Renee Streeter - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Renee Streeter

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of taurine and carnitine concentrations in whole blood, plasma, skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle in dogs

Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition, Mar 3, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Prospective evaluation of echocardiographic parameters and cardiac biomarkers in healthy dogs eating four custom-formulated diets

Frontiers in animal science, Oct 5, 2023

Introduction: Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been suspected in breeds that have... more Introduction: Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been suspected in breeds that have not been previously noted to have a predisposition to the DCM phenotype. This study hypothesized that over 210 days, dogs fed diets with varying amounts of animal-sourced protein and carbohydrate sources would not be negatively impacted in terms of their cardiac parameters and function. Methods: Thirty-two purebred beagles and 33 mixed-breed hounds were randomized into four diet groups and studied for 210 days. The diet groups were as follows: the high-animal-protein grain-free (HAGF) group, the lowanimal-protein grain-free (LAGF) group, the high-animal-protein grain-inclusive (HAGI), and the low-animal-protein grain-inclusive (LAGI) group. Cardiacspecific biomarkers, endomyocardial biopsies, and linear and volumetric echocardiographic parameters were evaluated. Results: There was a treatment-by-day-by-breed effect observed for the normalized left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole (p = 0.0387) and for the normalized left ventricular internal diameter at end-systole (p = 0.0178). On day 210, mixed-breed hounds fed the LAGI diet had a smaller normalized left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole than on day 90. On day 210, beagles fed the LAGF diet had a larger normalized left ventricular internal diameter at end-systole than those fed the LAGI diet. Fractional shortening for beagles in the LAGF group was significantly lower (p = 0.007) than for those in the HAGI and LAGI groups. Cardiac-specific biomarkers and endomyocardial biopsies were not significantly different between breeds, diets, and various time points. Discussion: This study did not detect the development of cardiac dysfunction throughout the study period through the echocardiographic parameters measured, select cardiac biomarkers, or endomyocardial biopsies. There were Frontiers in Animal Science frontiersin.org 01

Research paper thumbnail of Corrigendum to: Review of canine dilated cardiomyopathy in the wake of diet-associated concerns

Journal of Animal Science, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Selenium deficiency associations with gender, breed, serum vitamin E and creatine kinase, clinical signs and diagnoses in horses of different age groups: A retrospective examination 1996–2011

Equine Veterinary Journal, 2012

SummaryReasons for performing studySelenium and vitamin E deficiency have been associated with nu... more SummaryReasons for performing studySelenium and vitamin E deficiency have been associated with nutritional myopathy, more commonly known as white muscle disease (WMD) in horses. However, correlations between selenium concentrations and presenting clinical signs, age, breed, gender, serum vitamin E, creatine kinase (CK) and final diagnosis, have not previously been evaluated.ObjectivesTo determine the number of hospitalised horses in 3 age groups that were selenium tested and the proportions of horses with categorised presenting clinical signs; the association/odds risk of final diagnosis with selenium deficiency and to examine the association between selenium status, vitamin E status and serum CK in adult horses.MethodsTwo hundred and seventy‐one hospitalised horses with a selenium concentration evaluated between 1996 and 2011 were examined retrospectively. Records were examined in order to ascertain selenium and vitamin E concentrations, age, breed, gender, CK values, presenting cl...

Research paper thumbnail of The impact of protein source and grain inclusion on digestibility, fecal metabolites, and fecal microbiome in adult canines

Journal of Animal Science

This study was conducted to determine the effect of animal protein inclusion rate and grain-free ... more This study was conducted to determine the effect of animal protein inclusion rate and grain-free or grain-inclusive diets on macronutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota in mixed-breed hounds and Beagles. Four experimental extruded kibble diets were made with varying amounts of animal protein and carbohydrates: 1) high animal protein, grain-inclusive (HA-GI), 2) low animal protein, grain-free (LA-GF), 3) low animal protein, grain-inclusive (LA-GI), and 4) high animal protein, grain-free (HA-GF). Thirty-two Beagles and 33 mixed-breed hounds were assigned to 1 of the 4 treatment groups in a completely randomized design that lasted 180 d. All diets were similar in chemical composition and well-digested by the animals. In general, for fecal metabolites, mixed-breed hounds had a greater concentration of total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and ammonia and lower indole concentration than Beagles (P < 0.05). In mixed-breed hounds, LA-GF had a greater (P...

