Hirotaka Matsumoto

Objectives: The objective of our study was to quantitatively measure systolic torsional deformations in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and in controls. Animals: Twenty-six client-owned cats with HCM and 14 healthy cats. HCM cats were categorized based on their symptoms (asymptomatic and symptomatic) and with or without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (obstructive and non-obstructive). Methods: The cats were examined for myocardial deformations using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography and were evaluated for peak systolic rotation and the rotation rate at each basal and apical view. Cats were also evaluated for the peak systolic torsion and torsion rate. Results: The peak systolic apical rotation and torsion were higher in asymptomatic and symptomatic cats with HCM than in control cats. Also, the peak systolic apical rotation, apical rotation rate, torsion, and torsion rate were higher in cats with obstructive HCM than in control cats. Conclusions: Myocardial torsional deformations assessed by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography may be useful for evaluating compensatory myocardial function of HCM. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) is mainly caused by pituitary corticotroph tumors in dogs. A characteristic feature of corticotroph tumors is their resistance to negative feedback by glucocorticoids. In some animal species, including dogs, the aberrant expression of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11HSD), a cortisol metabolic enzyme, is observed in corticotroph tumors. We previously reported that carbenoxolone (CBX), an inhibitor of 11HSD, suppressed ACTH secretion from the pituitary gland, and decreased cortisol concentrations in healthy dogs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of CBX on dogs with PDH. Six dogs with PDH were treated with 60 to 80 mg/kg/day of CBX for 6 weeks, followed by trilostane, which is a commonly used agent for canine PDH. CBX treatment led to a gradual decrease in both basal and in corticotropic releasing hormone (CRH)-stimulated plasma ACTH concentrations and CRH-stimulated serum cortisol concentrations, without side effects. However, basal and stimulated ACTH and cortisol concentrations remained higher than those of healthy dogs, and clinical symptoms such as polydipsia and polyuria were not ameliorated. After a 2-week wash-out interval, trilostane was administered for 2 weeks. Although basal plasma ACTH concentrations were higher after trilostane treatment than CBX treatment, polydipsia and polyuria resolved in all six dogs. The reason for the lack of improvement in polydipsia and polyuria with CBX treatment is unclear. Other mechanisms, in addition to a partial decrease in ACTH secretion, are likely to be involved. In conclusion, this is the first study to report the in vivo effects of CBX in dogs with PDH. The findings suggest that CBX inhibits ACTH secretion from canine pituitary tumors, resulting in lower cortisol concentrations.

臨床的に健常な雄ビーグル10頭にInonotus Obliquus(カバノアナタケ)(IO)とPanax notoginseng(Burk)F.H.CHEN(サンシチニンジン)(PN)を含むShibe-riaを8週間給与した。給与方法は通常用量(n=5)と高用量(n=5)に大別し、毎朝混餌して与えた。食欲や排便状態などの一般状態は毎日確認した。実験開始から2週間毎に体温、心拍数そして呼吸数、CBCそして血液化学検査を行った。末梢血リンパ球表面発現分子の検出は実験開始直前とその8週後に行った。RBC、HTC、HGB、BUNそしてNaの測定値には有意な変動を認めたが、それらの値はすべて基準値の範囲内であったことから、IOとPNの長期的な服用の安全性が明らかとなった。そして、基準値の範囲内の変動ではあるが、IOとPNの給与後のCD3、CD4およびCD8の検出率の増加から、IOとPNは免疫作用を刺激することが示唆された。(著者抄録)

We describe a primary malignant mesenchymal tumor of the heart in an 8-year-old miniature Schnauzer that was euthanatized because of poor prognosis. At necropsy, multiple milky-white masses of various sizes were seen to project from the endocardium into the right atrial and both ventricular cavities. On histopathological examination, the cardiac neoplasia was diagnosed as primary malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. There have been no previous reports of such a tumor occurring in the canine heart.

