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Gallbladder mucocele (GBM) is a common extra-hepatic biliary syndrome in dogs with death rates ranging from 7-45%. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the association of survival with variables that could be utilized to improve clinical decisions. A total of 1194 dogs with a gross and histopathological diagnosis of GBM were included from 41 veterinary referral hospitals in this retrospective study. Dogs with GBM that demonstrated abnormal clinical signs had significantly greater odds of death than subclinical dogs in a univariable analysis (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 2.14-8.23; P<0.001). The multivariable model indicated that categorical variables including owner recognition of

BackgroundClinical assessment of intravascular volume status is challenging. In humans, ultrasonographic assessment of the inferior vena cava diameter, directly or as a ratio to the aortic diameter is used to estimate intravascular volume status.ObjectivesTo ultrasonographically obtain reference values (RV) for caudal vena cava diameter (CVCD), area (CVCa) and aortic ratios using 3 views in awake healthy dogs.AnimalsOne hundred and twenty‐six healthy adult dogs from clients, students, faculty, or staff.MethodsProspective, multicenter, observational study. Two observer pairs evaluated CVCD by a longitudinal subxiphoid view (SV), a transverse 11th‐13th right hepatic intercostal view (HV), and a longitudinal right paralumbar view (PV). Inter‐rater agreements were estimated using concordance correlation coefficients (CCC). For body weight (BW)‐dependent variables, RVs were calculated using allometric scaling for variables with a CCC ≥ 0.7.ResultsThe CCC was ≤0.43 for the CVC/aorta ratio at the PV and ≤0.43 in both inspiration and expiration for CVC at the SV. The RVs using allometric scaling for CVCa at the HV for inspiration, expiration, and for CVCD at the PV were 6.16 × BW0.762, 7.24 × BW0.787, 2.79 × BW0.390, respectively.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe CVCD, measured at the HV and PV in healthy awake dogs of various breeds has good inter‐rater agreement suggesting these sites are reliable in measuring CVCD. Established RVs for CVCD for these sites need further comparison to results obtained in hypovolemic and hypervolemic dogs to determine their usefulness to evaluate volume status in dogs.

Objective -To evaluate the accuracy and associated induced stress response of axillary, auricular, and rectal thermometry in hospitalized dogs. Design -Prospective observational study from October 2011 to February 2012. Setting -University veterinary teaching hospital. Animals -Two hundred fifty hospitalized dogs. All hospitalized dogs were considered eligible unless their condition precluded measurement at one of the designated sites. Interventions -A veterinary auricular infrared device for auricular temperature (OT) and an electronic predictive thermometer for rectal temperature (RT) and axillary temperature (AT) were used for temperature measurements. All recordings were obtained by the same investigator in a randomized fashion. Heart rate was noted before and immediately after each measurement. Stress behaviors (eg, vocalization, lip licking, shaking, panting, defensive behavior) were also recorded and graded from 0 (lowest) to 4 (highest). Signalment, analgesic therapy, and length of hospitalization were recorded. Measurements and Main Results -RT measurements were associated with greatest increase in heart rate (P < 0.05). Scores obtained for defensive behavior, lip licking, and vocalization were lowest with AT and highest with RT measurements (P < 0.05). Mean RT, AT, and OT were 38.0• C (SD: 0.85, and 37.23• C (SD: 1.0382• C), respectively. AT and OT were moderately correlated with RT (r = 0.70 and r = 0.64, respectively). Gender (P = 0.02) and coat length (P = 0.03) had a significant influence on results. No effect of dehydration, body condition, analgesia, age, reproductive status, or operator experience was observed (P > 0.05). Conclusions -AT and to a lesser extent OT are reliable, less stressful alternatives to estimate RT in dogs. Further studies are needed to evaluate these techniques in hyperthermic dogs, and to evaluate the use of AT and OT as monitoring tools in intensive care patients. (J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2014; 24(3): 279-285)

In this case series, we describe the treatment of 3 dogs with propofol and phenobarbital for refractory SE following attenuation of a single congenital PSS. After weaning of the propofol constant rate infusion, and tapering and discontinuation of phenobarbital over the following months, all dogs experienced a complete recovery. This study provides evidence that use of propofol in combination with phenobarbital may be efficacious for management of SE in dogs after PSS surgery.