Vicki J Adams | Independent Researcher (original) (raw)

Papers by Vicki J Adams

Research paper thumbnail of Attitudes to and opinions of neutering in dogs: results of a canine reproduction survey of veterinary surgeons

On: Fri, 25 Jan 2019 17:45:26 BSAVA CONGRESS 2016 PROCEEDINGS 〔 475 〕 found to be a higher risk a... more On: Fri, 25 Jan 2019 17:45:26 BSAVA CONGRESS 2016 PROCEEDINGS 〔 475 〕 found to be a higher risk area for RTAs than towns, cities or suburban locations. Cats that were reported by their owners to hunt at the roadside were found to be at a greater risk of an RTA, as well as cats whose owners classified the stretch of road just by their house as being a ‘long straight section of road’. No significant associations were found between coat colour, breed, sex or neuter status and risk of an RTA. Results from the study may help owners and rehoming centres to more accurately assess the risk of an RTA and may also facilitate better management to reduce the risk of an RTA.

Research paper thumbnail of 497 Late-Breaking: Low Number of Owner Reported Suspected Transmission of Foodborne Pathogens from Raw Meat-based Diets Fed to Dogs and/or Cats

Journal of Animal Science

The aim of this worldwide survey was to determine owner reported frequency of pathogen transmissi... more The aim of this worldwide survey was to determine owner reported frequency of pathogen transmission to humans living in or in contact with households feeding their pets commercial and homemade raw meat-based diets (RMBD). A total of 5,611 responses were gathered from 62 countries with 77.1% of households feeding only RMBDs to dog(s) and/or cat(s) no confirmed cases of pathogen transmission or infection by laboratory testing. Eleven households (0.20%, 95%CI: 0.10 – 0.36) were classified as having experienced ‘probable’ transmission and 20 households (0.36%, 95%CI: 0.22 – 0.56) were classified as having experienced “possible” transmission to result in a total of 31 households (0.55%, 95%CI: 0.38 – 0.79) being identified as potential cases of transmission (fig. 1). The remainder of households (n = 5,580 = 99.45%, 95% CI: 99.21 – 99.62) were not considered to have experienced potential transmission of foodborne pathogens based on their responses to the survey. The most frequently report...

Research paper thumbnail of Critical thinking or common sense?

Veterinary Record

Vicki Adams grew up in Vancouver, Canada, and graduated with a degree in animal science from the ... more Vicki Adams grew up in Vancouver, Canada, and graduated with a degree in animal science from the University of British Columbia before being accepted into vet school in Saskatchewan. Her animal science background has given her the population perspective that is so important in epidemiology and she now runs her own consulting company, Vet Epi

Research paper thumbnail of A Randomized Blinded Crossover Clinical Trial to Determine the Effect of an Oral Joint Supplement on Equine Limb Kinematics, Orthopedic, Physiotherapy, and Handler Evaluation Scores

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science

Abstract Despite the range of oral joint supplements available, there has been very limited resea... more Abstract Despite the range of oral joint supplements available, there has been very limited research into their efficacy. The study aimed to determine the effect of an oral joint supplement on limb kinematics, orthopedic, physiotherapy, and handler evaluation in horses. Supplement S or placebo P was fed to 24 horses for 21 days each in a random order. Horses were evaluated at days 0 (baseline), 21 (after first treatment), and 42 (after second treatment). Assessments included the following: clinical orthopedic evaluation for straight line/lunging circle in walk and trot; high‐speed motion capture determined hindlimb kinematics for straight‐line trotting; grading of limb range of motion (ROM) and muscle tone based on standardized physiotherapy criteria; handler grading of specific criteria during pasture, groundwork, and ridden exercise. Effect of treatment, sequence, limb, and interactions were investigated using linear‐mixed models. S was associated with significantly lower lameness grade in a straight line (P = .001) and circle (P = .010), with individual horses improving up to 2/10 grades over P/baseline. S was associated with significantly improved ROM and muscle tone. Ridden/groundwork scores were significantly higher with S compared to P/baseline. With S, horses were graded significantly higher for “ease of movement” at pasture compared with P/baseline. For horses with hindlimb lameness, S was associated with significantly greater tarsal flexion than baseline (4.2% greater, P < .020) or P (2.7% greater, P < .037). S was associated with less lameness and improved physiotherapy scores, ridden/groundwork scores, and pasture “ease of movement.” Increased midstance tarsal flexion of lame limbs may indicate improved mobility/comfort during peak loading, supporting a positive effect of S. HighlightsBlinded, placebo‐controlled crossover study to determine effect of joint supplement.Horse limb kinematics, clinical orthopedic, physiotherapy, and handler evaluation.Supplement S or placebo was fed to 24 horses for 21 days each.S associated with improved kinematics, orthopedic, physiotherapy, and handler grade.Potential benefit to use of supplement S in clinical patients during rehabilitation.

Research paper thumbnail of Conformational risk factors of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in pugs, French bulldogs, and bulldogs

PloS one, 2017

Extremely brachycephalic, or short-muzzled, dog breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs, and bulldog... more Extremely brachycephalic, or short-muzzled, dog breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs, and bulldogs are prone to the conformation-related respiratory disorder-brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Affected dogs present with a wide range of clinical signs from snoring and exercise intolerance, to life-threatening events such as syncope. In this study, conformational risk factors for BOAS that could potentially aid in breeding away from BOAS were sought. Six hundred and four pugs, French bulldogs, and bulldogs were included in the study. Soft tape measurements of the head and body were used and the inter-observer reproducibility was evaluated. Breed-specific models were developed to assess the associations between the conformational factors and BOAS status based on functional grading. The models were further validated by means of a BOAS index, which is an objective measurement of respiratory function using whole-body barometric plethysmography. The final models have good p...

