Oronasal mucosal melanoma is defined by two transcriptional subtypes in humans and dogs with implications for diagnosis and therapy.

Mucosal melanoma is a rare melanoma subtype associated with a poor prognosis and limited existing therapeutic interventions, in part due to a lack of actionable targets and translational animal models for preclinical trials. Comprehensive data on this tumour type are scarce, and existing data often overlooks the importance of the anatomical site of origin. We evaluated human and canine oronasal mucosal melanoma (OMM) to determine whether the common canine disease could inform the rare human equivalent.

Hepatic Gene Expression of Angiogenic and Regeneration Markers in Cats with Congenital Portosystemic Shunts (CPSS).

Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) are vascular anomalies resulting in liver hypoplasia and hepatic insufficiency. Cats with CPSS typically show signs of hepatic encephalopathy associated with increased ammonia, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress. Surgical attenuation of the CPSS results in improved liver function, resolution of clinical signs, and increased portal blood flow.

Prospective Study Comparing Outcome following Complete Polypropylene Suture Ligation versus Partial Thin Film Band Attenuation of Congenital Portosystemic Shunts in Dogs.

The main objective was to conduct a prospective study reporting the outcome for dogs with an extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunt (CPSS) treated with a 'complete ligation where possible' philosophy. The second aim was to compare the outcomes following complete (C) polypropylene suture ligation versus partial thin film band (TFB) attenuation of a CPSS in dogs. Dogs that could not tolerate acute complete shunt ligation at surgery received partial shunt attenuation with TFB.

Portovenography Findings Following Partial Polypropylene Versus Thin Film Band Attenuation of a Single Congenital Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt: A Prospective Randomized Study in Dogs.

The objective was to conduct a prospective, randomized study to compare mesenteric portovenogram findings following partial polypropylene suture versus thin film band extrahepatic portosystemic shunt attenuation in dogs. Dogs with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts that could not tolerate complete acute shunt closure received a partial attenuation with either a polypropylene suture or synthetic polymer thin film band. At a routine second surgery three months after shunt patency, missed shunt branches and/or development of multiple acquired shunts were assessed using intra-operative mesenteric portovenography.

Impact of an educational intervention on public perception of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome in brachycephalic dogs.

Background: The popularity of brachycephalic dogs continues to increase despite inherent breed health problems. Increased education of current and potential brachycephalic dog owners could reduce the desirability of severely affected dogs.

Methods: Members of the general public were prospectively recruited to assess their understanding and opinions of brachycephalic breed-related health problems, before and after an educational intervention on brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).

Long-term outcome and quality of life of dogs that developed neurologic signs after surgical treatment of a congenital portosystemic shunt: 50 cases (2005-2020).

Objective: To determine survival time and quality of life of dogs that developed postattenuation neurologic signs (PANS) after surgical treatment of a single congenital portosystemic shunt and survived at least 30 days and identify whether neurologic signs present at the time of discharge would resolve or reoccur.

Animals: 50 client-owned dogs.

Procedures: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and follow-up data relating to neurologic signs and seizure activity were obtained.

Postattenuation neurologic signs after surgical attenuation of congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs: A review.

The development of postattenuation neurologic signs (PANS) is a poorly understood and potentially devastating complication after surgical attenuation of congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs. Postattenuation neurologic signs include seizures but also more subtle neurologic signs such as depression, behavioral changes, tremors, and twitching. They most commonly occur within 7 days postoperatively and are typically unrelated to hyperammonemia, hypoglycemia, or electrolyte disturbances.

Owner reported breathing scores, accelerometry and sleep disturbances in brachycephalic and control dogs: A pilot study.

Objectives: To compare physical activity and length and quality of sleep between brachycephalic dogs and a control population.

Methods: Brachycephalic and control dogs were prospectively enrolled. Length of activity and sleep were determined via accelerometer use.

Sensitivity of the Natriuretic Peptide/cGMP System to Hyperammonaemia in Rat C6 Glioma Cells and GPNT Brain Endothelial Cells.

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is the major natriuretic peptide of the central nervous system and acts via its selective guanylyl cyclase-B (GC-B) receptor to regulate cGMP production in neurons, astrocytes and endothelial cells. CNP is implicated in the regulation of neurogenesis, axonal bifurcation, as well as learning and memory. Several neurological disorders result in toxic concentrations of ammonia (hyperammonaemia), which can adversely affect astrocyte function.

Staphylococcal bacterial contamination of portable electronic devices in a large veterinary hospital.

Background: Portable electronic devices are used regularly within the veterinary and medical environments. Use of these in clinical areas may predispose them to bacterial contamination and they could act as fomites, transmitting infection between clinicians and patients.

Aim: To determine the prevalence, origin and nature of Staphylococcal bacterial contamination on the surface of portable electronic devices used in a large small animal hospital.

Serological markers of gluten sensitivity in Border terriers with gall bladder mucocoeles.

