indicate that dogs with GBM have reduced serum vitamin D concentrations. In people, hypovitaminosis D results in gallbladder hypokinesia and these data might indicate a similar pathology in dogs.

Additional studies are needed to assess if hypovitaminosis D in GBM dogs is a cause or effect of their biliary disease and investigate if vitamin D supplementation could be used as a preventative or treatment for GBM.

No disclosures to report.

Use of NanoString technology to evaluate gene expression patterns in dogs with neutrophilic cholangitis Canine neutrophilic cholangitis is a liver disease which has been identified with increased frequency over the last ten years. To date, the pathophysiological and immunological mechanisms underpinning this liver disease remain poorly characterized. The aim of this pilot study was to explore pathophysiological mechanisms by comparing the differential gene expression in liver tissue from dogs with cholangitis and healthy controls.

Dogs with neutrophilic cholangitis (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 12) were identified by review of histopathology reports and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) liver tissue blocks were retrieved from the pathology archive of the University College Dublin Veterinary Hospital. Following deparaffinisation using Deparaffinisation Solution (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany), RNA was isolated using RNeasy FFPE kit (Qiagen). A custom codeset was designed to include 42 genes encompassing the pathways of fibrosis, apoptosis, cholestasis, oxidative injury and immune response, as well as six reference genes. The RNA concentration of all samples was adjusted to 20 ng/μl in preparation for analysis using the Nanostring nCounter Analysis System (Nanostring Technologies, Seattle, WA). The normalized gene expression was determined for each gene within each sample using nSolver 2.6 software (Nanostring Technologies).

In total, 18 (42.8%) of the 42 genes investigated were significantly over-expressed in the dogs with neutrophilic cholangitis compared to the control dogs . Genes with significantly increased expression   included: BSEP, CTGF, CXCL8, CYBB, IL-10, IL-12, IL-33, JAK2, JAK3,   KLRG1, STAT3, TGF-β1, TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, TNFSF10, and TNF-α, (P < 0.002).

The up-regulation of genes associated with neutrophil chemotaxis (CXCL8), the innate immune response (TLR 1,2,4 and 6), JAK-STAT pathway (JAK2, JAK3, KLRG1, STAT3) and fibrosis (CTGF, IL-33, STAT3) offer insight into the aetiopathogenesis of this poorly characterized condition. The up-regulation of a number of the TLRs indicates that bacterial infection or bacterial proteins are likely to be a primary driving force in the pathological progression of this disease. This suggests that early intervention is warranted to reduce the inflammatory response and subsequent fibrotic processes that occur over the course of the disease.

No disclosures to report.

The lidocaine/monoethylglycylxylidide liver function test to assess shunt closure in dogs with attenuated congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts N. Devriendt 1 , G. Serrano 1 , S. Croubels 2 , D. Paepe 1 , R. Nickel 3 , H. de Rooster 1 1 Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; 2 Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; 3 Tierärztliche Klinik für Kleintiere Norderstedt, Norderstedt, Germany

Commonly used liver function tests do not always normalize after successful attenuation of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (EHPSS) in dogs. In human medicine, the hepatic metabolism of lidocaine is used as a dynamic liver function test. The advantages of the use of lidocaine are its short elimination half-life and its high hepatic extraction ratio, that is blood flow dependent. This study aimed to assess whether the dynamic lidocaine/monoethylglycylxylidide (MEGX) liver function test would be a useful test to determine postoperative EHPSS closure.

Dogs with EHPSS were prospectively enrolled. The lidocaine/MEGX test was performed at diagnosis, and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. At each time point, 1 mg/kg lidocaine was injected intravenously and blood samples were taken before (T0) and 15 minutes after injection (T15). Plasma concentrations of lidocaine and its metabolite MEGX were determined using a validated LC-MS/MS method. Three months postoperatively, a transsplenic portal scintigraphy was performed to determine EHPSS closure.

At T15, dogs with a closed EHPSS (n = 16) had significantly higher median MEGX concentrations at postoperative time points compared to diagnosis (P < 0.001), whereas no significant differences were noticed for dogs with persistent shunting (n = 5). Sensitivity and specificity to determine shunt closure were 96.2% and 82.8%, respectively.