Research paper thumbnail of Commercial Extruded Plant-Based Diet Lowers Circulating Levels of Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) Precursors in Healthy Dogs: A Pilot Study

Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Elevations in circulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursors are observed in humans... more Elevations in circulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursors are observed in humans and dogs with heart failure and are associated with adverse outcomes in people. Dietary intervention that reduces or excludes animal ingredients results in rapid reduction of plasma TMAO and TMAO precursors in people, but the impact of diet in dogs has not been studied. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of diet on plasma TMAO and 2 of its precursors (choline and betaine) in dogs fed a commercial extruded plant-based diet (PBD) or a commercial extruded traditional diet (TD) containing animal and plant ingredients. Sixteen healthy adult mixed breed dogs from a university colony were enrolled in a randomized, 2-treatment, 2-period crossover weight-maintenance study. Mean (SD) age and body weight of the dogs were 2.9 years (± 1.7) and 14.5 kg (± 4.0), respectively. Eight dogs were female (3 intact, 5 spayed) and 8 dogs were male (4 intact, 4 castrated). Plasma c...

Research paper thumbnail of Review of canine dilated cardiomyopathy in the wake of diet-associated concerns

Journal of Animal Science, 2020

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been in the literature and news because of the recent opinion-ba... more Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been in the literature and news because of the recent opinion-based journal articles and public releases by regulatory agencies. DCM is commonly associated with a genetic predisposition in certain dog breeds and can also occur secondary to other diseases and nutritional deficiencies. Recent communications in veterinary journals have discussed a potential relationship between grain-free and/or novel protein diets to DCM, citing a subjective increase in DCM in dog breeds that are not known to have a genetic predisposition for the disease. This literature review describes clinical presentations of DCM, common sequelae, treatment and preventative measures, histopathologic features, and a discussion of the varied etiological origins of the disease. In addition, current literature limitations are addressed, in order to ascertain multiple variables leading to the development of DCM. Future studies are needed to evaluate one variable at a time and to minimiz...

Research paper thumbnail of Factors affecting temperature measurement using commonly available digital thermometers

Objective – The objective was to determine a technique for obtaining accurate rectal temperature ... more Objective – The objective was to determine a technique for obtaining accurate rectal temperature measurements using commonly available digital thermometers. Design – The design tested the accuracy of rectal temperature measurements using commonly available digital thermometers intended for use in humans as well as the effect of insertion technique. Animals and Procedures – Students measured rectal temperature on sixteen crossbred cows on 53 separate occasions. Students' initial measurements were made with techniques acquired from their own previous experience. The students then repeated the temperature measurements after being instructed to insert the digital thermometer up to the display window. Rectal temperatures were also measured with a Cornell-style mercury thermometer completely inserted intra-rectally and allowed to incubate for two minutes. Accuracy of both types of thermometers, was determined by comparison with temperature measurements of a water bath using two calibrated traceable thermometers. The affect of three intra-rectal angles of insertion was also determined. Results - Rectal temperatures based on student initial temperature measurements, Cornell mercury thermometer, and digital thermometers inserted to the window were 38.46+/-0.07oC, 38.95 +/- 0.05 oC, 38.77 +/- 0.06 oC, respectively. Temperature readings were affected by 0.1 oC by angle of insertion. In a water bath, student-owned and traceable (reference) thermometers recorded temperatures that were not significantly different. Cornell mercury thermometers measured water bath temperatures that were 0.2 oC higher than that of calibrated thermometers. One of ten student digital thermometers was inaccurate. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance – Accurate temperature measurements can be obtained using digital thermometers if the thermometer is inserted to the display window. Angle of insertion of the digital thermometer is clinically unimportant and the thermometer's accuracy should be checked periodically

Research paper thumbnail of Nutritional support in hepatic failure in dogs and cats

Nutritional Management of Hospitalized Small Animals, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of The associations between serum adiponectin, leptin, C-reactive protein, insulin, and serum long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in Labrador Retrievers

Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 2015

Obesity has been associated with an increased inflammatory response and insulin resistance due to... more Obesity has been associated with an increased inflammatory response and insulin resistance due to adipose tissue-derived adipokines and increases in C-reactive protein (CRP). Dogs appear to be similar to other species with the exception of adiponectin, which might not be affected by obesity status. Serum long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations have been positively and negatively associated with serum adipokines. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between leptin, CRP, adiponectin, and insulin to body condition score (BCS) and to the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in serum lipoproteins, including alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentanenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as a reflection of dietary omega-3 status in the Labrador Retriever. Seventy-seven Labrador Retrievers were evaluated for BCS, percent fasting serum lipoprotein fatty acid concentrations, as well as serum leptin, adiponectin, insulin, and CRP. A multivariable general linear regression model was constructed to examine the association between the dependent variables leptin, CRP, adiponectin, and insulin and the predictor variables of BCS, age, and sex, as well as concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid, EPA, DHA, and DPA. Adiponectin concentration was positively associated with age (P,0.0008), EPA (P=0.027) and negatively associated with DHA (P=0.008). Leptin concentration was positively associated with an increased DHA (P=0.009), BCS (P,0.0001), age (P=0.02), and decreased DPA (P=0.06). Insulin concentration was only associated with BCS (P,0.0001), and no meaningful associations were found for CRP. Longer chain omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in regulating adiponectin concentrations in dogs. However, because insulin concentrations were associated only with BCSs, further examination of the role of adiponectin in canine obesity is warranted. EPA and DPA may reduce the overall inflammatory state in dogs as these omega-3 fatty acids reflect increased adiponectin (increased EPA and decreased DHA) and decreased leptin (decreased DHA and increased DPA).

Research paper thumbnail of Factors affecting rectal temperature measurement using commonly available digital thermometers

Research in Veterinary Science, 2012

Rectal temperature measurement is an essential part of physical examination of cattle and some ph... more Rectal temperature measurement is an essential part of physical examination of cattle and some physiological experiments. Modern digital thermometers are often used to measure rectal temperatures by students; this study describes their reliability and appropriate use. Students measured rectal temperature on 53 occasions using their personal digital thermometer and techniques gained from previous instruction, rectal temperature was also measured by an experienced person using a Cornell mercury thermometer completely inserted in the rectum. Cornell mercury thermometers values were 38.95±0.05°C (mean±1 SE, n=53). Student rectal temperature measurements using their initial technique were nearly 0.5°C lower, 38.46±0.07°C. After receiving instruction to insert the digital thermometer to the window, student obtained values were 38.77±0.06°C; these are significantly higher than with the student&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s initial technique and closer to those obtained with a Cornell thermometer. In a series of 53 water bath tests, student owned thermometers recorded similar mean values to those of a traceable (reference) digital thermometer, Cornell mercury thermometer readings were 0.2°C higher. 10 individual digital thermometers were repeatedly tested against a traceable thermometer in a water bath, one was inaccurate. In a separate experiment a trained clinician tested the effect of angle of insertion of a digital thermometer on temperature readings and the affect was &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.1°C. We conclude that accurate temperature measurements using digital thermometers are only likely if the thermometer is inserted to the beginning of the window and the thermometer&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s accuracy is checked periodically.

Research paper thumbnail of Recurrent Calcium Phosphate Urolithiasis in a Black-And-White Ruffed Lemur ( Varecia Variegata )

Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 2014

An adult intact male black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata) suffered recurrent bouts of... more An adult intact male black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata) suffered recurrent bouts of urethral blockage over a 3-yr period caused by calcium phosphate (apatite form) uroliths. Surgical intervention was required in two of the three instances. Various attempts at medical management failed to control formation of the stones, and the underlying etiology remains unclear. In addition, there have been consistent, multiple, unchanging renal mineralizations over the course of the case. Medical management failed to significantly alter the urinary pH; although, to date, no further problems have been noted. To the authors&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; knowledge, this is the first known report of calcium phosphate stones in a prosimian species.

Research paper thumbnail of Review of canine dilated cardiomyopathy in the wake of diet-associated concerns

Journal of Animal Science

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been in the literature and news because of the recent opinion-ba... more Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been in the literature and news because of the recent opinion-based journal articles and public releases by regulatory agencies. DCM is commonly associated with a genetic predisposition in certain dog breeds and can also occur secondary to other diseases and nutritional deficiencies. Recent communications in veterinary journals have discussed a potential relationship between grain-free and/or novel protein diets to DCM, citing a subjective increase in DCM in dog breeds that are not known to have a genetic predisposition for the disease. This literature review describes clinical presentations of DCM, common sequelae, treatment and preventative measures, histopathologic features, and a discussion of the varied etiological origins of the disease. In addition, current literature limitations are addressed, in order to ascertain multiple variables leading to the development of DCM. Future studies are needed to evaluate one variable at a time and to minimiz...