Fatty acids are a major source of energy in the normal myocardium and are taken up passively from the bloodstream. However, with heart failure, the use of fatty acids decreases in the myocardium. Therefore, serum fatty acid concentrations in dogs with mitral insufficiency (MI) might differ from those in normal dogs. The present study was designed to determine the serum fatty acid compositions in dogs with different severities of MI according to the classification proposed by the International Small Animal Cardiac Heart Council (ISACHC) and to elucidate the relationships between the determined compositions and echocardiographic parameters. In total, 30 dogs with MI were divided into 3 groups (I, II, and III) according to the ISACHC classification of MI severity. The healthy group consisted of 12 dogs matched with the MI groups for age and body weight. The serum concentrations of 13 fatty acids were measured by gas chromatography. The levels of linoleic acid (LA), docosatetraenoic acid (DTA), and arachidonic acid (AA) in group I were significantly lower than those in the healthy group (p<0.05). The levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and AA in group II were significantly lower than those in the healthy group (p<0.05). The level of EPA in group III was significantly lower than that in the healthy group (p<0.05). In addition, the ratio of EPA to AA levels (EPA/AA ratio) in group III was significantly lower than that in the healthy group (p<0.05). With regard to the relationships between fatty acid concentrations in all MI groups (I through III) and echocardiographic parameters, the levels of AA and DTA showed a significant positive correlation with the ratio of left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter to aortic diameter (LVIDd/Ao ratio) (AA, r=0.396 and p=0.048; DTA, r=0.426 and p=0.027). In addition, the docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) level correlated negatively with fractional shortening (r=-0.437 and p=0.023). Furthermore, the EPA/AA ratio correlated negatively with the ratio of left atrial to aortic diameters (r=-0.383 and p=0.048). The fatty acid concentrations and ratios in the dogs with 3 types of MI according to the ISACHC classification differed from those in healthy dogs. Some of these concentrations and ratios correlated with echocardiographic parameters.

ビーグルに対してStreptcoccus salivarius K12(SSK12)を連日給与することにより口臭や口腔内細菌に対する影響を検討した。SSK12の給与群(n=3頭)と無給与の対照群(n=3頭)を用いて口腔ガス臭と呼気臭の官能検査そして気体検知管測定器を用いて口腔内のアンモニア、メチルアミン、メチルメルカプタンおよび硫化水素を測定した。口腔内スワブを嫌気培養し黒色色素産生菌集落の数を求めた。Porphiromonas(P.)gingivalisとP.gulaeの検出は、口腔内スワブと黒色色素産生菌を用いてPCR法により行った。口腔内細菌数の測定はReal-time PCR法で行った。官能検査ではSSK12給与群の口腔ガス臭の評価ポイントの低下と呼気臭感知までの距離の延長が認められた。また、対照群のアンモニア濃度は、実験前に比べその4週後は増加したがSSK12給与群ではSSK12給与後に低下した。対照群のメチルアミンは、実験4週後には有意(p<0.05)に増加したが、SSK12給与群では給与前後で有意な差は認めなかった。口腔内スワブと黒色色素産生菌の両者からはともにP.gingivalisは検出されず、口腔内細菌数の変化には明らかな差異は認められなかった。これらのことから、SSK12は犬の口臭抑制効果を期待できることが示唆されたが、口腔内細菌に対する効果についてはさらなる検討が必要である。(著者抄録)

甲状腺機能低下症と医原性副腎機能低下症をともなう犬のアトピー性皮膚炎(CAD)と診断されたゴールデンレトリバーの血清脂肪酸濃度を測定した。治療開始前の血中脂肪酸濃度は、24種類中11種類が基準値の範囲を超えていた。加療とともに皮膚の状態は改善傾向を示したが、第180病日には皮膚の状態が再び悪化した。その時点の血清中脂肪酸濃度は、基準値を超えていたのは1種類のみであり、11種類は基準値よりも低値であった。そのため、脂肪酸サプリメントを治療に加えたところ皮膚の状態は劇的に改善した。本症例における血清中脂肪酸濃度の測定は、脂肪酸サプリメントを給与するタイミングの見極めに役だった。(著者抄録)

