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Introduction: Canine leptospirosis has always been a differential diagnosis in dogs presenting with clinical signs and blood profiles associated with kidney and/or liver disease. The conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provides diagnoses, but real-time PCR-based tests provide earlier confirmation and determine the severity of infection, especially in the acute stage, allowing early detection for immediate treatment decisions. To our knowledge, real-time PCR has not been routinely adopted for clinical investigation in Malaysia. This study evaluated TaqMan real-time PCR (qPCR) assays diagnosing leptospirosis and compared their applicability to clinical samples from dogs with kidney and/or liver disease against a conventional PCR reference., Material and Methods: The qPCR assays were validated using existing leptospiral isolates. Whole blood and urine samples were analysed using a conventional PCR, LipL32(1) and LipL32(2) qPCRs and a microscopic agglutination test. The sensitivity and specificity of the qPCRs were determined., Results: The LipL32(1) qPCR assay had more diagnostic value than the LipL32(2) qPCR assay. Further evaluation of this assay revealed that it could detect as low as five DNA copies per reaction with high specificity for the tested leptospiral strains. No cross-amplification was observed with other organisms. Analysing the clinical samples, the LipL32(1) qPCR assay had 100.0% sensitivity and >75.0% specificity., Conclusion: The LipL32(1) qPCR assay is sensitive, specific and has the potential to be applied in future studies., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interests Statement: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this article., (© 2023 Mohammad Sabri Abdul Rahman et al., published by Sciendo.)

Canine heart disease often requires long-term treatment, which involves a continuous commitment from the dog owners. In addition to investigating their awareness and knowledge, the Theory of Planned Behavior was applied to also analyze attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) of the dog owners, with empathic concern as a moderator in predicting intention to treat canine heart disease. Through a convenience sampling approach, 261 respondents, who were clients of University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UVH-UPM), with experience in owning or caring for dogs, were recruited. While the majority of the respondents (83.5%) claimed that they were aware of canine heart disease, most respondents (45.6%) could only identify 5 to 8 (Fair) out of 12 of the salient clinical signs. Most dog owners (92.3%) were willing to seek treatment if the pet dogs were affected, although the intent is deterred by cost (39.5%). In this study, attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were significant predictors for the intention to treat. Dog owners with low empathic concern can be motivated to treat affected dogs by cultivating perceived behavioral control. Therefore, continual education may improve dog owners' preconceived ability to provide care, and veterinarians may play an important role to encourage treatment in dogs diagnosed with heart disease.

Canine leptospirosis is commonly associated with kidney and/or liver disease. It has been widely reported and causes public health concerns due to its zoonotic potential and its re-emergence, resulting from close contact between humans and dogs. The current study identified potential risk and predictive factors for dogs diagnosed with kidney and/or liver disease due to leptospirosis. A total of 124 client-owned dogs were recruited, and information such as signalment, medical history, management, and clinical findings were documented. Samples collected from the recruited dogs were directly tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequently inoculated for bacterial isolation. Statistical analyses were descriptively analyzed, and risk analyses were performed using Pearson chi-square tests and logistic regression. A total of 53 dogs (42.7%) were positive for leptospiral infection based on PCR, and 10 leptospiral isolates were successfully recovered from eight dogs. The mortality rate of infected dogs was 34.0% (18/53). Medium and large dog breeds, with a history of exposure to rats, and managed outdoors had a greater risk for leptospirosis ( p < 0.05). The significant predictors for the dogs' positivity were the presence of rats and acute clinical illness ( p < 0.05). Administration of antibiotics and the detection of clinical illness at an early stage of the disease improved the survivability of the dogs ( p < 0.05). Identifying the profile of dogs that are at risk to leptospirosis could be useful in the design of diagnostic and treatment strategies, as well as to increase awareness for prevention of the disease.