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of taurine and carnitine concentrations in whole blood, plasma, skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle in dogs

Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition, Mar 3, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Prospective evaluation of echocardiographic parameters and cardiac biomarkers in healthy dogs eating four custom-formulated diets

Frontiers in animal science, Oct 5, 2023

Introduction: Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been suspected in breeds that have... more Introduction: Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been suspected in breeds that have not been previously noted to have a predisposition to the DCM phenotype. This study hypothesized that over 210 days, dogs fed diets with varying amounts of animal-sourced protein and carbohydrate sources would not be negatively impacted in terms of their cardiac parameters and function. Methods: Thirty-two purebred beagles and 33 mixed-breed hounds were randomized into four diet groups and studied for 210 days. The diet groups were as follows: the high-animal-protein grain-free (HAGF) group, the lowanimal-protein grain-free (LAGF) group, the high-animal-protein grain-inclusive (HAGI), and the low-animal-protein grain-inclusive (LAGI) group. Cardiacspecific biomarkers, endomyocardial biopsies, and linear and volumetric echocardiographic parameters were evaluated. Results: There was a treatment-by-day-by-breed effect observed for the normalized left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole (p = 0.0387) and for the normalized left ventricular internal diameter at end-systole (p = 0.0178). On day 210, mixed-breed hounds fed the LAGI diet had a smaller normalized left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole than on day 90. On day 210, beagles fed the LAGF diet had a larger normalized left ventricular internal diameter at end-systole than those fed the LAGI diet. Fractional shortening for beagles in the LAGF group was significantly lower (p = 0.007) than for those in the HAGI and LAGI groups. Cardiac-specific biomarkers and endomyocardial biopsies were not significantly different between breeds, diets, and various time points. Discussion: This study did not detect the development of cardiac dysfunction throughout the study period through the echocardiographic parameters measured, select cardiac biomarkers, or endomyocardial biopsies. There were Frontiers in Animal Science frontiersin.org 01

Research paper thumbnail of Corrigendum to: Review of canine dilated cardiomyopathy in the wake of diet-associated concerns

Journal of Animal Science, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Selenium deficiency associations with gender, breed, serum vitamin E and creatine kinase, clinical signs and diagnoses in horses of different age groups: A retrospective examination 1996–2011

Equine Veterinary Journal, 2012

SummaryReasons for performing studySelenium and vitamin E deficiency have been associated with nu... more SummaryReasons for performing studySelenium and vitamin E deficiency have been associated with nutritional myopathy, more commonly known as white muscle disease (WMD) in horses. However, correlations between selenium concentrations and presenting clinical signs, age, breed, gender, serum vitamin E, creatine kinase (CK) and final diagnosis, have not previously been evaluated.ObjectivesTo determine the number of hospitalised horses in 3 age groups that were selenium tested and the proportions of horses with categorised presenting clinical signs; the association/odds risk of final diagnosis with selenium deficiency and to examine the association between selenium status, vitamin E status and serum CK in adult horses.MethodsTwo hundred and seventy‐one hospitalised horses with a selenium concentration evaluated between 1996 and 2011 were examined retrospectively. Records were examined in order to ascertain selenium and vitamin E concentrations, age, breed, gender, CK values, presenting cl...

Research paper thumbnail of The impact of protein source and grain inclusion on digestibility, fecal metabolites, and fecal microbiome in adult canines

Journal of Animal Science

This study was conducted to determine the effect of animal protein inclusion rate and grain-free ... more This study was conducted to determine the effect of animal protein inclusion rate and grain-free or grain-inclusive diets on macronutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota in mixed-breed hounds and Beagles. Four experimental extruded kibble diets were made with varying amounts of animal protein and carbohydrates: 1) high animal protein, grain-inclusive (HA-GI), 2) low animal protein, grain-free (LA-GF), 3) low animal protein, grain-inclusive (LA-GI), and 4) high animal protein, grain-free (HA-GF). Thirty-two Beagles and 33 mixed-breed hounds were assigned to 1 of the 4 treatment groups in a completely randomized design that lasted 180 d. All diets were similar in chemical composition and well-digested by the animals. In general, for fecal metabolites, mixed-breed hounds had a greater concentration of total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and ammonia and lower indole concentration than Beagles (P < 0.05). In mixed-breed hounds, LA-GF had a greater (P...