Research paper thumbnail of Tracheal foreign body in a cat

The Canadian Veterinary Journal La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne, Mar 1, 1993

Upper airway obstruction in the cat may occur due to a number of different causes, including fore... more Upper airway obstruction in the cat may occur due to a number of different causes, including foreign bodies, neoplasia, trauma, pharyngeal polyps, and

Research paper thumbnail of World survey of health and mortality in the Otterhound

Research paper thumbnail of Exceptional longevity and potential determinants of successful ageing in a cohort of 39 Labrador retrievers: results of a prospective longitudinal study

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 2015

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the longevity and causes of mortality in 39 (12... more Background: The aim of this study was to describe the longevity and causes of mortality in 39 (12 males, 27 females) pedigree adult neutered Labrador retrievers with a median age of 6.5 years at the start of the study and kept under similar housing and management conditions. Body condition score was maintained between two and four on a 5-point scale by varying food allowances quarterly. The impact of change in body weight (BW) and body composition on longevity was analysed using linear mixed models with random slopes and intercepts. Results: On 31 July 2014, 10 years after study start, dogs were classified into three lifespan groups: 13 (33 %) Expected (≥9 to ≤12.9 years), 15 (39 %) Long (≥13 to ≤15.5 years) and 11 (28 %) Exceptional (≥15.6 years) with five still alive. Gender and age at neutering were not associated with longevity (P ≥ 0.06). BW increased similarly for all lifespan groups up to age 9, thereafter, from 9 to 13 years, Exceptional dogs gained and Long-lifespan dogs lost weight (P = 0.007). Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometer scans revealed that absolute fat mass increase was slower to age 13 for Long compared with Expected lifespan dogs (P = 0.003) whilst all groups lost a similar amount of absolute lean mass (P > 0.05). Percent fat increase and percent lean loss were slower, whilst the change in fat:lean was smaller, in both the Exceptional and Long lifespan compared with Expected dogs to age 13 (P ≤ 0.02). Total bone mineral density was significantly lower for Expected compared to Exceptional and Long lifespan dogs (P < 0.04). Conclusions: This study shows that lifelong maintenance of lean body mass and attenuated accumulation of body fat were key factors in achieving a longer lifespan. The results suggest that a combination of a high quality plane of nutrition with appropriate husbandry and healthcare are important in obtaining a greater than expected proportion of Labrador retrievers living well beyond that of the expected breed lifespan: 89.7 % (95 % CI 74.8-96.7 %) dogs were alive at 12 years of age and 28.2 % (95 % CI 15.6-45.1 %) reaching an exceptional lifespan of ≥15.6 years.

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of a practice management computer software program for owner compliance with recall reminders

The Canadian Veterinary Journal La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne, Mar 1, 2006

The purpose of this study was to describe clients’ level of compliance with reminders that are co... more The purpose of this study was to describe clients’ level of compliance with reminders that are computer generated and to identify factors associated with owner response to a recall. Client response to a recall notice revealed that clients responded to reminders for vaccination about 3 times less often than for the other recall codes combined (dental procedures, laboratory tests, medical progress examinations, and neutering). These results suggest that veterinarians need to move away from annual vaccination reminders and toward the promotion of preventive veterinary services, such as annual wellness examinations, screening laboratory testing, and routine dental procedures. Once a practice has committed to and set up the required computer systems to promote preventive veterinary care, the stage is set for the implementation and monitoring of recommendations and reminders. This type of practice philosophy and marketing coincides perfectly with an approach to maximizing compliance in all aspects of veterinary medicine.

Research paper thumbnail of Characterisation of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome in French Bulldogs Using Whole-Body Barometric Plethysmography

PLOS ONE, 2015

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is an important health and welfare problem in s... more Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is an important health and welfare problem in several popular dog breeds. Whole-body barometric plethysmography (WBBP) is a non-invasive method that allows safe and repeated quantitative measurements of respiratory cycles on unsedated dogs. Here respiratory flow traces in French bulldogs from the pet population were characterised using WBBP, and a computational application was developed to recognise affected animals. Eighty-nine French bulldogs and twenty non-brachycephalic controls underwent WBBP testing. A respiratory functional grading system was used on each dog based on respiratory signs (i.e. respiratory noise, effort, etc.) before and after exercise. For development of an objective BOAS classifier, functional Grades 0 and I were considered to have insignificant clinical signs (termed here BOAS-) and Grades II and III to have significant signs (termed here BOAS+). A comparison between owner-perception of BOAS and functional grading revealed that 60 % of owners failed to recognise BOAS in dogs that graded BOAS+ in this study.WBBP flow traces were found to be significantly different between non-brachycephalic controls and Grade 0 French bulldogs; BOAS-and BOAS+ French bulldogs. A classifier was developed using quadratic discriminant analysis of the respiratory parameters to distinguish BOAS-and BOAS + French bulldogs, and a BOAS Index was calculated for each dog. A cutoff value of the BOAS Index was selected based on a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the classifier on the training group (n=69) were 0.97, 0.93, 0.95, and 0.97, respectively. The classifier was validated using a test group of French bulldogs (n=20) with an accuracy of 0.95. WBBP offers objective screening for the diagnosis of BOAS in French Bulldogs. The technique may be applied to other brachycephalic breeds affected by BOAS, and possibly to other respiratory disease in dogs.