Leptospirosis is an endemic zoonoses of global proportions. Stray dogs have been postulated to play a role in disease transmission; however, supporting information are still limited. Roaming behavior may not only predispose the dogs to infection, but could also contribute to disease spread. In this study, the susceptibility of urban stray dogs in shedding Leptospira spp. was determined. Blood, urine, and tissue samples of kidney and liver were collected from 100 dogs from 2 animal control facilities. Serological testing using microscopic agglutination test (MAT) were performed on blood against 20 leptospiral serovars with a cut-off titre of ≥ 1:100. Samples were cultured onto semi-solid Ellinghausen and McCullough modified by Johnson and Harris (EMJH) media. Isolates were identified using molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using 2 primers (16s rRNA and LipL32) and hyperimmune serum (HIS) MAT. The seroprevalence for the dogs positive for leptospirosis was 32% (n=32/100) with the following detected serovars: Javanica (n=13), Bataviae (n=10), Icterohaemorrhagiae (n=3), Autumnalis (n=2), Canicola (n=1), Pyrogenes (n=1), Copenhageni (n=1), and Australis (n=1). Six Leptospira spp. isolated were procured from urine (n=2), kidney (n=2) and liver (n=2). All 6 isolates belonged to L. interrogans, a pathogenic variant of Leptospira spp. Serotyping and phylogenetic analysis suggested serovar Bataviae (n=5) and serovar Canicola (n=1). Presence of vaccinal serovars (Icterohaemorrhagiae and Canicola) suggested potential post-vaccination antibodies but the predominance of non-vaccinal serovars (Javanica and Bataviae) indicate the possibility of current infection or post-exposure. Isolation of Leptospira spp. directly from urine sample not only suggested an active infection but highlighted the potential shedding capability among these stray dogs. These findings further strengthen speculations that urban stray dogs could play a role in transmission and dissemination of leptospirosis through their constant movement. The urine of infected dogs may contaminate the environment, posing a major public health threat., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. A wide range of symptoms have been described in humans; the disease in dogs is commonly associated with kidney and/or liver disease. In Malaysia, information about the common serovars infecting dogs is limited. Therefore, we investigated the occurrences of leptospirosis in 124 pet dogs diagnosed with kidney and/or liver disease. Blood, urine, abdominal effusion, and/or kidney and liver were collected from the dogs. Based on microscopic agglutination testing, 53 of 124 (42.7%) dogs were seropositive for leptospiral exposure. Sera were frequently positive to serovars Bataviae ( n  = 12), Javanica ( n  = 10), and Icterohaemorrhagiae ( n  = 10). Direct detection using PCR showed that 42 of 124 (33.9%) of the whole blood and 36 of 113 (31.9%) urine samples were positive for pathogenic Leptospira spp. By PCR, 2 of 23 (9.1%) kidney and 2 of 23 (9.1%) liver were positive for pathogenic Leptospira spp. Abdominal effusion from 4 dogs were PCR-positive for pathogenic Leptospira spp. The species detected were L. interrogans , L. borgpetersenii , L. kirschneri , and L. kmetyi by partial 16S rRNA sequencing. We further identified and characterized 11 Leptospira spp. isolates from 8 dogs as serovars Bataviae, Javanica, and Australis. The mortality rate of the Leptospira -infected dogs was high (18 of 53; 34%).

The incidence of leptospirosis seems to be on the rise and could be an alarming indirect indication of a global re-emergence. It is a potential public health threat when dogs are speculated to be involved in the transmission of leptospirosis through possible subclinical harbouring of Leptospira spp. and subsequent shedding into the environment. This study aimed to detect anti-leptospiral antibodies among dogs and their handlers using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Blood samples from 266 apparently healthy dogs and 194 dog handlers were collected at four working dog organisations and four dog shelters. Serum samples were tested using MAT against 20 leptospiral serovars with a cut-off titre >=1:100 (dog) and >=1:50 (dog handlers). Seventy dogs (70/266; 26.3%) were seropositive mainly against serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae, Ballum, Bataviae and Javanica (titres ranged: 1:100-1:800). Sixty-seven dog handlers (67/194; 34.5%) were seropositive mainly against serovars Grippotyphosa, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Malaysia (titres ranged: 1:50-1:200). Dogs were seropositive due to exposure, vaccination or active infection. Seropositive dog handlers could indicate exposure or active infection. This shows the potential of dogs in maintaining and spreading the infection in Malaysia. Due to the occupational risk as a result of frequent contact with dogs and exposure to contaminated environments, dog handlers should be made aware of the presence of this zoonotic disease.