Cushing's disease caused by pituitary corticotroph adenoma is a common endocrine disease in dogs. A characteristic biochemical feature of corticotroph adenomas is their relative resistance to suppressive negative feedback by glucocorticoids. The abnormal expression of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11HSD), which is a cortisol metabolic enzyme, is found in human and murine corticotroph adenomas. Our recent studies demonstrated that canine corticotroph adenomas also have abnormal expression of 11HSD. 11HSD has two isoforms in dogs, 11HSD type1 (HSD11B1), which converts cortisone into active cortisol, and 11HSD type2 (HSD11B2), which converts cortisol into inactive cortisone. It has been suggested that glucocorticoid resistance in corticotroph tumors is related to the overexpression of HSD11B2. Therefore it was our aim to investigate the effects of carbenoxolone (CBX), an 11HSD inhibitor, on the healthy dog's pituitary-adrenal axis. Dogs were administered 50 mg/kg of CBX twice each day for 15 days. During CBX administration, no adverse effects were observed in any dogs. The plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and serum cortisol and cortisone concentrations were significantly lower at day 7 and 15 following corticotropin releasing hormone stimulation. After completion of CBX administration, the HSD11B1 mRNA expression was higher, and HSD11B2 mRNA expression was significantly lower in the pituitaries. Moreover, proopiomelanocortin mRNA expression was lower, and the ratio of ACTH-positive cells in the anterior pituitary was also significantly lower after CBX treatment. In adrenal glands treated with CBX, HSD11B1 and HSD11B2 mRNA expression were both lower compared to normal canine adrenal glands. The results of this study suggested that CBX inhibits ACTH secretion from pituitary due to altered 11HSD expressions, and is potentially useful for the treatment of canine Cushing's disease.

本研究における慢性圧負荷モデル犬では、2D-STE法で評価した心筋運動のうち、長軸方向の心筋機能が最も早期に影響を受けた。今後、長軸方向心筋機能は圧負荷病態の早期検出に有用となるかもしれない。この長軸方向心筋機能の臨床的有用性や予後評価への有用性に関してはさらなる検討が必要である。(著者抄録)

In dogs, natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic activity, which is an index of antitumor immunity, decreases after general anesthesia. In this study, we examined whether the decrease in NK cytotoxic activity can be controlled with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) treatment. Beagles were divided into 2 groups: a treated group (n = 6) that received recombinant canine IFN-gamma (rCaIFN-gamma) and an untreated control group (n = 6). Blood samples were taken before and at 24, 120, and 192 hours after anesthesia. NK cytotoxic activity toward canine thyroid cancer cells was measured in isolated lymphocytes with the Rose Bengal assay. The decrease in NK cytotoxic activity after anesthesia was significantly inhibited by administration of rCaIFN-gamma before propofol-isoflurane anesthesia. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the clinical implications of rCaIFN-gamma treatment in tumor recurrence and morbidity. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

本研究ではMMVDに続発したPHの犬における左室機能指標を検討した。MMVDでは軽度な病態でもPHを併発する症例が存在し、さらにMMVDにPHの影響が加わることで左室機能も影響を受け、PH併発症例における心不全臨床徴候に寄与している可能性が考えられた。(著者抄録)

Trilostane, a competitive inhibitor of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, is often used to treat canine hyperadrenocorticism. In some species, trilostane has been shown to have additional effects on steroid biosynthesis, and it has been postulated that trilostane might have effects on 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSD) in dogs. To investigate the effect of trilostane on 11 beta-HSD in canine adrenal glands, healthy Beagle dogs were treated with trilostane for 8 weeks. Trilostane treatment resulted in a significant decrease of the cortisol/cortisone ratio in the serum. The adrenal gland mRNA and protein expression levels of 11 beta-HSD type 1 and 11 beta-HSD type 2 were significantly higher and significantly lower respectively in dogs treated with trilostane compared to those in control healthy Beagle dogs. These findings suggest that trilostane may have an effect on 11 beta-HSD activity in canine adrenal glands. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Background Systolic dysfunction is associated with poor outcomes in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease. However, assessment of systolic variables by conventional echocardiographic methods is difficult in these dogs because of mitral regurgitation (MR). Hypothesis We hypothesized that assessment of systolic function by dobutamine stress may identify systolic dysfunction in dogs with MR, and that 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) could quantitatively evaluate myocardial function. Animals Anesthetized dogs with experimentally induced MR. Methods Dogs were examined for systolic myocardial deformations using 2D-STE during dobutamine infusion before and 3 and 6months after MR induction. We evaluated peak systolic rotation and rotation rate in each basal and apical view; peak systolic torsion and torsion rate were also calculated. Results Invasive peak positive first derivatives of left ventricular pressure (dp/dt) were significantly decreased in dogs 6months after induction of MR compared with pre-MR results. After 3 and 6months of MR, dogs had diminished peak systolic torsion values and torsion rates in response to dobutamine infusion compared with pre-MR results (3months, PP=.006; 6months, P=.003 and P=.021). These results were significantly correlated with overall invasive dp/dt (r=0.644, Pr=0.696, P&lt;.001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Decreased torsion during dobutamine infusion in dogs with MR may reflect latent systolic dysfunction. Dobutamine infusion, therefore, may be useful for the assessment of systolic function in dogs with MR.

