An increase in caffeine sensitivity of muscle cells derived from a family of related RER-affected horses was detected in vitro by use of cell culture with calcium imaging and by use of fiber bundle contractility techniques. An alteration in muscle cell calcium regulation is a primary factor in the cause of this heritable myopathy.

Objective: Review the clinical presentation, assessment, resuscitation, and medical and surgical management of dogs with hemoperitoneum.Etiology: Hemoperitoneum is defined as free intra‐abdominal hemorrhage. Hemoperitoneum occurs from traumatic and nontraumatic causes. Common etiologies include atraumatic rupture of intra‐abdominal masses, coagulopathies, as well as blunt, and penetrating trauma to the abdomen.Diagnosis: Definitive diagnosis of hemoperitoneum entails demonstration of free intra‐abdominal blood via paracentesis or diagnostic peritoneal lavage. Imaging and other diagnostic tests including coagulation studies may help to determine underlying causes of hemoperitoneum or concurrent organ dysfunction.Therapy: Goals of therapy for patients with hemoperitoneum include maintenance and restoration of effective circulating volume, maintenance and restoration of oxygen‐carrying capacity, and arrest of hemorrhage. These goals can be achieved via fluid resuscitation, administration of blood products or hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers, as well as application of abdominal counterpressure, and surgical intervention. Surgery usually is required for bleeding intra‐abdominal neoplasms. Emergency surgery is recommended for hemorrhaging patients with penetrating trauma, gastric dilatation and volvulus, bleeding cysts, liver lobe torsion, splenic torsion, and any other condition resulting in organ ischemia.Prognosis: Prognosis in patients with hemoperitoneum may depend on the underlying cause and concurrent injuries.

Thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) is a soluble biomarker associated with DNA synthesis. This prospective study evaluated serum TK1 activity in dogs presenting with hemoabdomen and a splenic mass. An ELISA using azidothymidine as a substrate was used to evaluate TK1 activity. Sixty-two dogs with hemoabdomen and 15 normal controls were studied. Serum TK1 activity was significantly higher in dogs with hemangiosarcoma (HSA) than in normal dogs (mean ± SEM = 17.0 ± 5.0 and 2.01 ± 0.6, respectively), but not dogs with benign disease (mean ± SEM = 10.0 ± 3.3). Using a cut-off of 6.55 U/L, TK activity demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.52, specificity of 0.93, positive predictive value of 0.94 and negative predictive value of 0.48 for distinguishing HSA versus normal. When interval thresholds of <1.55 and >7.95 U/L were used together, diagnostic utility was increased. Serum TK1 evaluation may help to discriminate between benign disease and HSA in dogs with hemoabdomen and a splenic mass.

ALA is an uncommon but serious toxin that should be considered in cases presenting with hypoglycemia, acute renal failure, or acute hepatic insult.

No association with regard to rectal temperature and LOH could be demonstrated in this population of cats. However, the presence of azotemia in obstructed male cats appears to provide the clinician with additional information regarding the necessary LOH and eventual cost to the client.