Research paper thumbnail of Results of an international survey of Otterhound health

Research paper thumbnail of Introducing the editor of Veterinary Record Open

The Veterinary record, Jan 13, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Veterinary Record Open: extending the open access options

The Veterinary record, Jan 13, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Ophthalmic and cone derived electrodiagnostic findings in outbred Miniature Long-haired Dachshunds homozygous for a RPGRIP1 mutation

Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2011

To investigate ophthalmic and cone-derived electrodiagnostic findings in outbred Miniature Long-h... more To investigate ophthalmic and cone-derived electrodiagnostic findings in outbred Miniature Long-haired Dachshunds (MLHD) homozygous for a mutation in the RPGRIP1 gene previously associated with cone-rod dystrophy 1 (cord1). A total of 36 MLHD homozygous for the RPGRIP1 mutation and 23 dogs clear of the mutation (control group). The dogs underwent ophthalmic examination and photopic electroretinogram (ERG) recordings. None of the control dogs presented with clinical or ophthalmic signs consistent with cord1. Amongst the dogs homozygous for the mutation one presented with bilateral symmetrical total retinal atrophy. None of the other dogs in this group showed signs consistent with cord1. Photopic ERG recordings were available in 23 control dogs and 34 dogs homozygous for the mutation. Photopic a- and b-waves following four light stimuli (3 cdS/m(2) ) at a rate of 5.1 Hz were not significantly different between groups. The amplitudes of the 30 Hz flicker (128 flashes, 3 cdS/m(2) ) response were significantly reduced in the dogs homozygous for the PRGRIP1 mutation. The difference in age between the two groups did not significantly affect the difference. Homozygosity of the RPGRIP1 mutation does not invariably result in early onset cord1. However, cone derived ERG recordings show evidence of a reduced cone or inner retinal function in homozygous but clinically normal MLHD. Modifying genes that have yet to be identified may influence an individual dog&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s risk of developing the blinding cord1 and also the age of onset and rate of progression.

Research paper thumbnail of Wellbeing survey of the veterinary profession

The Veterinary record, Jan 13, 2008

... 5 University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL. SIR, — We w... more ... 5 University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL. SIR, — We would like to draw attention to a forthcoming survey of rcvs members. We represent a diverse and independent group of academics ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Manual Lung Inflation vs. Spontaneous Inspiration on the Cardiac Silhouette in Anesthetized Dogs

Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound, 2009

The purpose of this study was to assess radiographic heart size in anesthetized dogs, comparing r... more The purpose of this study was to assess radiographic heart size in anesthetized dogs, comparing radiographs made with the patient breathing spontaneously to radiographs obtained using positive pressure manual lung inflation. The hypothesis was that manual inflation would cause reduction in the cardiac size. With dogs in right recumbency a radiograph was made at peak spontaneous inspiration followed immediately a radiograph made with application of positive pressure manual inflation of the thorax. Cardiac size was assessed, both subjectively and objectively using the vertebral heart scale (VHS). Two hundred and six dogs were studied. Manual inflation resulted in a significantly greater degree of lung inflation assessed radiographically (Po0.0001). The subjectively assessed heart size was significantly smaller in radiographs made with manual inflation, leading to different subjective categorization of heart size in 67 (32%) of dogs. The objectively measured VHS was also significantly smaller in the radiographs made using manual inflation by a mean of 0.24 of a vertebral length (95% CL of mean difference: À0.29, À0.19, Po0.0001). A statistically significant reduction in subjective heart size and in VHS occurred with manual inflation of the lungs, and these differences may be clinically significant. Thus, if serial radiographs are obtained to assess cardiac size, the radiographic technique used should be the same.

Research paper thumbnail of Canine limbal melanoma: 30 cases (1992-2004). Part 2. Treatment with lamellar resection and adjunctive strontium-90beta plesiotherapy - efficacy and morbidity

Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2006

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of lamellar resection and adjunctive 90 Sr-β plesiotherapy in... more Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of lamellar resection and adjunctive 90 Sr-β plesiotherapy in the management of canine limbal melanoma and the frequency and morbidity of early and late-onset side effects following treatment. Design Retrospective study. Animals studied Thirty dogs treated for limbal melanoma at the Animal Health Trust (AHT), between 1992 and 2004. Methods Medical records were reviewed and information collected on the radiation dose administered, duration of follow-up, and the frequency of early-and late-onset ocular side effects. Follow-up information was obtained by re-examination of patients or completion of a telephone interview with the referring veterinary surgeons or the owners. Results Recurrence of limbal melanoma occurred in 1 of 30 cases (3%; 95% CI: 0.2-14%). One or more side effects occurred in 16 of 30 cases (53%; 95% CI: 28.1-74.9). The occurrence of side effects was not associated with the number of sites treated or the total surface dose of radiation. Short-term side effects were reported in 16/30 cases (53%) and included corneal scarring (12/30), corneal neovascularization (6/30), conjunctivitis with or without granulation tissue formation (5/30), lipid keratopathy (1/30), and localized bullous keratopathy (2/30). Long-term side effects were reported in 6 of 30 cases (20%) cases and included deep scleral thinning (5/30), focal scleromalacia (3/30), globe perforation (2/30), lipid keratopathy (3/30), localized bullous keratopathy (1/30), and sectoral cortical cataract (1/30). Conclusions Lamellar resection and adjunctive 90 Sr-β plesiotherapy is relatively easy to perform, is minimally invasive, and extremely well tolerated by patients. The treatment is highly efficacious in the management of canine limbal melanoma. Modification of the radiation dosimetry, in particular reducing the total dose of radiation and the dose per radiation fraction, is necessary to reduce the incidence of late onset side effects.