Unfavorable health conditions such as loss of vigor and appetite, fever, purulent urine and swelling of the right kidney were noted during veterinary examination of a female Holstein calf （121 days old）. Inflammation of the right renal pelvis was indicated by ultrasonography, and purulent pyelonephritis was suspected. Antibiotic treatment was ineffective, and the symptoms worsened. Since the calf did not respond to the pharmacological therapy and normal function of the left kidney was indicated by blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine values, nephrectomy of the right kidney was performed at 148 days of age. The weight of the removed kidney was 6.48 kg, and cheese-like pus formation was found in the renal pelvis. The postsurgical course was favorable. For the rest of her life to 79 months of age, the kidney function, body weight, clinical history, reproductive performance and amount of lactation were within normal ranges. Thus, the right nephrectomy did not seem to have affected the subsequent performance of the animal. The present case suggests that antibiotic therapy may not always be effective for inflammatory kidney conditions, and that nephrectomy is indicated in some cases.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of age on myocardial function assessed by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in healthy dogs. Animals: Thirty-two healthy Beagles were used. Methods: Myocardial function was assessed in each dog by using 2D-STE, and the results were compared between young and old dogs. Results: The myocardial deformations in systole, besides the apical rotation rate, were not significantly different between young and old dogs. In contrast, the early diastolic circumferential strain rate, basal rotation rate, and torsion rate were significantly lower in old dogs than in young dogs (P = 0.03, P = 0.033, and P = 0.015, respectively). Late diastolic longitudinal and radial strain rates were significantly higher in old dogs than in young dogs (P = 0.002 and P = 0.018, respectively). Conclusions: Young and old dogs showed similar systolic myocardial deformations, but significant differences in the values of some diastolic deformation variables were found between young and old dogs, highlighting the need for using age-matched control subjects in studies of diastolic function. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A 25-month-old Chihuahua dog with no clinical signs was evaluated for high serum liver enzymes. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a mass in the left hepatic medial lobe. The histological diagnosis reached using resected tissues was hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To the authors' knowledge, this is the youngest dog diagnosed with HCC.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of heart rate (HR) on myocardial function assessed by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in healthy dogs. Animals: Thirteen healthy beagle dogs. Methods: Animals were anesthetized and HR was controlled with right atrial pacing. Myocardial function of each dog was assessed using 2D-STE at pacing rates of 120, 140, 160, and 180 bpm. Results: All strain and strain rate variables in the longitudinal, circumferential, and radial directions were not significantly different between pacing rates. Peak early diastolic torsion rate at 180 bpm was significantly increased compared with that at 120 bpm (P = 0.003). Conclusion: Torsion rate in early diastole was elevated at 180 bpm, which may reflect improved myocardial relaxation with higher HR. Changes in left ventricular torsion during tachycardia may play an important role in preserving stroke volume in the presence of shortened ejection and filling times. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate left ventricular geometry in dogs with various stages of myxomatous mitral valve disease. METHODS: Ninety-seven dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease classified by the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council system and 20 weight- and age-matched healthy dogs. Left ventricular long-axis to short-axis ratio, sphericity index in end-diastole and end-systole, left ventricular wall thickness to internal dimension ratio and relative wall thickness were assessed. RESULTS: The diastolic sphericity index was lower in classes Ib, II and III than in healthy dogs (P=0.003, P&lt;0.001 and P&lt;0.001) and was also lower in class III than in classes Ia, Ib and class II dogs (P&lt;0.001, P&lt;0.001 and P=0.002). The relative wall thickness was lower in classes II and III than in class Ia (P=0.003 and P&lt;0.001), class Ib (P=0.004 and P&lt;0.001), and healthy dogs (P&lt;0.001 and P&lt;0.001) and was also lower in class III than in class II (P=0.005). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Sphericity index and relative wall thickness are simple methods for assessing left ventricular geometry using two-dimensional echocardiography that may be useful in myxomatous mitral valve disease dogs as part of risk stratification.