The lidocaine/MEGX test is a promising, rapid and non-invasive dynamic liver function test that seems helpful to determine EHPSS closure in dogs. Dogs with a normal fasted ammonia concentration but high MEGX concentration at T15 after surgical attenuation are very likely to have a closed EHPSS, and therefore additional medical imaging to determine shunt closure is not of added value in the vast majority of cases. In dogs with persistent shunting, advanced medical imaging remains important to differentiate between persistent EHPSS and multiple acquired portosystemic shunts. Further studies in a larger cohort of dogs are warranted to consolidate these promising findings. Thirty-seven dogs with peritoneal effusion were included in this prospective observational study and divided based on the presence or absence of biliary tract rupture, determined by ultrasonographic and surgical findings. Bile acids and bilirubin were measured in serum and peritoneal effusion of all cases, as were fluid-to-serum bile acid and bilirubin ratio, fluid cell counts, protein measurement and cytologic evaluation.

Four dogs were diagnosed with gallbladder rupture (4/37, 11%).

The most frequent other conditions were septic peritonitis (8/37, 22%), neoplastic conditions (7/37, 16%) and chronic gastrointestinal pathologies (4/37, 11%). Bile acid and bilirubin concentrations in serum and peritoneal fluid were significantly higher in the group with biliary tract rupture, as was the fluid-to-serum bile acid ratio (P < 0.05). Fluid-to-serum bilirubin ratio was not significantly different between groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified the abdominal fluid bile acid concentration to be 100% sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of biliary tract rupture with a cut off above 769 μmol/l.

Based on this limited number of cases, determination of bile acids concentration in canine peritoneal effusion may be a highly sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of biliary tract rupture. Furthermore, fluid-to-serum bilirubin ratio, which is commonly used, was found not be significantly different between groups

No disclosures to report.

Culture and maintenance of well-differentiated canine hepatic organoids and urinary bladder organoids Our group has previously established culture and maintenance conditions for healthy and diseased (small and large) intestinal organoids in dogs. In this study, we aimed to refine culture conditions for healthy hepatic organoids to induce differentiation into budding organoids, which more closely reproduce the adult physiology of canine hepatocytes. Furthermore, we investigated whether the same culture media could be used to grow and maintain canine organoids from healthy urinary bladder tissues with the objective to expand the portfolio of available canine organoids for translational biomedical research.

Canine hepatic organoids were isolated from wedge biopsies of 3 healthy dogs. Culture media were adapted from our previously published protocols in enteroids without addition of recombinant human IGF-1, HGF or FGF-2. Our results show that we are able to achieve differentiation of cystic organoids into budding hepatoids. Organoid survival was confirmed over three passages and successful repeat cultivation after multiple cycles of freezing (-80 C)/thawing. Bladder biopsies from 2 healthy dogs were processed for stem cell isolation as previously reported by our group. Organoids were cultured in the same medium as described above and differentiated into budding organoids within 7-10 days of culture. After differentiation, bladder organoids displayed hollow structures or solid spheres, as previously described for mouse and human bladder organoids.

Findings from this study demonstrate that our stem cell culture medium developed for the culture of canine enteroids/colonoids can be used to establish in vitro organoid cell lines from multiple tissues, including hepatic and bladder epithelial cells. This is the first report of successful organoid culture from healthy bladder tissues. Importantly, and as opposed to previous description from the literature, our medium induces differentiation of hepatic cystic organoids into budding, differentiated organoids. Next steps are to phenotypically and functionally characterize these canine hepatoids and bladder organoids for further biomedical applications.

No disclosures to report

Babesiosis is a protozoal tick-borne disease with a worldwide distribution. Multiple Babesia spp. have shown to infect dogs (B. canis, B. vogeli, B. gibsoni, B. conradae, B. rossi and B.vulpes) and the geographic distribution

In case of a positive test result, differentiation of species was achieved by specific individual real-time PCR. B. vulpes was considered positive in case of a positive Babesia spp. test result but negative specific individual test. Prevalence in this population referred to the total number of positive Babesia spp. dogs divided by the total number of individual dogs tested. A total of 481 samples were included, the overall prevalence was5.1% (68% to B. Vogeli, 28% to B. canis, and one case (4%) of B.vulpes). Coinfections were not detected with other Babesia species. Prevalence studies in Europe have described the presence of B. canis mostly in cold and humid climates (Northwest of Spain). Generally, B. canis is transmitted by D. reticulatus which is frequently associated with these environments. However, B. canis has been also detected in I. hexagonus and R. sanguineus, that are easily found in the Mediterranean area. This fact may be the explanation of the current unexpected high prevalence of B. canis in our study. In conclusion, prevalence of Babesia spp

Disclosures Raquel Santiago residency program has been sponsored by Idexx Laboratories

A study of 78 new Angiostrongylus cantonensis infections in Australian dogs

Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR, Westmead Hospital