Objective: Annual health screening inclusive of heart workup is recommended for the detection of heart diseases, especially in asymptomatic patients (no clinical signs). This study determined the occurrences of the common heart disease and the risk factors in apparently healthy cats., Materials and Methods: This prospective study that screened 59 healthy cats and the status of the heart were evaluated based on a combination of findings from physical examination, electrocardiography, blood pressure measurement, routine blood test, urinalysis, and total thyroid level., Results: Approximately 40.7% ( n = 24/59) of the apparently healthy cats were diagnosed with heart disease hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (62.5%) remains to be the most commonly diagnosed. The mean age was 4.9-year old (age range, 7-month-old to 19-year-old). The prevalence was higher in males (45.0%; n = 17/38) cats, especially the domestic shorthairs (46.0%; n = 11/24). Among the healthy cats with vertebral heart scale (VHS) > 8.0, only 52% ( n = 12/23) of them were diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. However, 33% ( n = 12/36) of the cats with normal VHS ≤ 7.9 were diagnosed with heart disease. Consistently, all healthy cats with abnormal heart sounds were diagnosed with heart disease. About 31.4% ( n = 16/51) of these cats with typical heart sound had cardiomyopathy too., Conclusion: The occurrence of cardiomyopathy in apparently healthy cats has no association with the patient's age, sex, and VHS, except for the heart sound. Echocardiography remains the best diagnostic tool, as normal heart size and normal heart sound do not exclude cardiomyopathy in this group of apparently healthy cats., Competing Interests: Both authors do not have conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright: © Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research.)

Leptospirosis is one of the most widespread zoonotic diseases and can infect both humans and animals worldwide. Healthy cat, as a potential source of exposure to humans, are likely underestimated owing to the lack of overt clinical signs associated with Leptospira spp. infection in this species. The aim of the study was to determine the exposure, shedding, and carrier status of leptospires in shelter cats in Malaysia by using serological, molecular, and bacteriological methods. For this study, 82 healthy cats from two shelters were sampled. The blood, urine, and kidneys were tested using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and bacterial culture. On the basis of serological, molecular, and/or culture techniques, the total detection of leptospiral infection was 29.3% (n = 24/82). Through culture techniques, 16.7% (n = 4/24) of the cats that tested positive were carriers with positive kidney cultures, and one cat was culture positive for both urine and kidney. The Leptospira spp. isolates were identified as pathogenic L. interrogans serovar Bataviae through serological and molecular methods. Through serological techniques, 87.5% (n = 21/24) had positive antibody titers (100-1600) and most of the Bataviae serogroup (n = 19/21). Using PCR, 16.7% (n = 4/24) of cats were shown to have pathogenic Leptospira spp. DNA in their urine. Furthermore, three out of four culture positive cats were serology negative. The present study reports the first retrieval of pathogenic leptospires from urine and kidneys obtained from naturally infected cats. The results provide evidence of the potential role of naturally infected cats in the transmission of leptospires. Additionally, leptospiral infection occurs sub-clinically in cats. The culture isolation provides evidence that healthy cats could be reservoirs of leptospiral infection, and this information may promote the development of disease prevention strategies for the cat population., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV), a novel virus from the family of Paramyxoviridae, was first identified in stray cat populations. The objectives of the current study were to (i) determine the molecular prevalence of FeMV in Malaysia; (ii) identify risk factors associated with FeMV infection; and (iii) characterise any FeMV isolates by phylogenetic analyses. Molecular analysis utilising nested RT-PCR assay targeting the L gene of FeMV performed on either urine, blood and/or kidney samples collected from 208 cats in this study revealed 82 (39.4%) positive cats. FeMV-positive samples were obtained from 63/124 (50.8%) urine and 20/25 (80.0%) kidneys while all blood samples were negative for FeMV. In addition, from the 35 cats that had