A multicenter retrospective study assessing progression of biliary sludge in dogs using ultrasonography.

Background: Biliary sludge (BS) frequently is identified on ultrasonographic examination and is described as incidental. It is hypothesized that biliary stasis and hypersecretion play a role in both BS and gallbladder mucocele (GBM) formation. Recent studies have documented similarities in composition of BS and GBM, and there are several examples of progression from BS to GBM in the veterinary literature.

Prevalence of sudden cardiac death in dogs with atrial fibrillation.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in humans, independent of secondary risk factors such as thrombogenic disorders. In dogs, SCD is described in a number of heart diseases, but an association between AF and SCD is unreported.

Hypothesis: (a) A higher proportion of dogs with AF will experience SCD, and (b) SCD will be associated with complex ventricular arrhythmias.