BackgroundMicroscopic evaluation of urine is inconsistently performed in veterinary clinics. The IDEXX SediVue Dx® Urine Sediment Analyzer (SediVue) recently was introduced for automated analysis of canine and feline urine and may facilitate performance of urinalyses in practice.ObjectiveCompare the performance of the SediVue with manual microscopy for detecting clinically relevant numbers of cells and 2 crystal types.SamplesFive‐hundred thirty urine samples (82% canine, 18% feline).MethodsFor SediVue analysis (software versions [SW] 1.0.0.0 and 1.0.1.3), uncentrifuged urine was pipetted into a cartridge. Images were captured and processed using a convolutional neural network algorithm. For manual microscopy, urine was centrifuged to obtain sediment. To determine sensitivity and specificity of the SediVue compared with manual microscopy, thresholds were set at ≥5/high power field (hpf) for red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC) and ≥1/hpf for squamous epithelial cells (sqEPI), non‐squamous epithelial cells (nsEPI), struvite crystals (STR), and calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals (CaOx Di).ResultsThe sensitivity of the SediVue (SW1.0.1.3) was 85%‐90% for the detection of RBC, WBC, and STR; 75% for CaOx Di; 71% for nsEPI; and 33% for sqEPI. Specificity was 99% for sqEPI and CaOx Di; 87%‐90% for RBC, WBC, and nsEPI; and 84% for STR. Compared to SW1.0.0.0, SW1.0.1.3 had increased sensitivity but decreased specificity. Performance was similar for canine versus feline and fresh versus stored urine samples.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe SediVue exhibits good agreement with manual microscopy for the detection of most formed elements evaluated, but improvement is needed for epithelial cells.

Candida albicans is a common cause of nosocomial infections in humans, but there are few reports of systemic candidiasis in dogs. This report describes an 11-year-old spayed female Scottish Terrier with systemic candidiasis. The diagnosis was made on the basis of results of microbiologic culture of specimens from urine and venous catheters and histologic examination of tissues obtained post mortem. Factors that predisposed the dog of this report to systemic candidiasis included diabetes mellitus, corticosteroid and broad-spectrum antimicrobial administration, venous and urinary catheterization, and administration of nutrition parenterally. The development of pyrexia and leukocytosis in dogs with risk factors that predispose to Candida spp infections warrants evaluation via microbial culture of specimens from urine and vascular catheters used in those dogs.

BackgroundOpportunistic invasive fungal infections (OIFIs) occur in dogs administered immunosuppressive medications. However, the epidemiology of OIFIs among dogs undergoing immunosuppressive treatment is poorly understood. The aims of this study were to (1) estimate the incidence of OIFIs among dogs diagnosed with certain immune‐mediated diseases and treated with immunosuppressive drugs, and (2) determine if administration of particular drug(s) was a risk factor for OIFIs.HypothesisDogs receiving cyclosporine treatment (alone or as part of a multidrug protocol) are at higher risk of developing OIFIs.AnimalsOne hundred and thirteen client‐owned dogs diagnosed with select immune‐mediated diseases: 42 with IMHA, 29 with ITP, 34 with IMPA, and 8 with Evans syndrome.MethodsRetrospective cohort study. Medical records of dogs presenting to the Texas A&M University, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between January 2008 and December 2015, and treated for 1 or more of IMHA, IMPA, ITP, or Evans syndrome were retrospectively reviewed. Dogs that did not develop an OIFI were excluded if they died, were euthanized, or were lost to follow‐up within 120 days of initiation of immunosuppressive treatment.ResultsFifteen dogs of 113 (13%) were diagnosed with an OIFI based on 1 or more of cytology, culture, or histopathology. The odds of developing an OIFI were greater among dogs that were treated with cyclosporine (OR = 7.1, P = 0.017; 95% CI, 1.5–34.4) and among male dogs (OR = 5.1, P = 0.018; 95% CI, 1.4–17.9).Conclusions and Clinical Importance OIFIs were significantly more likely in male dogs and those receiving cyclosporine. It is important to consider OIFIs as a potential complication of immunosuppressive treatment, particularly cyclosporine.

OBJECTIVE-To develop a low-technology system that can be used by dog owners to obtain morphological and mobility measurements in companion dogs as candidate components of an eventual canine frailty scale. ANIMALS-57 adult (≥ 1-year-old) dogs enrolled by 43 owners. PROCEDURES-Morphological measurements of dogs were performed by investigators and dog owners. Dogs participated in timed in-clinic mobility trials across a flat surface (on-leash trial with the owner, on-leash trial with the investigator, and off-leash trial) and on stairs; each trial was repeated 3 times. Owners were asked to conduct a second stair trial at home 2 weeks later. Agreement between owner-and investigator-obtained measurements was assessed with Shrout-Fleiss intraclass correlation coefficients and paired t tests. Age, quartile of projected percentage of mean life span attained (adjusted for body weight), and height were evaluated as predictors of speed and stride length in mobility trials with linear regression and Spearman rank correlation analysis. RESULTS-Agreement between owner-and investigator-obtained morphological measurements was strong. Age was a weak but significant predictor of decreased dog speed in mobility trials (adjusted R 2 , 0.10 to 0.23). Speed decreased significantly with increasing quartile of projected life span attained. A linear regression model that included height and age predicted dog speed better than models with age or height alone.