Retrospective Evaluation of Intravenous Enoxaparin Administration in Feline Arterial Thromboembolism.

Induction of a hypocoagulable state is imperative in the treatment of feline arterial thromboembolism. Publications in human medicine report the use of enoxaparin intravenously in selected cases. The aim of our retrospective study was to report the regain of perfusion, short-term outcome, and complications of cats treated with a novel intravenous enoxaparin protocol (1 mg/kg bolus injection followed by 3 mg/kg/day continuous infusion) combined with oral clopidogrel administration.

Transvenous embolization of moderate to large patent ductus arteriosus in dogs using the Amplatzer vascular plug II.

Background: Catheter-based occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can be performed using different devices. Transvenous embolization using the Amplatzer vascular plug II (AVP-II) has been studied in humans, but it has not been described in dogs.

Objective: Evaluate the feasibility and success of transvenous embolization of PDA using the AVP-II in dogs.

Correlation of Histopathological Changes in the Left Atrium and Left Atrial Appendage with the Degree of Dilation in Cats.

Although atrial dilation is a common finding in feline cardiac disease, detailed investigations of atrial pathology are rare in cats. The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between pathohistological findings, morphometric data and the degree of dilation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) in 53 cats. Based on the LAA volume, the samples were grouped into normal/control (group 0, ≤1 ml [n = 9]), mildly dilated (group 1, >1 to ≤2 ml [n = 16]), moderately dilated (group 2, >2 to ≤3 ml [n = 14]) and markedly dilated (group 3, >3 ml [n = 14]) groups, independent of the underlying disease.

[Echocardiographic measurements in clinically healthy ferrets without sedation].

Objective: Cardiac diseases, predominantly acquired diseases such as valvular insufficiency and cardiomyopathies, are a common problem in domestic ferrets. Aim of the present study was to establish body-weight related echocardiographic reference intervals for standard B- and M-mode parameters, especially of the left atrium, in clinically healthy ferrets without sedation.

Material And Methods: Eighteen client-owned healthy, non-sedated ferrets underwent echocardiography in right lateral recumbency.

Assessment of a bedside test for N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) to differentiate cardiac from non-cardiac causes of pleural effusion in cats.

Background: Cats with pleural effusion represent common emergencies in small animal practice. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the diagnostic ability of a point-of-care ELISA (POC-ELISA) for the measurement of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) to differentiate cardiac from non-cardiac disease in cats with pleural effusion. The sample material for use of this rapid test was either plasma or diluted pleural effusion.

[Cyanosis in a calf with a double outlet right ventricle].

A 4-day-old female Holstein Friesian calf was presented for evaluation of cyanosis and dyspnea. On auscultation, severe bronchovesicular sounds and a systolic heart murmur of grade IV/VI above the tricuspid valve were found. On echocardiography, a marked dextroposition of the aorta (> 50% originating from the right ventricle), leading to both great arteries arising from the right ventricle - a so-called double-outlet right ventricle - was detected.

Follow-up of troponin I concentration in dogs with atrioventricular block and dual-chamber pacing in a case-matched study.

Background: Increased cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentration has been reported in dogs with atrioventricular (AV) block before and shortly following pacemaker implantation. The role of AV dyssynchrony, age, or concurrent cardiac disease on cTnI concentration remains unknown.

Objectives: To investigate change in cTnI concentration following dual-chamber pacemaker implantation on short- and long-term follow-up and to compare cTnI values to a case-matched control group.

Assessment of circulating N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide concentration to differentiate between cardiac from noncardiac causes of pleural effusion in cats.

Objective: To determine the diagnostic ability of blood N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurement to differentiate between congestive heart failure (CHF) and noncardiogenic causes for moderate to severe pleural effusion in cats.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: University teaching hospital.