Research paper thumbnail of Canine limbal melanoma: 30 cases (1992-2004). Part 1. Signalment, clinical and histological features and pedigree analysis

Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2006

Objectives (1) To review the signalment, clinical, and histological features of canine limbal mel... more Objectives (1) To review the signalment, clinical, and histological features of canine limbal melanoma; (2) to perform pedigree analysis on breeds predisposed to limbal melanoma to establish if common ancestry exists; and (3) to investigate if any ancestral relationship exists between canine limbal melanoma and canine anterior uveal melanoma (CAUM). Design Retrospective study. Animals studied Thirty dogs with limbal melanoma. Methods Medical records of patients were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained by re-examination of patients or telecommunications with the referring veterinary surgeons or the owners. Pedigrees were analyzed for common ancestry amongst affected dogs. Results The mean age (± SD) at diagnosis was 6.2 (± 2.75) years with a range from 1 to 11 years. There was a bimodal distribution of ages with a peak at 3-4 years and a peak at 7-10 years. There was no eye predilection or predisposition for sex or coat color. Twentyfive (83%) of the limbal melanomas occurred within a dorsal arc from the dorsomedial to the ventrolateral limbus. Golden retrievers were four times more common in the melanoma group compared to the Animal Health Trust population (P < 0.0001). Labrador retrievers were three times more common in the melanoma group (P = 0.01). Pedigree analysis on eight Golden retrievers [limbal melanoma (n = 5), CAUM (n = 2) and diffuse ocular melanosis (n = 1)], revealed a pattern of inter-relatedness consistent with the condition(s) being caused, at least in part, by a genetic mutation(s). A similar level of inter relatedness was evident in six Labrador retrievers (limbal melanoma (n = 2) and CAUM (n = 4)). In 5/22 cases (23%), histological features suggestive of malignancy were present including intratumor necrosis in 4/22 cases (18%) and cellular atypia in 1/22 cases (5%). Conclusions In Golden and Labrador retrievers there is evidence that limbal melanomas, CAUM and ocular melanosis are at least in part heritable and that the same genetic mutation(s) may be causally associated with melanocytic disease at different ocular sites. The same genetic mutation(s) may be present in these two breeds. Histology should be performed on all cases to identify those with greater malignant potential.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of age, gender, weight, and time of day on tear production in normal dogs

Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2006

Objective To investigate the effects of age, weight, gender, and of time of day on tear productio... more Objective To investigate the effects of age, weight, gender, and of time of day on tear production in normal dogs. Animals studied One hundred ophthalmoscopically and systemically unremarkable dogs. Procedure Schirmer tear tests (STT) were performed every 2 h during the day on one randomly chosen eye of each of 100 dogs. Results There was a statistically significant effect of time of day and age on the STT measurement. The mean STT decreased by 0.4 mm for every 1 year that age increased (P = 0.007). Mean STT values taken at 10:00  were 0.7 mm lower than values taken at 4:00  (P = 0.04). Conclusions Tear production decreases with age in the normal dog. In this population of dogs the largest difference was between the 10:00  and the 4:00  STT measurements, but this still only amounted to 0.7 mm. This value is unlikely to be of clinical significance in the diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).

Research paper thumbnail of Epidemiological approaches to safety investigations

Veterinary Microbiology, 2006

This paper considers the different approaches to post-authorisation safety monitoring of veterina... more This paper considers the different approaches to post-authorisation safety monitoring of veterinary medicinal products that is essential to ensure confidence in their safety. Most safety testing is undertaken prior to granting of a marketing authorisation and is generally on a small scale. Field trials are usually much larger, but still involve relatively low numbers of animals compared to the number to which authorised products are administered. Safety testing is generally aimed at detecting common events; the numbers of animals used in the tests are too small for detection of all but the most common reactions. The efficiency of the tests depends on the frequency and severity of the adverse reaction and the ability to associate the adverse event with the product. The latter is affected by the period of time between administration and the event, as well as by its underlying frequency. Adverse reaction surveillance is critical in monitoring the safety of a marketed product. Most is entirely passive and so reporting rates are likely to underestimate true incidence. It is relatively efficient for rare, serious adverse effects and for those with a low underlying frequency in the population, but it is less useful when there is long period between administration and the event, or where the event has a relatively high underlying frequency. Greater emphasis should be placed on active surveillance after production registration. Detailed epidemiological investigations, including cohort, case control and cross-sectional designs, offer the only approaches that provide more information on the association between a product and events that have a high underlying frequency in the population or where there is a long period between administration and the adverse event. The relative merits of different approaches are discussed, with particular reference to our recently published study of the temporal association between canine vaccination and non-specific signs of ill health and plans to undertake studies of associations with feline injection site sarcoma. Emphasis is placed on the need for clearly stated hypotheses and the consideration of equivalence, rather than significance testing when considering safety studies.

Research paper thumbnail of Attitudes to and opinions of neutering in dogs: results of a canine reproduction survey of veterinary surgeons

On: Fri, 25 Jan 2019 17:45:26 BSAVA CONGRESS 2016 PROCEEDINGS 〔 475 〕 found to be a higher risk a... more On: Fri, 25 Jan 2019 17:45:26 BSAVA CONGRESS 2016 PROCEEDINGS 〔 475 〕 found to be a higher risk area for RTAs than towns, cities or suburban locations. Cats that were reported by their owners to hunt at the roadside were found to be at a greater risk of an RTA, as well as cats whose owners classified the stretch of road just by their house as being a ‘long straight section of road’. No significant associations were found between coat colour, breed, sex or neuter status and risk of an RTA. Results from the study may help owners and rehoming centres to more accurately assess the risk of an RTA and may also facilitate better management to reduce the risk of an RTA.

Research paper thumbnail of 497 Late-Breaking: Low Number of Owner Reported Suspected Transmission of Foodborne Pathogens from Raw Meat-based Diets Fed to Dogs and/or Cats

Journal of Animal Science

The aim of this worldwide survey was to determine owner reported frequency of pathogen transmissi... more The aim of this worldwide survey was to determine owner reported frequency of pathogen transmission to humans living in or in contact with households feeding their pets commercial and homemade raw meat-based diets (RMBD). A total of 5,611 responses were gathered from 62 countries with 77.1% of households feeding only RMBDs to dog(s) and/or cat(s) no confirmed cases of pathogen transmission or infection by laboratory testing. Eleven households (0.20%, 95%CI: 0.10 – 0.36) were classified as having experienced ‘probable’ transmission and 20 households (0.36%, 95%CI: 0.22 – 0.56) were classified as having experienced “possible” transmission to result in a total of 31 households (0.55%, 95%CI: 0.38 – 0.79) being identified as potential cases of transmission (fig. 1). The remainder of households (n = 5,580 = 99.45%, 95% CI: 99.21 – 99.62) were not considered to have experienced potential transmission of foodborne pathogens based on their responses to the survey. The most frequently report...

Research paper thumbnail of Critical thinking or common sense?

Veterinary Record

Vicki Adams grew up in Vancouver, Canada, and graduated with a degree in animal science from the ... more Vicki Adams grew up in Vancouver, Canada, and graduated with a degree in animal science from the University of British Columbia before being accepted into vet school in Saskatchewan. Her animal science background has given her the population perspective that is so important in epidemiology and she now runs her own consulting company, Vet Epi

Research paper thumbnail of A Randomized Blinded Crossover Clinical Trial to Determine the Effect of an Oral Joint Supplement on Equine Limb Kinematics, Orthopedic, Physiotherapy, and Handler Evaluation Scores

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science

Abstract Despite the range of oral joint supplements available, there has been very limited resea... more Abstract Despite the range of oral joint supplements available, there has been very limited research into their efficacy. The study aimed to determine the effect of an oral joint supplement on limb kinematics, orthopedic, physiotherapy, and handler evaluation in horses. Supplement S or placebo P was fed to 24 horses for 21 days each in a random order. Horses were evaluated at days 0 (baseline), 21 (after first treatment), and 42 (after second treatment). Assessments included the following: clinical orthopedic evaluation for straight line/lunging circle in walk and trot; high‐speed motion capture determined hindlimb kinematics for straight‐line trotting; grading of limb range of motion (ROM) and muscle tone based on standardized physiotherapy criteria; handler grading of specific criteria during pasture, groundwork, and ridden exercise. Effect of treatment, sequence, limb, and interactions were investigated using linear‐mixed models. S was associated with significantly lower lameness grade in a straight line (P = .001) and circle (P = .010), with individual horses improving up to 2/10 grades over P/baseline. S was associated with significantly improved ROM and muscle tone. Ridden/groundwork scores were significantly higher with S compared to P/baseline. With S, horses were graded significantly higher for “ease of movement” at pasture compared with P/baseline. For horses with hindlimb lameness, S was associated with significantly greater tarsal flexion than baseline (4.2% greater, P < .020) or P (2.7% greater, P < .037). S was associated with less lameness and improved physiotherapy scores, ridden/groundwork scores, and pasture “ease of movement.” Increased midstance tarsal flexion of lame limbs may indicate improved mobility/comfort during peak loading, supporting a positive effect of S. HighlightsBlinded, placebo‐controlled crossover study to determine effect of joint supplement.Horse limb kinematics, clinical orthopedic, physiotherapy, and handler evaluation.Supplement S or placebo was fed to 24 horses for 21 days each.S associated with improved kinematics, orthopedic, physiotherapy, and handler grade.Potential benefit to use of supplement S in clinical patients during rehabilitation.

Research paper thumbnail of Conformational risk factors of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in pugs, French bulldogs, and bulldogs

PloS one, 2017

Extremely brachycephalic, or short-muzzled, dog breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs, and bulldog... more Extremely brachycephalic, or short-muzzled, dog breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs, and bulldogs are prone to the conformation-related respiratory disorder-brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Affected dogs present with a wide range of clinical signs from snoring and exercise intolerance, to life-threatening events such as syncope. In this study, conformational risk factors for BOAS that could potentially aid in breeding away from BOAS were sought. Six hundred and four pugs, French bulldogs, and bulldogs were included in the study. Soft tape measurements of the head and body were used and the inter-observer reproducibility was evaluated. Breed-specific models were developed to assess the associations between the conformational factors and BOAS status based on functional grading. The models were further validated by means of a BOAS index, which is an objective measurement of respiratory function using whole-body barometric plethysmography. The final models have good p...

