Investigation and characterization of Brucella canis infections in pet-quality dogs and associated human exposures during a 2007-2016 outbreak in Michigan.

OBJECTIVE To estimate Brucella canis seropositivity rates for purebred dogs being bred by noncommercial breeders, describe epidemiological findings in infected commercial dog-production facilities, and characterize B canis infection in pet dogs and the risk to human health. DESIGN Retrospective descriptive study. SAMPLE 2,799 canine specimens submitted to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for B canis testing and records of B canis reports provided to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2007 through 2016.

Systemic manifestations of Cuterebra infection in dogs and cats: 42 cases (2000-2014).

OBJECTIVE To document clinical signs in cats and dogs with Cuterebra infection, determine the outcome of infected animals, and determine whether Yorkshire Terriers were more commonly affected than other breeds of dogs. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 22 cats and 20 dogs with Cuterebra infection.

Implementing Interventions Aimed at Reducing Rates of Cesarean Birth.

Increased incidence of both nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex and overall cesarean birth rates has warranted close monitoring and scrutiny by various health care associations and by individual obstetric facilities and providers of obstetric care. Concerted efforts to reduce rates of nonmedically indicated cesarean birth have resulted in the development and implementation of comprehensive action plans aimed at effecting reductions and enhancing overall obstetric quality care. Here we describe how a multidisciplinary team at our hospital developed and implemented interventions aimed at reducing rates of cesarean birth.

Comparison of rapid immunoassays for rupture of fetal membranes.

Background: Rupture of membranes (ROM) before the onset of uterine contractions, particularly in pregnancies less than 37 weeks gestational age, is a common diagnostic problem in obstetrical practice. Timely detection of ROM is vital to support gestational age-specific interventions to optimize perinatal outcomes and minimize the risk of serious complications such as preterm delivery, fetal distress and maternal/fetal infections. Rapid bedside immunoassay tests designed to detect amniotic fluid proteins in cervicovaginal fluids have emerged as valuable clinical tools to provide timely ROM diagnosis.

Perinatal considerations in the hospital disaster management process.

Nurses play a vital role in providing care to mothers and infants during a disaster, yet few are fully prepared for the challenges they will encounter under extreme conditions. The ability to provide the best possible care for families begins with understanding the perinatal issues in relation to each phase of the disaster management process. This article reviews the hospital and perinatal nursing role in the mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery phases of disaster management.

In vitro comparison of plain radiography, double-contrast cystography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography for estimation of cystolith size.

Objective: To compare accuracy of estimates of cystolith size obtained by means of plain radiography, double-contrast cystography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography.

Sample Population: 30 canine cystoliths ranging from 1 to 11 mm in diameter with various mineral compositions.

Procedures: A bladder phantom model was created by filling a rubber balloon with saline (1% NaCl) solution and positioning it on top of a 2% gelatin cushion at the bottom of a water-filled 4-quart container.

Effect of semen in urine specimens on urine protein concentration determined by means of dipstick analysis.

Objective: To determine the effect of semen in urine specimens on urine protein concentration measured by means of dipstick analysis.

Sample Population: 14 urine samples from 3 adult castrated male dogs and 14 semen samples from 7 adult sexually intact male dogs.

Procedures: Serial dilutions of the whole ejaculate or spermatozoa-free seminal fluid in urine were created, and unaltered and diluted urine samples were analyzed by means of a commercially available dipstick; pH and specific gravity of the samples were also measured.

SCID dogs: similar transplant potential but distinct intra-uterine growth defects and premature replicative senescence compared with SCID mice.

We have previously described DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs) mutations in horses and dogs that result in deficits in V(D)J recombination, DNA repair, and SCID. In this paper, we document substantial developmental growth defects in DNA-PKcs-deficient dogs that are not apparent in SCID mice. Fibroblast cell strains derived from either fetal or adult SCID dogs proliferate poorly in culture and undergo premature replicative senescence, somewhat reminiscent of cells derived from Ku-deficient mice.

Serum alkaline phosphatase activity in Scottish Terriers versus dogs of other breeds.

Objective: To determine whether Scottish Terriers have higher serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and a higher prevalence of diseases commonly associated with high serum ALP activity than do dogs of other breeds.

Design: Retrospective case-control study.

Animals: 85 Scottish Terriers and 340 age-matched control dogs that were not Scottish Terriers.

Assessment of the dark-adaptation time required for recovery of electroretinographic responses in dogs after fundus photography and indirect ophthalmoscopy.

Objective: To investigate the duration of dark-adaptation time required for recovery of electroretinographic responses after fundus photography or indirect ophthalmoscopy in dogs.

Animals: 6 dogs.

Procedure: Initially, scotopic-intensity series of electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded after 20 minutes of dark adaptation.

Identification and characterization of an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis-like condition in cats.

Interstitial lung diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders with a variety of causes. In veterinary medicine, such lung diseases with a prominent fibrotic component of unknown etiology are often called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In human medicine, this term is reserved for a distinct disease entity with specific histologic findings labeled as usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP).

Thyroid issues in reproduction.

Observations in people and animals demonstrate relationships between thyroid and reproductive functions. Thyroid issues of importance to small animal reproduction are twofold. First, some thyroid disorders, such as lymphocytic thyroiditis and some forms of congenital hypothyroidism, appear to be heritable.