more than one type of samples collected (blood and urine; blood and kidney; blood, urine and kidney), only one cat had FeMV RNA in the urine and kidney samples. Risk factors such as gender, presence of kidney-associated symptoms and cat source were also investigated. Male cats had a higher risk (p = 0.031) of FeMV infection than females. In addition, no significant association (p = 0.083) was observed between the presence of kidney-associated symptoms with FeMV status. From the 82 positive samples, FeMV RNA was detected from 48/82 (58.5%) pet cats and 34/126 (27.0%) shelter cats (p < 0.0001). Partial L and N gene sequencing of the RT-PCR-positive samples showed 85-99% identity to the published FeMV sequences and it was significantly different from all other morbilliviruses. A phylogenetic analysis of the identified Malaysian FeMVs was performed with isolates from Japan, Thailand and China. Molecular characterisation revealed high relatedness of the Malaysian isolates with other Asian FeMVs, indicating that the virus had been circulating only within the region. Therefore, this study confirmed the existence of FeMV among domestic cats in Malaysia. The findings suggest further characterisation of the local isolates, including the whole genome sequencing and that studies at determining the direct consequences of FeMV infection in domestic cats are needed., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study determined the potential risk factors that may contribute to seropositivity among dogs and dog handlers from working dog and dog shelter institutions. Data was collected from dogs ( n = 266) and dog handlers ( n = 161) using a standardised guided questionnaire. Serum obtained from the dogs and dog handlers was tested using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). A logistic regression analysis was used to predict leptospiral seropositivity of dogs and dog handlers based on potential risk factors. A total of 22.2% of dogs and 21.7% of dog handlers were seropositive. The significant predictors for the dogs' seropositivity were presence of rats (OR = 4.61 (95% CI: 1.05, 20.33), p = 0.043) and shared common area (OR = 5.12 (95% CI: 1.94, 13.46), p = 0.001) within the organisation. Significant predictor for dog handler seropositivity was contact time with the dogs of more than six hours/day (OR = 3.28 (95% CI: 1.28, 8.40), p = 0.013) after controlling for the effect of other risk factors such as small mammal contact, rat infestation at home, flooding at housing area (within three months) and urban locality. The exposure to various disease sources identified poses risk to dogs and dog handlers. Risk could be reduced with adequate application of protection at work while handling dogs and thus limiting contact with these sources and reducing exposure to infection.

Leptospirosis is one of the most widespread zoonotic diseases and despite extensive research, there is still a paucity of information regarding this disease in cats. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of leptospirosis among the shelter cat population in Malaysia and to determine the most common infective Leptospira serogroups among them. Blood samples were collected from a total of 110 cats from 4 different shelters. The sampled cats appeared healthy, with minimal evidence of feline upper respiratory disease. The Microscopic Agglutination Test was used to detect anti-Leptospira antibodies against 20 pathogenic serovars. Based on a cut-off antibody titer of ≥1:100, 20 of 110 sheltered cats, showed presence of anti-Leptospira antibodies against at least 1 serovar. The serodetection of leptospirosis was 18.18% (95% confidence interval 12.09-26.42). The most commonly detected serogroups were Bataviae, Javanica, and Ballum, with antibody titers ranging from 1:100 to 1:1600. Knowledge of the predominant infective serovars in hosts worldwide and regionally is imperative for understanding the epidemiology of this zoonotic disease. Serosurveillance is the first step in this process. Further studies are warranted for investigation of urinary shedding in naturally infected cats with leptospirosis, using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and organism isolation followed by serovars identification., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Working dogs are canine animals that have been trained to assist human beings in carrying out various tasks. They help in guarding property, performing rescues, assisting the visually impaired or physically handicapped, searching for drugs, explosives, and others. Leptospirosis is one of the most widespread zoonotic diseases in the world and a commonly occurring disease of the tropics and subtropics. In Malaysia, all working dogs are normally vaccinated with serovars, Pomona, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Canicola, and Grippotyphosa based on protocols recommended from other countries. The duration of immunity in vaccinated dogs for Leptospira can last up to 13 months; however, there is no full crossprotection between the different serovars. Five representative canine units from different government agencies in Malaysia (n = 96 dogs) were recruited in this study. For detection, the microscopic agglutination test was performed by incubating the serum from dogs with various serovars of leptospires, namely, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Canicola, Pomona, Grippotyphosa, Australis, Bataviae, Javanica, Tarassovi, Hebdomadis, Lai, and Pyrogenes. The plasma obtained was used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, for the detection of 16S rRNA, and lipL 32 genes of Leptospira. Out of the 96 dogs sampled, only 3 dogs were positive toward serovars, Australis, Bataviae, and Javanica, based on the cutoff point at 1:80. The seroprevalence of canine leptospirosis in this population was 3.1% (n = 3/96). However, all 96 blood samples of working dogs tested negative for both pathogenic and nonpathogenic Leptospira genes. The results revealed that, by vaccination alone, working dogs were not fully protected against leptospirosis and could pose a risk to dog handlers. A preventative and control protocol for leptospirosis is warranted, and its implementation should be monitored and improved accordingly from time to time, in order to maintain a healthy condition in both working dogs and their handlers., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Leptospirosis is under-reported and remarkably neglected in Malaysia, especially in companion animals. In recent years, dogs have become popular pets and potentially act as one of the risk factors for human leptospiral infection. The purpose of this study was to determine the serological and molecular status of leptospirosis in healthy and dogs with kidney disease in Klang Valley, Malaysia and to gain insight of the possible serovars involved in the dog population in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Blood samples were obtained from 57 dogs (19 kidney disease patient; 38 healthy dogs, respectively). Serum samples obtained from these animals were screened for leptospiral antibodies by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was performed on plasma samples to detect leptospiral DNA. By MAT, three out of 19 (15.8%) dogs with kidney disease were positive for L. canicola. One out of 38 (2.6%) healthy dogs was positive for L. icterohemorrhagiae. The overall seroprevalence for leptospirosis in dogs in Klang Valley, Malaysia was 7.0% (n=4/57). Only one out of the 19 dogs (5.3%) with kidney disease was tested positive to pathogenic Leptospira by PCR assay. All the 38 healthy dogs were negative. Positive results in healthy dogs and dogs with kidney disease for leptospirosis warrant further investigation of leptospirosis in dog population in Malaysia. The prevalence and incidence of this disease in the dog population in this country need further investigation.

A study on seroprevalence and molecular detection of canine leptospirosis was carried out in a dog population (randomly selected n=80 dogs) from an animal shelter X. All the dogs in Shelter X appeared clinically healthy. Eighty blood samples were obtained and their serum were serologically examined using Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) against 10 Leptospira serovars. Plasma samples obtained were subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay. Three out of 80 dogs (3.8%) tested positive for L. bataviae based on MAT at a titer of 1:80. The seroprevalence of 9 other Leptospira serovars was not evident in this study. All the dogs tested negative against leptospirosis with PCR assay. In conclusion, canine leptospirosis was detected in dogs in this animal shelter. L. bataviae was identified as the infecting serovar. To our knowledge, this is the second report of serovar Bataviae infection in dogs in Malaysia. The 3 dogs in our study could possibly be a source of leptospiral infection to other dogs and may shed the bacteria into the environment. This serovar is not available in canine vaccination programs, therefore the dogs are not protected from this disease. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether the infected dogs are carriers of this serovar.

Purpose: Inflammation may contribute to the pathogenesis of specific cardiovascular diseases, but it is uncertain if mediators released during the inflammatory process will affect the continued efficacy of drugs used to treat clinical signs of the cardiac disease. We investigated the role of the complement 5a receptor 1 (C5aR1/CD88) in the cardiac response to inflammation or atenolol, and the effect of C5aR1 deletion in control of baseline heart rate in an anesthetized mouse model., Methods: An initial study showed that PMX53, an antagonist of C5aR1 in normal C57BL6/J (wild type, WT) mice reduced heart rate (HR) and appeared to have a protective effect on the heart following induced sepsis. C5aR1 knockout (CD88-/-) mice had a lower HR than wild type mice, even during sham surgery. A model to assess heart rate variability (HRV) in anesthetized mice was developed to assess the effects of inhibiting the β1-adrenoreceptor (β1-AR) in a randomized crossover study design., Results: HR and LF Norm were constitutively lower and SDNN and HF Norm constitutively higher in the CD88-/- compared with WT mice (P< 0.001 for all outcomes). Administration of atenolol (2.5 mg/kg) reduced the HR and increased HRV (P< 0.05, respectively) in the wild type but not in the CD88-/- mice. There was no shift of the sympathovagal balance post-atenolol in either strains of mice (P> 0.05), except for the reduced LF/HF (Lower frequency/High frequency) ratio (P< 0.05) at 60 min post-atenolol, suggesting increased parasympathetic tone of the heart due to the effect of atenolol administration. The HR of the WT mice were lower post atenolol compared to the CD88-/- mice (P = 0.001) but the HRV of CD88-/- mice were significantly increased (P< 0.05), compared with WT mice., Conclusion: Knockout of the C5aR1 attenuated the effect of β1-AR in the heart, suggesting an association between the β1-AR and C5aR1, although further investigation is required to determine if this is a direct or causal association.

The histological features of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have been well documented, but there are no reports describing the histological features in mild pre-clinical disease, since cats are rarely screened for the disease in the early stages before clinical signs are apparent. Histological changes at the early stage of the disease in pre-clinical cats could contribute to an improved understanding of disease aetiology or progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histological features of HCM in the left ventricular (LV) myocardium of cats diagnosed with pre-clinical HCM. Clinically healthy cats with normal (n = 11) and pre-clinical HCM (n = 6) were identified on the basis of echocardiography; LV free wall dimensions (LVFWd) and/or interventricular septal wall (IVSd) dimensions during diastole of 6-7 mm were defined as HCM, while equivalent dimensions <5.5 mm were defined as normal. LV myocardial sections were assessed and collagen content and inflammatory cell infiltrates were quantified objectively. Multifocal areas of inflammatory cell infiltration, predominantly lymphocytes, were observed frequently in the left myocardium of cats with pre-clinical HCM. Tissue from cats with pre-clinical HCM also had a higher number of neutrophils and a greater collagen content than the myocardium of normal cats. The myocardium variably demonstrated other features characteristic of HCM, including arteriolar mural hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis and, to a lesser extent, myocardial fibre disarray and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. These results suggest that an inflammatory process could contribute to increased collagen content and the myocardial fibrosis known to be associated with HCM., (Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Analysis of heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) are powerful tools to investigate cardiac diseases, but current methods, including 24-h Holter monitoring, can be cumbersome and may be compromised by movement artefact. A commercially available data capture and analysis system was used in anaesthetised healthy cats to measure HR and HRV during pharmacological manipulation of HR. Seven healthy cats were subjected to a randomised crossover study design with a 7 day washout period between two treatment groups, placebo and atenolol (1mg/kg, IV), with the efficacy of atenolol to inhibit β1 adrenoreceptors challenged by epinephrine. Statistical significance for the epinephrine challenge was set at P<0.0027 (Holm-Bonferroni correction), whereas a level of significance of P<0.05 was set for other variables. Analysis of the continuous electrocardiography (ECG) recordings showed that epinephrine challenge increased HR in the placebo group (P=0.0003) but not in the atenolol group. The change in HR was greater in the