Research paper thumbnail of Tracheal foreign body in a cat

The Canadian Veterinary Journal La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne, Mar 1, 1993

Upper airway obstruction in the cat may occur due to a number of different causes, including fore... more Upper airway obstruction in the cat may occur due to a number of different causes, including foreign bodies, neoplasia, trauma, pharyngeal polyps, and

Research paper thumbnail of World survey of health and mortality in the Otterhound

Research paper thumbnail of Exceptional longevity and potential determinants of successful ageing in a cohort of 39 Labrador retrievers: results of a prospective longitudinal study

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 2015

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the longevity and causes of mortality in 39 (12... more Background: The aim of this study was to describe the longevity and causes of mortality in 39 (12 males, 27 females) pedigree adult neutered Labrador retrievers with a median age of 6.5 years at the start of the study and kept under similar housing and management conditions. Body condition score was maintained between two and four on a 5-point scale by varying food allowances quarterly. The impact of change in body weight (BW) and body composition on longevity was analysed using linear mixed models with random slopes and intercepts. Results: On 31 July 2014, 10 years after study start, dogs were classified into three lifespan groups: 13 (33 %) Expected (≥9 to ≤12.9 years), 15 (39 %) Long (≥13 to ≤15.5 years) and 11 (28 %) Exceptional (≥15.6 years) with five still alive. Gender and age at neutering were not associated with longevity (P ≥ 0.06). BW increased similarly for all lifespan groups up to age 9, thereafter, from 9 to 13 years, Exceptional dogs gained and Long-lifespan dogs lost weight (P = 0.007). Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometer scans revealed that absolute fat mass increase was slower to age 13 for Long compared with Expected lifespan dogs (P = 0.003) whilst all groups lost a similar amount of absolute lean mass (P > 0.05). Percent fat increase and percent lean loss were slower, whilst the change in fat:lean was smaller, in both the Exceptional and Long lifespan compared with Expected dogs to age 13 (P ≤ 0.02). Total bone mineral density was significantly lower for Expected compared to Exceptional and Long lifespan dogs (P < 0.04). Conclusions: This study shows that lifelong maintenance of lean body mass and attenuated accumulation of body fat were key factors in achieving a longer lifespan. The results suggest that a combination of a high quality plane of nutrition with appropriate husbandry and healthcare are important in obtaining a greater than expected proportion of Labrador retrievers living well beyond that of the expected breed lifespan: 89.7 % (95 % CI 74.8-96.7 %) dogs were alive at 12 years of age and 28.2 % (95 % CI 15.6-45.1 %) reaching an exceptional lifespan of ≥15.6 years.

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of a practice management computer software program for owner compliance with recall reminders

The Canadian Veterinary Journal La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne, Mar 1, 2006

The purpose of this study was to describe clients’ level of compliance with reminders that are co... more The purpose of this study was to describe clients’ level of compliance with reminders that are computer generated and to identify factors associated with owner response to a recall. Client response to a recall notice revealed that clients responded to reminders for vaccination about 3 times less often than for the other recall codes combined (dental procedures, laboratory tests, medical progress examinations, and neutering). These results suggest that veterinarians need to move away from annual vaccination reminders and toward the promotion of preventive veterinary services, such as annual wellness examinations, screening laboratory testing, and routine dental procedures. Once a practice has committed to and set up the required computer systems to promote preventive veterinary care, the stage is set for the implementation and monitoring of recommendations and reminders. This type of practice philosophy and marketing coincides perfectly with an approach to maximizing compliance in all aspects of veterinary medicine.

Research paper thumbnail of Characterisation of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome in French Bulldogs Using Whole-Body Barometric Plethysmography

PLOS ONE, 2015

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is an important health and welfare problem in s... more Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is an important health and welfare problem in several popular dog breeds. Whole-body barometric plethysmography (WBBP) is a non-invasive method that allows safe and repeated quantitative measurements of respiratory cycles on unsedated dogs. Here respiratory flow traces in French bulldogs from the pet population were characterised using WBBP, and a computational application was developed to recognise affected animals. Eighty-nine French bulldogs and twenty non-brachycephalic controls underwent WBBP testing. A respiratory functional grading system was used on each dog based on respiratory signs (i.e. respiratory noise, effort, etc.) before and after exercise. For development of an objective BOAS classifier, functional Grades 0 and I were considered to have insignificant clinical signs (termed here BOAS-) and Grades II and III to have significant signs (termed here BOAS+). A comparison between owner-perception of BOAS and functional grading revealed that 60 % of owners failed to recognise BOAS in dogs that graded BOAS+ in this study.WBBP flow traces were found to be significantly different between non-brachycephalic controls and Grade 0 French bulldogs; BOAS-and BOAS+ French bulldogs. A classifier was developed using quadratic discriminant analysis of the respiratory parameters to distinguish BOAS-and BOAS + French bulldogs, and a BOAS Index was calculated for each dog. A cutoff value of the BOAS Index was selected based on a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the classifier on the training group (n=69) were 0.97, 0.93, 0.95, and 0.97, respectively. The classifier was validated using a test group of French bulldogs (n=20) with an accuracy of 0.95. WBBP offers objective screening for the diagnosis of BOAS in French Bulldogs. The technique may be applied to other brachycephalic breeds affected by BOAS, and possibly to other respiratory disease in dogs.