An 11-year-old spayed female miniature dachshund was evaluated for a 2-month history of chronic vomiting. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a heterogeneous mass in the pyloric region. Contrast upper gastrointestinal radiography demonstrated impairment of gastric outflow. Endoscopic examination revealed multiple polyps at the gastric pylorus. The pyloric polyps were variable in size, sessile-shaped and pedunculated. Initially, endoscopic polypectomy was attempted, but all the polyps could not be completely resected. Thus, endoscopic polypectomy with argon plasma coagulation was performed to cauterise the lesions. The histopathological diagnosis of the lesions was inflammatory polyps, and a moderate number of Helicobacter spp. was revealed. After the argon plasma coagulation treatment, the dog did not vomit, and improvement of clinical signs was maintained for 13 months. Endoscopic polypectomy with argon plasma coagulation may be useful for mixtures of sessile and pedunculated polyps. The present report may provide a basis for further studies of argon plasma coagulation treatment for canine gastrointestinal polyps. © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association.

Objective: The objective of this study was to clinically assess myocardial deformations in dogs with chronic mitral valve insufficiency (CMVI) using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). Animals: 87 dogs with CMVI. Methods: Dogs were placed into 1 of 3 classes, based on the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council classification. In addition, 20 weight- and age-matched healthy dogs were enrolled as controls. The dogs were examined for myocardial deformations using 2D-STE, and strain and strain rate in the longitudinal, circumferential, and radial directions were evaluated. Results: Class II and III dogs had higher circumferential strain than class I dogs (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively) and controls (P &lt 0.001 and P &lt 0.001, respectively). Class III dogs had higher radial strain than class I dogs (P = 0.001) and controls (P &lt 0.001). Class III dogs had higher radial strain rate than class I dogs (P = 0.006) and controls (P = 0.001). Other deformations, including longitudinal deformations, were not significantly different between classes of CMVI or between CMVI dogs and controls. Conclusions: In the clinical progression of CMVI in dogs, myocardial deformations, as assessed by 2D-STE, differed according to myocardial contractile direction. Thus, assessments of multidirectional myocardial deformations may be important for better assessment of clinical cardiac function in dogs with CMVI. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Background Left ventricular torsional motion plays an important role for effective pump function. However, noninvasive clinical assessment of torsional deformations by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) has not been reported. Hypothesis Left ventricular torsion is determined by the native orientation of the helical myocardial fibers, such that it might provide better assessment of myocardial function than conventional methods. Animals Sixty-seven client-owned dogs with MMVD were classified into 3 classes based on the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council classification and 16 weight- and age-matched healthy dogs. Methods Dogs were examined for myocardial deformations by 2D-STE and were evaluated for peak systolic rotation and rotation rate at each basal and apical view. Dogs also were evaluated for peak systolic torsion and torsion rate. Results Peak systolic torsion was higher in class II than in class I (P&lt;.001) dogs. Peak systolic torsion was lower in class III than in class II (P=.001) dogs and controls (P=.003). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Torsional deformations assessed by 2D-STE differed among clinical classes of MMVD. Myocardial torsional deformations by 2D-STE may provide more detailed assessment of contractile function in dogs with MMVD.

A four-month-old female Labrador retriever was brought to the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Animal Medical Center for examination of its main symptoms of cough, tachypnea and exercise intolerance. Upon examination, the dog was found to have cyanosis and inadequate growth. Echocardiography revealed tetralogy of Fallot. Cardiac catheterization confirmed that the main pulmonary artery was completely occluded and that blood flowed from the aorta to the pulmonary artery. Accordingly, the animal was diagnosed with extreme tetralogy of Fallot.

A 9-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat presented with a skin lesion of the left tarsus. The lesion was biopsied and, based on the microscopic appearance and immunohistochemical characteristics, histiocytic sarcoma was diagnosed. Amputation was performed with improved demeanor seen postoperatively. However, between 44 and 60 days following the surgery, relapse of skin lesions appeared in multiple locations, including at the previous amputation site, and euthanasia was elected. This is the first report of a histiocytic sarcoma treated with amputation in a cat.