Objectives: To evaluate serological markers of gluten sensitivity in conjunction with cholecystokinin measurement in Border terriers with gall bladder mucocoeles.

Materials And Methods: Medical records from two referral hospitals were obtained between 2011 and 2019 to identify Border terriers with gall bladder mucocoeles, non-Border terriers with gall bladder mucocoeles and control Border terriers with non-biliary diseases. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed on stored fasted serum samples for anti-gliadin IgG, anti-canine transglutaminase-2-IgA autoantibodies and cholecystokinin.

Infiltrative laryngeal disease in dogs.

Objectives: To describe the clinical features and outcome of neoplastic and inflammatory infiltrative laryngeal disease in dogs.

Materials And Methods: Medical records at a single referral centre were retrospectively reviewed for dogs diagnosed with infiltrative laryngeal disease by CT or laryngoscopy.

Results: Fifteen dogs were included, with a median age of 6 years (range 1-14 years).

Incidence and risk factors for neurological signs after attenuation of a single congenital portosystemic shunt in 50 cats.

Objective: To determine the incidence, outcome, and risk factors for postattenuation neurological signs (PANS) in cats treated for single congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS).

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Animals: Cats (n = 50) with a single CPSS.

Astrocyte lesions in cerebral cortex and cerebellum of dogs with congenital ortosystemic shunting.

Background: Congenital portosystemic shunt (cPSS) is one of the most common congenital disorders diagnosed in dogs. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent complication in dogs with a cPSS and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite HE been a major cause of morbidity in dogs with a cPSS, little is known about the cellular changes that occur in the central nervous system of dogs with a cPSS.

Staff attitudes to and compliance with the use of a surgical safety checklist.

Objectives: To investigate staff attitudes to the use of a surgical safety checklist in a small animal operating room and to gain insight into barriers to use.

Materials And Methods: A questionnaire was designed and used to assess attitudes of 36 operating room personnel to the checklist. The checklist was retrospectively audited on 984 patients over an 8-month period to investigate compliance.

Outcomes of dogs treated for extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts with thin film banding or ameroid ring constrictor.

Objective: To compare the outcomes of dogs treated at a single institution for single extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) by thin film banding (TFB) or by placement of an ameroid constrictor (AC).

Study Design: Retrospective case series.

Animals: Seventy-six client-owned dogs with CPSS treated with TFB (n = 53) or AC (n = 23).

Health-related quality of life following surgical attenuation of congenital portosystemic shunts versus healthy controls.

Objectives: To design a health-related quality of life questionnaire for dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts, use it in a cohort of dogs treated with suture attenuation and compare results with those obtained from a healthy control cohort.

Materials And Methods: Data were collected from the hospital records of dogs treated with suture ligation of an intrahepatic or extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunt at two referral centres. Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire assessing their dog's health-related quality of life preoperatively (retrospectively) and at the time of follow-up.

Incidence and risk factors for neurological signs after attenuation of single congenital portosystemic shunts in 253 dogs.

Objective: To determine the incidence, outcome, and risk factors for postattenuation neurological signs (PANS) and seizures after attenuation of single congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) in dogs.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Sample Population: Dogs (N = 253) with single CPSS.

Gall bladder mucoceles in Border terriers.

Background: Gall bladder mucoceles (GBM) are a leading cause of biliary disease in dogs with several breeds, including the Shetland Sheepdog, American Cocker Spaniel, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, and Miniature Schnauzer apparently predisposed.

Objective: To determine risk factors, clinical features, and response to treatment of GBM in Border terriers (BT).

Animals: Medical records of 99 dogs (including 51 BT) with an ultrasonographic (±histopathologic) diagnosis of GBM from three referral centers in the United Kingdom were collected.

Long-Term Outcome of Female Dogs Treated with Static Hydraulic Urethral Sphincter for Urethral Sphincter Mechanism Incompetence.

The purpose of the study was to report the postoperative outcome, complications, and long-term follow-up of the use of a static hydraulic urethral sphincter for the management of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in female dogs. Medical records were reviewed to extract information on long-term (>365 days) outcome data. Telephone owner questionnaire was performed to assess postoperative urinary continence scores (scale 1-10, where 10 is complete continence) and the presence and frequency of complications.

Haematology and coagulation profiles in cats with congenital portosystemic shunts.

Objectives The objectives of this study were, first, to report the haematological parameters and coagulation times for cats with a congenital portosystemic shunt (CPSS) and the influence of surgical shunt attenuation on these parameters; and, second, to identify any association between prolongation in coagulation profiles and incidence of perioperative haemorrhage. Methods This was a retrospective clinical study using client-owned cats with a CPSS. Signalment, shunt type (extra- or intrahepatic), degree of shunt attenuation (complete or partial), haematological parameters, prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) test results, and occurrence of any perioperative clinical bleeding complications were recorded for cats undergoing surgical treatment of a CPSS at the Royal Veterinary College, UK, between 1994 and 2011.