Research paper thumbnail of Results of an international survey of Otterhound health

Research paper thumbnail of Introducing the editor of Veterinary Record Open

The Veterinary record, Jan 13, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Veterinary Record Open: extending the open access options

The Veterinary record, Jan 13, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Ophthalmic and cone derived electrodiagnostic findings in outbred Miniature Long-haired Dachshunds homozygous for a RPGRIP1 mutation

Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2011

To investigate ophthalmic and cone-derived electrodiagnostic findings in outbred Miniature Long-h... more To investigate ophthalmic and cone-derived electrodiagnostic findings in outbred Miniature Long-haired Dachshunds (MLHD) homozygous for a mutation in the RPGRIP1 gene previously associated with cone-rod dystrophy 1 (cord1). A total of 36 MLHD homozygous for the RPGRIP1 mutation and 23 dogs clear of the mutation (control group). The dogs underwent ophthalmic examination and photopic electroretinogram (ERG) recordings. None of the control dogs presented with clinical or ophthalmic signs consistent with cord1. Amongst the dogs homozygous for the mutation one presented with bilateral symmetrical total retinal atrophy. None of the other dogs in this group showed signs consistent with cord1. Photopic ERG recordings were available in 23 control dogs and 34 dogs homozygous for the mutation. Photopic a- and b-waves following four light stimuli (3 cdS/m(2) ) at a rate of 5.1 Hz were not significantly different between groups. The amplitudes of the 30 Hz flicker (128 flashes, 3 cdS/m(2) ) response were significantly reduced in the dogs homozygous for the PRGRIP1 mutation. The difference in age between the two groups did not significantly affect the difference. Homozygosity of the RPGRIP1 mutation does not invariably result in early onset cord1. However, cone derived ERG recordings show evidence of a reduced cone or inner retinal function in homozygous but clinically normal MLHD. Modifying genes that have yet to be identified may influence an individual dog&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s risk of developing the blinding cord1 and also the age of onset and rate of progression.

Research paper thumbnail of Wellbeing survey of the veterinary profession

The Veterinary record, Jan 13, 2008

... 5 University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL. SIR, — We w... more ... 5 University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL. SIR, — We would like to draw attention to a forthcoming survey of rcvs members. We represent a diverse and independent group of academics ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Manual Lung Inflation vs. Spontaneous Inspiration on the Cardiac Silhouette in Anesthetized Dogs

Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound, 2009

The purpose of this study was to assess radiographic heart size in anesthetized dogs, comparing r... more The purpose of this study was to assess radiographic heart size in anesthetized dogs, comparing radiographs made with the patient breathing spontaneously to radiographs obtained using positive pressure manual lung inflation. The hypothesis was that manual inflation would cause reduction in the cardiac size. With dogs in right recumbency a radiograph was made at peak spontaneous inspiration followed immediately a radiograph made with application of positive pressure manual inflation of the thorax. Cardiac size was assessed, both subjectively and objectively using the vertebral heart scale (VHS). Two hundred and six dogs were studied. Manual inflation resulted in a significantly greater degree of lung inflation assessed radiographically (Po0.0001). The subjectively assessed heart size was significantly smaller in radiographs made with manual inflation, leading to different subjective categorization of heart size in 67 (32%) of dogs. The objectively measured VHS was also significantly smaller in the radiographs made using manual inflation by a mean of 0.24 of a vertebral length (95% CL of mean difference: À0.29, À0.19, Po0.0001). A statistically significant reduction in subjective heart size and in VHS occurred with manual inflation of the lungs, and these differences may be clinically significant. Thus, if serial radiographs are obtained to assess cardiac size, the radiographic technique used should be the same.

Research paper thumbnail of Canine limbal melanoma: 30 cases (1992-2004). Part 2. Treatment with lamellar resection and adjunctive strontium-90beta plesiotherapy - efficacy and morbidity

Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2006

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of lamellar resection and adjunctive 90 Sr-β plesiotherapy in... more Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of lamellar resection and adjunctive 90 Sr-β plesiotherapy in the management of canine limbal melanoma and the frequency and morbidity of early and late-onset side effects following treatment. Design Retrospective study. Animals studied Thirty dogs treated for limbal melanoma at the Animal Health Trust (AHT), between 1992 and 2004. Methods Medical records were reviewed and information collected on the radiation dose administered, duration of follow-up, and the frequency of early-and late-onset ocular side effects. Follow-up information was obtained by re-examination of patients or completion of a telephone interview with the referring veterinary surgeons or the owners. Results Recurrence of limbal melanoma occurred in 1 of 30 cases (3%; 95% CI: 0.2-14%). One or more side effects occurred in 16 of 30 cases (53%; 95% CI: 28.1-74.9). The occurrence of side effects was not associated with the number of sites treated or the total surface dose of radiation. Short-term side effects were reported in 16/30 cases (53%) and included corneal scarring (12/30), corneal neovascularization (6/30), conjunctivitis with or without granulation tissue formation (5/30), lipid keratopathy (1/30), and localized bullous keratopathy (2/30). Long-term side effects were reported in 6 of 30 cases (20%) cases and included deep scleral thinning (5/30), focal scleromalacia (3/30), globe perforation (2/30), lipid keratopathy (3/30), localized bullous keratopathy (1/30), and sectoral cortical cataract (1/30). Conclusions Lamellar resection and adjunctive 90 Sr-β plesiotherapy is relatively easy to perform, is minimally invasive, and extremely well tolerated by patients. The treatment is highly efficacious in the management of canine limbal melanoma. Modification of the radiation dosimetry, in particular reducing the total dose of radiation and the dose per radiation fraction, is necessary to reduce the incidence of late onset side effects.

Research paper thumbnail of Canine limbal melanoma: 30 cases (1992-2004). Part 1. Signalment, clinical and histological features and pedigree analysis

Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2006

Objectives (1) To review the signalment, clinical, and histological features of canine limbal mel... more Objectives (1) To review the signalment, clinical, and histological features of canine limbal melanoma; (2) to perform pedigree analysis on breeds predisposed to limbal melanoma to establish if common ancestry exists; and (3) to investigate if any ancestral relationship exists between canine limbal melanoma and canine anterior uveal melanoma (CAUM). Design Retrospective study. Animals studied Thirty dogs with limbal melanoma. Methods Medical records of patients were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained by re-examination of patients or telecommunications with the referring veterinary surgeons or the owners. Pedigrees were analyzed for common ancestry amongst affected dogs. Results The mean age (± SD) at diagnosis was 6.2 (± 2.75) years with a range from 1 to 11 years. There was a bimodal distribution of ages with a peak at 3-4 years and a peak at 7-10 years. There was no eye predilection or predisposition for sex or coat color. Twentyfive (83%) of the limbal melanomas occurred within a dorsal arc from the dorsomedial to the ventrolateral limbus. Golden retrievers were four times more common in the melanoma group compared to the Animal Health Trust population (P < 0.0001). Labrador retrievers were three times more common in the melanoma group (P = 0.01). Pedigree analysis on eight Golden retrievers [limbal melanoma (n = 5), CAUM (n = 2) and diffuse ocular melanosis (n = 1)], revealed a pattern of inter-relatedness consistent with the condition(s) being caused, at least in part, by a genetic mutation(s). A similar level of inter relatedness was evident in six Labrador retrievers (limbal melanoma (n = 2) and CAUM (n = 4)). In 5/22 cases (23%), histological features suggestive of malignancy were present including intratumor necrosis in 4/22 cases (18%) and cellular atypia in 1/22 cases (5%). Conclusions In Golden and Labrador retrievers there is evidence that limbal melanomas, CAUM and ocular melanosis are at least in part heritable and that the same genetic mutation(s) may be causally associated with melanocytic disease at different ocular sites. The same genetic mutation(s) may be present in these two breeds. Histology should be performed on all cases to identify those with greater malignant potential.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of age, gender, weight, and time of day on tear production in normal dogs

Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2006

Objective To investigate the effects of age, weight, gender, and of time of day on tear productio... more Objective To investigate the effects of age, weight, gender, and of time of day on tear production in normal dogs. Animals studied One hundred ophthalmoscopically and systemically unremarkable dogs. Procedure Schirmer tear tests (STT) were performed every 2 h during the day on one randomly chosen eye of each of 100 dogs. Results There was a statistically significant effect of time of day and age on the STT measurement. The mean STT decreased by 0.4 mm for every 1 year that age increased (P = 0.007). Mean STT values taken at 10:00  were 0.7 mm lower than values taken at 4:00  (P = 0.04). Conclusions Tear production decreases with age in the normal dog. In this population of dogs the largest difference was between the 10:00  and the 4:00  STT measurements, but this still only amounted to 0.7 mm. This value is unlikely to be of clinical significance in the diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).

Research paper thumbnail of Epidemiological approaches to safety investigations

Veterinary Microbiology, 2006

This paper considers the different approaches to post-authorisation safety monitoring of veterina... more This paper considers the different approaches to post-authorisation safety monitoring of veterinary medicinal products that is essential to ensure confidence in their safety. Most safety testing is undertaken prior to granting of a marketing authorisation and is generally on a small scale. Field trials are usually much larger, but still involve relatively low numbers of animals compared to the number to which authorised products are administered. Safety testing is generally aimed at detecting common events; the numbers of animals used in the tests are too small for detection of all but the most common reactions. The efficiency of the tests depends on the frequency and severity of the adverse reaction and the ability to associate the adverse event with the product. The latter is affected by the period of time between administration and the event, as well as by its underlying frequency. Adverse reaction surveillance is critical in monitoring the safety of a marketed product. Most is entirely passive and so reporting rates are likely to underestimate true incidence. It is relatively efficient for rare, serious adverse effects and for those with a low underlying frequency in the population, but it is less useful when there is long period between administration and the event, or where the event has a relatively high underlying frequency. Greater emphasis should be placed on active surveillance after production registration. Detailed epidemiological investigations, including cohort, case control and cross-sectional designs, offer the only approaches that provide more information on the association between a product and events that have a high underlying frequency in the population or where there is a long period between administration and the adverse event. The relative merits of different approaches are discussed, with particular reference to our recently published study of the temporal association between canine vaccination and non-specific signs of ill health and plans to undertake studies of associations with feline injection site sarcoma. Emphasis is placed on the need for clearly stated hypotheses and the consideration of equivalence, rather than significance testing when considering safety studies.