The double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV) is a rare congenital cardiac disease in dogs, and its detailed epidemiological and morphological features are not clearly understood. By investigating the profile, clinical signs, and characteristics of examination findings of eleven dogs with DCRV by means of a retrospective study, we attempted to clarify the epidemiology and morphology of the condition. The study group consisted of nine males and two females. Breeds included Pug (n=3), Miniature Dachshund (n=1), French Bull-dog (n=1), Shiba (n=1), and Retrievers (n=5). The attachment site of the anomalous muscular bundle was continuous with the cardiac apex in nine dogs, and it was attached to the right ventricle free wall in the other two dogs. In dogs with DCRV, at least one of the following conditions was present concurrently: congenital or acquired tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR), ventricular septal defect, and atrial septal defect. Also, the pressure difference between the two chambers increased over time, and progressive right-sided heart failure was observed. In summary, DCRV occurs in small breeds of dog as well as in large breeds of dog and it may be more prevalent in males. The existence of two types of DCRV in dogs was established. Dog with DCRVs will have a high incidence of concurrent cardiac abnormalities. Concurrent TR may be either congenital or acquired. DCRV is a congenital disorder, but the clinical condition progresses as the dog develops.

Objective To investigate the roles of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) isoforms and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in development of chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVD) in dogs. Sample Population-12 mitral valve leaflets collected from cadavers of 5 clinically normal dogs and from 7 dogs with CMVD. Procedures-Expression of TGF-beta isoforms 1, 2, and 3; MMPs 1, 2, 3, and 9;TGF-beta receptor II (T beta R-II); and alpha smooth muscle actin (alpha SMA) in mitral valves of dogs with CMVD was compared with that in mitral valves from clinically normal dogs. Additionally, responses of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) to TGF-beta 3, MMP-3, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) as a suppressor of TGF-beta 3 were examined in vitro. Results-Expression of TGF-beta 3, T beta R-11, alpha SMA, and MMP-3 was only detected in mitral valves of dogs with CMVD. Concentrations of alpha SMA and proteoglycans in cultured VICs were significantly increased following incubation with TGF-beta 3; treatment with MMP-3 resulted in increased amounts of active and total TGF-beta 3, and total TGF-beta 3 in VICs was significantly decreased by incubation with ACEI. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Findings suggested that increased TGF-beta 3 and MMP-3 contribute to the pathogenesis of valvular degeneration associated with CMVD. In addition, it is possible that the use of ACEI could effectively block pathological alterations in VICs associated with CMVD in vitro. Impact on Human Medicine-CMVD is associated with primary mitral valve prolapse and Marfan syndrome in humans. Results of the study reported here will help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of CMVD in dogs and humans. (Am J Vet Res 201172:194-202).

A 5 year old neutered male cat was admitted to our hospital in the early morning with sudden onset of bilateral hindlimbs paralysis. Conservative anticoagulant therapy using heparin, warfarin, and dipyridamole, and thrombolytic therapy with urokinase administered by intravenous infusion were started. However, no improvement was noted even after 2 days of treatment, and the cat was started on local intra-arterial administration of urokinase via a catheter on disease day 3. Successful thrombolysis could be accomplished by this approach, and the motor function of both hindlimbs recovered on disease day 5. The cat could be discharged on disease day 9. Complications such as hemorrhage and hyperkalemia were not observed during the thrombolytic therapy. These results suggest that local intra-arterial administration of urokinase may be an effective approach for the treatment of FATE.

It is required not to increase the ventricular rate and to preserve the ventricular systolic function in treating supraventricular tachyarrhythmia (SVTA). The objective of this study is to investigate whether or not Efonidipine hydrochloride (EH), a T and L dual type Ca(2+) channel blocker, suppresses the increasing ventricular rate without reducing the ventricular systolic function using canine SVTA models by rapid atrial pacing (RAP) method. Clinically healthy fourteen beagles were used. The 14 dogs were randomly assigned to the EH-administered group (EH group, n=7) and non-EH-administered group (control group, n=7). The EH group was orally-administered EH at 5 mg/kg SID during RAP. On the other hand, the control group was applied RAP without oral administration of EH. Duration of RAP was for 3 weeks for both groups. The ventricular rate for the EH group was significantly lower than that for the control group. The left ventricular- fractional shortening for the control group declined significantly compared to baseline. Those for the EH group did not show any changes over time and were significantly higher than the control group. The ratio between pre-ejection period and ejection for the EH group were significantly lower than those of the control group. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that EH suppresses the increasing ventricular rate without reducing the ventricular systolic function in canine SVTA model. Therefore, EH is expected to become a new treatment for canine SVTA.

A 10-year-old spayed West Highland white terrier, which had previously been implanted with a pacemaker because of Sick Sinus Syndrome type III, was diagnosed ashaving a spleen tumor. Six months after the implantation and a splenectomy was performed. Consequently, the dog experienced no paroxysmal tachycardia after the pacemaker implantation, even when given perioperative anesthesia load and surgical stress.