Research paper thumbnail of Commercial Extruded Plant-Based Diet Lowers Circulating Levels of Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) Precursors in Healthy Dogs: A Pilot Study

Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Elevations in circulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursors are observed in humans... more Elevations in circulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursors are observed in humans and dogs with heart failure and are associated with adverse outcomes in people. Dietary intervention that reduces or excludes animal ingredients results in rapid reduction of plasma TMAO and TMAO precursors in people, but the impact of diet in dogs has not been studied. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of diet on plasma TMAO and 2 of its precursors (choline and betaine) in dogs fed a commercial extruded plant-based diet (PBD) or a commercial extruded traditional diet (TD) containing animal and plant ingredients. Sixteen healthy adult mixed breed dogs from a university colony were enrolled in a randomized, 2-treatment, 2-period crossover weight-maintenance study. Mean (SD) age and body weight of the dogs were 2.9 years (± 1.7) and 14.5 kg (± 4.0), respectively. Eight dogs were female (3 intact, 5 spayed) and 8 dogs were male (4 intact, 4 castrated). Plasma c...

Research paper thumbnail of Review of canine dilated cardiomyopathy in the wake of diet-associated concerns

Journal of Animal Science, 2020

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been in the literature and news because of the recent opinion-ba... more Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been in the literature and news because of the recent opinion-based journal articles and public releases by regulatory agencies. DCM is commonly associated with a genetic predisposition in certain dog breeds and can also occur secondary to other diseases and nutritional deficiencies. Recent communications in veterinary journals have discussed a potential relationship between grain-free and/or novel protein diets to DCM, citing a subjective increase in DCM in dog breeds that are not known to have a genetic predisposition for the disease. This literature review describes clinical presentations of DCM, common sequelae, treatment and preventative measures, histopathologic features, and a discussion of the varied etiological origins of the disease. In addition, current literature limitations are addressed, in order to ascertain multiple variables leading to the development of DCM. Future studies are needed to evaluate one variable at a time and to minimiz...

Research paper thumbnail of Factors affecting temperature measurement using commonly available digital thermometers

Objective – The objective was to determine a technique for obtaining accurate rectal temperature ... more Objective – The objective was to determine a technique for obtaining accurate rectal temperature measurements using commonly available digital thermometers. Design – The design tested the accuracy of rectal temperature measurements using commonly available digital thermometers intended for use in humans as well as the effect of insertion technique. Animals and Procedures – Students measured rectal temperature on sixteen crossbred cows on 53 separate occasions. Students' initial measurements were made with techniques acquired from their own previous experience. The students then repeated the temperature measurements after being instructed to insert the digital thermometer up to the display window. Rectal temperatures were also measured with a Cornell-style mercury thermometer completely inserted intra-rectally and allowed to incubate for two minutes. Accuracy of both types of thermometers, was determined by comparison with temperature measurements of a water bath using two calibrated traceable thermometers. The affect of three intra-rectal angles of insertion was also determined. Results - Rectal temperatures based on student initial temperature measurements, Cornell mercury thermometer, and digital thermometers inserted to the window were 38.46+/-0.07oC, 38.95 +/- 0.05 oC, 38.77 +/- 0.06 oC, respectively. Temperature readings were affected by 0.1 oC by angle of insertion. In a water bath, student-owned and traceable (reference) thermometers recorded temperatures that were not significantly different. Cornell mercury thermometers measured water bath temperatures that were 0.2 oC higher than that of calibrated thermometers. One of ten student digital thermometers was inaccurate. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance – Accurate temperature measurements can be obtained using digital thermometers if the thermometer is inserted to the display window. Angle of insertion of the digital thermometer is clinically unimportant and the thermometer's accuracy should be checked periodically

Research paper thumbnail of Nutritional support in hepatic failure in dogs and cats

Nutritional Management of Hospitalized Small Animals, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of The associations between serum adiponectin, leptin, C-reactive protein, insulin, and serum long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in Labrador Retrievers

Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 2015

Obesity has been associated with an increased inflammatory response and insulin resistance due to... more Obesity has been associated with an increased inflammatory response and insulin resistance due to adipose tissue-derived adipokines and increases in C-reactive protein (CRP). Dogs appear to be similar to other species with the exception of adiponectin, which might not be affected by obesity status. Serum long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations have been positively and negatively associated with serum adipokines. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between leptin, CRP, adiponectin, and insulin to body condition score (BCS) and to the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in serum lipoproteins, including alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentanenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as a reflection of dietary omega-3 status in the Labrador Retriever. Seventy-seven Labrador Retrievers were evaluated for BCS, percent fasting serum lipoprotein fatty acid concentrations, as well as serum leptin, adiponectin, insulin, and CRP. A multivariable general linear regression model was constructed to examine the association between the dependent variables leptin, CRP, adiponectin, and insulin and the predictor variables of BCS, age, and sex, as well as concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid, EPA, DHA, and DPA. Adiponectin concentration was positively associated with age (P,0.0008), EPA (P=0.027) and negatively associated with DHA (P=0.008). Leptin concentration was positively associated with an increased DHA (P=0.009), BCS (P,0.0001), age (P=0.02), and decreased DPA (P=0.06). Insulin concentration was only associated with BCS (P,0.0001), and no meaningful associations were found for CRP. Longer chain omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in regulating adiponectin concentrations in dogs. However, because insulin concentrations were associated only with BCSs, further examination of the role of adiponectin in canine obesity is warranted. EPA and DPA may reduce the overall inflammatory state in dogs as these omega-3 fatty acids reflect increased adiponectin (increased EPA and decreased DHA) and decreased leptin (decreased DHA and increased DPA).

Research paper thumbnail of Factors affecting rectal temperature measurement using commonly available digital thermometers

Research in Veterinary Science, 2012

Rectal temperature measurement is an essential part of physical examination of cattle and some ph... more Rectal temperature measurement is an essential part of physical examination of cattle and some physiological experiments. Modern digital thermometers are often used to measure rectal temperatures by students; this study describes their reliability and appropriate use. Students measured rectal temperature on 53 occasions using their personal digital thermometer and techniques gained from previous instruction, rectal temperature was also measured by an experienced person using a Cornell mercury thermometer completely inserted in the rectum. Cornell mercury thermometers values were 38.95±0.05°C (mean±1 SE, n=53). Student rectal temperature measurements using their initial technique were nearly 0.5°C lower, 38.46±0.07°C. After receiving instruction to insert the digital thermometer to the window, student obtained values were 38.77±0.06°C; these are significantly higher than with the student&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s initial technique and closer to those obtained with a Cornell thermometer. In a series of 53 water bath tests, student owned thermometers recorded similar mean values to those of a traceable (reference) digital thermometer, Cornell mercury thermometer readings were 0.2°C higher. 10 individual digital thermometers were repeatedly tested against a traceable thermometer in a water bath, one was inaccurate. In a separate experiment a trained clinician tested the effect of angle of insertion of a digital thermometer on temperature readings and the affect was &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.1°C. We conclude that accurate temperature measurements using digital thermometers are only likely if the thermometer is inserted to the beginning of the window and the thermometer&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s accuracy is checked periodically.

Research paper thumbnail of Recurrent Calcium Phosphate Urolithiasis in a Black-And-White Ruffed Lemur ( Varecia Variegata )

Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 2014

An adult intact male black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata) suffered recurrent bouts of... more An adult intact male black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata) suffered recurrent bouts of urethral blockage over a 3-yr period caused by calcium phosphate (apatite form) uroliths. Surgical intervention was required in two of the three instances. Various attempts at medical management failed to control formation of the stones, and the underlying etiology remains unclear. In addition, there have been consistent, multiple, unchanging renal mineralizations over the course of the case. Medical management failed to significantly alter the urinary pH; although, to date, no further problems have been noted. To the authors&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; knowledge, this is the first known report of calcium phosphate stones in a prosimian species.

Research paper thumbnail of Review of canine dilated cardiomyopathy in the wake of diet-associated concerns

Journal of Animal Science

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been in the literature and news because of the recent opinion-ba... more Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been in the literature and news because of the recent opinion-based journal articles and public releases by regulatory agencies. DCM is commonly associated with a genetic predisposition in certain dog breeds and can also occur secondary to other diseases and nutritional deficiencies. Recent communications in veterinary journals have discussed a potential relationship between grain-free and/or novel protein diets to DCM, citing a subjective increase in DCM in dog breeds that are not known to have a genetic predisposition for the disease. This literature review describes clinical presentations of DCM, common sequelae, treatment and preventative measures, histopathologic features, and a discussion of the varied etiological origins of the disease. In addition, current literature limitations are addressed, in order to ascertain multiple variables leading to the development of DCM. Future studies are needed to evaluate one variable at a time and to minimiz...