These results indicate that dietary management of protein-losing enteropathy is a potential management strategy in Yorkshire terriers. Randomised clinical trials in Yorkshire terriers with protein-losing enteropathy are necessary to compare success rate, survival and quality of life with dietary management versus combined dietary and immunosuppressive/anti-inflammatory therapy.

Extreme intestinal polyposis in pet dogs has not yet been reported in literature. We identified a dog patient who developed numerous intestinal polyps, with the severity resembling human classic familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), except the jejunum-ileum junction being the most polyp-dense. We investigated this dog, in comparison with 22 other dogs with spontaneous intestinal tumors but no severe polyposis, and with numerous published human cancers. We found, not APC mutation, but three other alteration pathways as likely reasons of this canine extreme polyposis. First, somatic truncation mutation W411X of FBXW7, a component of an E3 ubiquitin ligase, over-activates MYC and cell cycle-promoting network, accelerating crypt cell proliferation. Second, genes of protein trafficking and localization are downregulated, likely associated with germline mutation G406D of STAMBPL1, a K63-deubiquitinase, and MYC network activation. This inhibits epithelial apical-basolateral polarity establishment, preventing crypt cell differentiation. Third, Bacteroides uniformis, a commensal gut anaerobe, thrives and expresses abundantly thioredoxin and nitroreductase. These bacterial products could reduce oxidative stress linked to host germline mutation R51X of CYB5RL, a cytochrome b5 reductase homologue, decreasing cell death. Our work emphasizes the close collaboration of alterations across the genome, transcriptome and microbiome in promoting tumorigenesis.

No abstract

Variants of the SPINK1 gene may be associated with the development of pancreatitis in Miniature Schnauzers.

These results show that biochemical derangements within feline packed red blood cells are progressive, with some alterations, such as lactate and ammonia, occurring early within the storage periods, while others, including glucose and electrolytes, are slower to develop. Additional prospective research evaluating the clinical effects of these biochemical alterations is required.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the agreement between results of microscopic examination and bacterial culture of bile samples from dogs and cats with hepatobiliary disease for detection of bactibilia. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS 31 dogs and 21 cats with hepatobiliary disease for which subsequent microscopic examination and bacterial culture of bile samples was performed from 2004 through 2014. PROCEDURES Electronic medical records of included dogs and cats were reviewed to extract data regarding diagnosis, antimicrobials administered, and results of microscopic examination and bacterial culture of bile samples. Agreement between these 2 diagnostic tests was assessed by calculation of the Cohen κ value. RESULTS 17 (33%) dogs and cats had bactibilia identified by microscopic examination of bile samples, and 11 (21%) had bactibilia identified via bacterial culture. Agreement between these 2 tests was substantial (percentage agreement [positive and negative results], 85%; κ = 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.38 to 0.89) and improved to almost perfect when calculated for only animals that received no antimicrobials within 24 hours prior to sample collection (percentage agreement, 94%; κ = 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.61 to 1.00). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that agreement between microscopic examination and bacterial culture of bile samples for detection of bactibilia is optimized when dogs and cats are not receiving antimicrobials at the time of sample collection. Concurrent bacterial culture and microscopic examination of bile samples are recommended for all cats and dogs evaluated for hepatobiliary disease.

Cobalamin deficiency is a common disorder in Chinese Shar Peis (Shar Peis) and is thus suspected to be hereditary. The objective of this study was to identify a genomic region or locus that cosegregates with the phenotype of cobalamin deficiency in Shar Peis. Serum cobalamin concentrations were measured, and blood for genomic DNA extraction was collected from 14 cobalamin-deficient Shar Peis and 28 Shar Peis with a serum cobalamin concentration in the reference range. The 327 microsatellite markers from the canine minimal screening set 2 and 4 additional markers were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and genotyped by automated capillary electrophoresis. Two microsatellite markers, DTR13.6 (P = 1.4 x 10(-6)) and REN13N11 (P = 1.5 x 10(-5)), both on canine chromosome 13, showed evidence of linkage disequilibrium. These findings indicate that the region of chromosome 13 near these markers should be mapped and closely examined for potential mutations associated with this disease in Shar Peis.

Dogs with SIRS or sepsis have derangements in measured serum thyroid hormones. No relationships were identified between thyroid hormone concentrations and survival. The APPLE(fast) score was the only variable predictive of poor outcome.