We examined two dogs with Left bundle branch block (LBBB) by conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) to assess cardiac function and interventricular asynchronicity. Conventional echocardiography was used to measure aortic preejection period and pulmonary preejection period (PEP). TDI was performed to assess the long axis function of the ventricles using apical four chamber view. Regions of interest (ROIs) were in the basal segments of the left and right ventricle lateral walls and septal wall. Regional wall motion was assessed quantitatively as myocardial velocities and time intervals. To assess systolic function, peak sustained systolic velocity (Sm) and time from the onset of QRS complex to Sm (Ts) for interventricular synchronicity. In LBBB cases, Ts was markedly longer in basal left lateral segment and basal septal segment than in basal right lateral segment. And Ts of these segments in LBBB cases were also longer than those of the control group. Sm of basal left lateral segment and basal septal segment in LBBB cases were markedly lower than that of basal right lateral segment. And these values were markedly lower than those of the control group. The relationship of the Ts difference in left and right lateral segments with QRS duration was similar to the relationship of the difference in aortic and pulmonary PEPs with QRS duration. Therefore, TDI was considered useful to measure Ts for evaluating interventricular asynchronicity and to measure Sm for evaluating ventriclular motility in cases with conduction disturbance of LBBB.

A case of a nine-year-old spayed Himalayan female, weighing 3.2 kg, on the basis of endocardial hyperechogenicity and accumulation of pleural effusion, the home doctor gave a diagnosis of restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) to start a therapy, but without any improvement in clinical conditions, the cat was introduced to Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University. The chief complaints at first medical were hypodynamia, anorexia, polyposia and polyuria, rapid breathing and change in eye color. Systolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure by noninvasive blood pressure measurement were 223 mmHg, 189 mmHg, and 158 mmHg respectively. From the results of ultrasound diagnosis, blood hormone concentration measurement, and serum chemistry, we gave this case a tentative diagnosis of essential hypertension. However, the existence of mild endocardial hyperechogenicity and irregularity did not allow us to exclude RCM through diagnosis by exclusion at this moment. Treatment was started with diltiazem hydrochloride, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, and dipyridamole. With decreased systolic blood pressure from 210-230 mmHg before treatment to 180-190 mmHg and improved general condition, the same treatment was continued. Endocardial hyperechogenicity at the first medical examination disappeared in the later echocardiography. Therefore, RCM was excluded through diagnosis by exclusion, and consequently, the cat was diagnosed with essential hypertension. The general condition was stable for a while, but systolic blood pressure went over 200 mmHg again, and clinical conditions such as hypodynamia and anorexia appeared. By changing medication from diltiazem hydrochloride to amlodipine besilate, blood pressure immediately decreased and clinical conditions improved. After more than 5 years from the first administration of amlodipine besilate, the cat is maintaining good blood pressure control and clinical status with systolic blood pressure of 130-160 mmHg.

Circulating immune complexes (CIC) in the sera from 45 clinically healthy cats and 23 feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infected cats were measured by an immune adherence hemagglutination (IAHA) method. The level of CIC in the sera from FIV sera-negative healthy cats was 47.2 +/- 47.3 mu g/ml when expressed as heat aggregated feline IgG equivalent value in IAHA reactivity. On the other hand, the level of CIC in the sera from FIV infected cats was 757.4 +/- 910.5 mu g/ml, which was significantly higher than that of healthy ones. CIC levels of 11 symptomatic cats and 12 asymptomatic ones were 837.8 +/- 1138.2 mu g/ml and 683.0 +/- 684.2 mu g/ml, respectively. These results showed that IAHA method was reliable to detect CIC levels of cat sera and that CIC levels in the sera of cats infected with FIV were higher than those of healthy ones.

Circulating immune complexes (CIC) in the sera from 102 clinically healthy dogs and from 16 Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis) infected dogs were measured by the immune adherence hemagglutination (IAHA) method. The level of CIC in the sera from healthy dogs was 28.2 +/- 29.1 mu g/ml. There was no significant difference in the levels of CIC regarding sexes or ages. On the other hand, the level of CIC in the sera from D. immitis infected dogs was 230.3 +/- 117.1 mu g/ml, which was significantly (p&lt;0.01) higher than that of healthy dogs. The results of this study confirm that IAHA method is one of the reliable means of detecting and/or diagnosing immune complex mediated diseases in dogs.