placebo group than in the atenolol group (P=0.0004). Therefore, compared to cats pre-treated with placebo, pre-treatment with atenolol significantly antagonised the tachycardia while not significantly affecting HRV. The increased HR in the placebo group following epinephrine challenge was consistent with a shift of the sympathovagal balance towards a predominantly sympathetic tone. However, the small (but not significant at the critical value) decrease in the normalised high-frequency component (HFnorm) in both groups of cats suggested that epinephrine induced a parasympathetic withdrawal in addition to sympathetic enhancement (increased normalised low frequency component or LFnorm). In conclusion, this model is a highly sensitive and repeatable model to investigate HRV in anaesthetised cats that would be useful in the laboratory setting for short-term investigation of cardiovascular disease and subtle responses to pharmacological agents in this species., (Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study compared the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of an extemporaneously prepared (compounded) atenolol paste and suspension for oral administration, against the commercially available divided tablet in healthy cats. Eleven healthy cats (mean: age 4 ± 0.4 year, weight 5.0 ± 0.7 kg) were dosed twice-daily with 12.5 mg atenolol (tablet, paste or suspension) for 7 days in a randomized cross-over design with a 7-day wash-out period. On day 7, an electrocardiogram was performed before and immediately after stress provocation (jugular venipuncture) at prestudy screening, and at 2, 6 and 12 h after morning dosing. Systolic arterial blood pressure (BP) was assessed following the second electrocardiogram. Plasma was collected at prestudy screening, and at 1, 2, 6 and 12 h to measure atenolol plasma concentrations. Mean atenolol dose was 2.5 mg/kg (range: 2.1-3.3 mg/kg). Stress-induced rise in heart rate was attenuated (P < 0.05) at every time point compared to baseline for all formulations. Although the paste significantly attenuated stress-induced elevation in heart rate at all time points, the effect was not consistently equivalent to the tablet. The BP was not altered (P > 0.05) at any time point by any formulation. In conclusion, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in any of the pharmacokinetic parameters or pharmacodynamic profiles of the paste and suspension compared to the commercially available tablet., (© 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

This study was designed to evaluate the cats' acceptance and compliance of the owners and cats towards an extemporaneously prepared palatable compounded atenolol (paste and suspension) formulation in comparison to the commercially obtained tablet, in a randomised, cross-over study design.The three formulations were prescribed twice daily for 6 days to 13 healthy privately-owned cats of 13 different owners, with varying levels of experience in medicating cats. Daily compliance was evaluated via an owner-completed diary, completed after each dose administered. Owner's experience and preference of the formulation was evaluated via questionnaires given prior to, at the end of each treatment protocol, and upon completion of the study. Although compounded suspension was association with fewest missed doses, the majority of cat owners expressed a preference for the divided tablet. Atenolol tablets, compounded paste and suspension acceptance and compliance were comparable. Further work is now required to assess the amount and stability of the active ingredient and the robustness of the paste and suspension formulations prior to any bioavailability comparisons between the formulations.

A prototype X-ray colour imaging system has been assembled using the principle of tomographic energy-dispersive diffraction imaging (TEDDI). The new system has been tested using samples of nylon-6, aluminium powder and deer antler bone. Non-destructive three-dimensional images of the test objects have been reconstructed on a 300 microm scale with an associated diffraction pattern at each voxel. In addition, the lattice parameters of the polycrystalline material present in the sampled voxels have been determined using full pattern refinement methods. The use of multiple diffracted parallel colour X-ray beams has allowed simultaneous spatially resolved data collection across a plane of the sample. This has simplified the sample scan motion and has improved data collection times by a factor scaling with the number of detector pixels. The TEDDI method is currently limited to thin samples (approx. 1-2mm) with light atoms owing to the very low detection efficiency of the silicon detector at X-ray energies above 25 keV. We describe how these difficulties can be removed by using semiconductor detectors made from heavier atomic material.