Sensitivity of a Hymenoptera serological immunoglobulin (Ig)E assay for the diagnosis of venom hypersensitivity in dogs.

Background: Hymenoptera envenomation with honey bee (Apis mellifera) and paper wasp (Polistes spp.) may cause life-threatening anaphylaxis in dogs. In human patients, clinical history, intradermal testing (IDT) and measurement of allergen-specific serological immunoglobulin (Ig)E (sIgE) are used to support a diagnosis of Hymenoptera venom hypersensitivity.

Modified rush venom immunotherapy in dogs with Hymenoptera hypersensitivity.

Background: Hymenoptera envenomation occurs frequently in people and dogs and can trigger anaphylaxis. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the only preventive treatment for Hymenoptera hypersensitivity and is indicated for people with severe adverse reactions to insect stings. Rush VIT is an accelerated VIT protocol in people.

Stress radiographic assessment of collateral ligament constraints on the feline tarsocrural joint.

Introduction: This cadaveric study describes the collateral ligament constraints on the feline tarsocrural joint using stress radiography.

Methods: Thirty-six feline cadaveric hindlimbs free of orthopaedic disease were placed in a custom-made jig and controlled stress radiography was performed before and after transection of one, or both collateral ligaments. Changes in varus and valgus deviation and pronation and supination were measured at three limb angles (extension, 120 flexion and 90 flexion).

Sterile pyogranuloma syndrome in a dog successfully treated with immunosuppressive therapy and reconstructive seed grafting.

This report describes a case of sterile pyogranuloma syndrome managed with immunomodulatory therapy and seed skin grafting. Seed skin grafting can be considered as part of a multimodal treatment approach for cutaneous defects caused by ulcerative immune-mediated diseases where secondary intention healing is delayed or contraindicated, and other forms of wound reconstruction may be prohibitive.

Fatal disseminated toxoplasmosis in a feline immunodeficiency virus-positive cat receiving oclacitinib for feline atopic skin syndrome.

Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous protozoan, for which felids are the definitive host. Immunocompromised individuals are susceptible to recrudescent toxoplasmosis. This case describes a 6-year-old, feline immunodeficiency virus-positive domestic short hair cat with feline atopic skin syndrome that developed fatal toxoplasmosis after treatment with oclacitinib for five months.

Agreement of point-of-care prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin time in dogs with a reference laboratory.

Objectives: To determine the agreement, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of prothrombin (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) using the point-of-care analyser SCA2000™ with IDEXX Coag Dx™ cartridges against a reference laboratory (STAGO Start 4®) in canine blood.

Methods: Citrated blood samples from 47 dogs were submitted for PT and aPTT measurements. The STAGO was taken as the gold standard and sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated.